After a not entirely planned almost two week break from editing the novel, things seem to be well and truly back on track.
When I started this part of the process, I set myself the arbitrary deadline of the end of October. I needed something to work towards, and two months seemed a reasonable amount of time. There were moments when it seemed like there was no way I’d make it, when the self-doubt demons stuck their oars in and totally messed with my chi, but then my pace picked up and anything seemed possible once again.
I was actually well ahead of the game when I had to down tools two weeks ago – two chapters away from applying all my scribbled changes to the digital draft, with a pretty clear idea of a final wave of additions I wanted to make before the manuscript would be ready for the next phase.
Then on the train home from London on Sunday night the doubt set in again. I was thinking about what to write for this post actually, and realised I had nothing more to add after my nebulous attempts at justifying my week away. I toyed with the idea of giving myself an extension on my deadline, then spending time writing a post explaining why I just didn’t have time to get the novel finished this week. But the irony of that wasn’t lost on me and in the end I decided just to knuckle down and get on with it.
I finished going over those last two chapters yesterday. They’re pretty damned creepy you know, even if I do say so myself. And today I’ve been creeping myself out some more by working on the flashes of insight into my antagonist’s twisted mind.
That’s flowing pretty easily, worryingly enough. I just hope he doesn’t sneak into my dreams like he did last time I tried it. That’s a case of life imitating art I could well do without.
Anyway, I digress. If everything keeps going to plan I think I should have a passable second draft ready by close of play on Friday. And on that note, I’d better get back to it!
Sophie is... 
Well done you! My Halloween deadline has fallen by the wayside unfortunately but I’m really pleased you’re on track lovely! Your storyline and characters sound fascinating and I’m so excited about learning more xxx #whatimwriting
Congratulations! This is exciting news. Glad you had a good time away and a well earned break. It’s probably what’s making it flow that much more easily for you now.
What’s your process after the second draft?
Wow that’s great – good luck with getting the second draft done x
Woo hoo! Fantastic news! The little snippet you posted has totally whet my appetite for your book… when do you think it will be out? I like a bit of creepy (in the fictional world that is – hate it in the real one!) Well done for meeting your deadline even when life took an unexpected turn and thanks for still managing to write a post for #WhatImWriting. xxx
Hooray! Fingers crossed you’ll get it done by Friday. Editing can be hard work can’t it? It’s fun though because the ideas are already on the page, they just need find tuning (a lot of fine tuning in my case!).
Well done! It’s always nice when you push yourself and it works out. I totally understand you having nightmares after delving into your twisted antagonist. I did that last week and was very surprised that the writing just happened! It’s quite scary when you realise what is in your own head! Good luck with it. xx
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