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The Dreaded Ending







Hello Everyone,
Hard to believe its time for another ISWG post.  The days have flown by and I really  don't feel like I  have much to show for  them.  I hoped to have the third draft of my novel completed by the first of May, but alas, this is not the case. Sigh.  I am at a place where all the pieces of my plot converge and  show the big picture. The chapter that captures this took me a month to write, but now that it's done, it was well worth the effort.With one of the most difficult parts of the novel completed, I can concentrate on finishing the final four chapters.

Completing the draft will be a major achievement, but I cannot bring myself to get too excited about it.  There is still so much left to done.  First, I'll have to ensure my story is organized in a manner where the plot flows well.  Since I've already identified places throughout the book that need to be rearranged, there is no doubt I will have to devote a substantial amount of time to this.  Then, I'll have kill my darlings,cut major pieces of exposition and conduct the final check for grammar, syntax, etc.  Three of my friends have volunteered to beta read.  Once their feedback is received, I'll have to look for parallels in the critiques, and will then complete the final edit.  And let's not forget the most important part---the dreaded query letter, which I haven't even began to tackle. Argh!  It's all so overwhelming.

Although I 'm anxious to finish this project, I'm also dreading what happens at the end of my journey. I will finally find out if my work is good enough to make the cut in the publishing world. I keep picturing myself staring at hundreds of rejections and regretting the time I dedicated to my book.  I know this is negative thinking and the outcome is beyond my control, but it's still pretty darned scary.  Has anyone else out there experienced these insecurities or am I the lone ranger? If so, how did you deal with them?  Any and all advice is appreciated.  Until next time my friends, happy writing.       

Comments

  1. kjmckendryMay 1, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    You're definitely not alone in your worries! Remember you are learning to be a better writer with every step you take, so even if you don't have luck the first hundred times keep at. :)

    Good luck!

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    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 1, 2013 at 11:48 AM

      Easier said than done. But first, I have to finish my book, LOL. Then onto the editing... Guess time will tell. There's only two words I want on my grave "I tried." Think that says it all.(;

      Thanks for stopping in to comment on my blog.

      Delete
  2. Linda KingMay 1, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    I often find myself thinking the same thing - will this all turn out to be a waste of time? However, it's NOT a waste of time because even if the first novel isn't quite up to scratch, we've been honing our skill in the writing of it. Best of luck with it!

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    1. UnknownMay 3, 2013 at 8:34 AM

      Sage advice, Linda. Also, I'll need all the luck I can get. Thanks for stopping in to comment on my blog.

      Delete
  3. cleemckenzieMay 1, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    Oh yes. Finishing any project brings a lot of anxiety down on my head. Will is be good enough? Will anyone want to read it? And then, there's the "Now what will I do next?" Oye! Such a big question.

    Thanks for stopping in at The Write Game to say hello today. I love new visitors. Please come back.

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    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 3, 2013 at 8:36 AM

      My sentiments exactly, C.Lee McKenzie. Seriously, it's as if you were reading my mind. Guess I'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for stopping in to comment on my blog.

      Delete
  4. Jessica SalyerMay 1, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    You should get excited about each step...it's one step closer to your goal. We all have these insecurities. Why do you think Alex started this group. :)

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    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 3, 2013 at 8:37 AM

      So true, Jessica. Alex is a genius...
      Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  5. S. L. HennessyMay 1, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    The end of the journey is just as hard as the beginning and middle I think. Hang in there.

    Thanks for dropping by my blog. Following you back :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Michael Offutt, Phantom ReaderMay 1, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    I'm sure it's good enough to make it in the publishing world. Relax, breathe, and smell the success you are about to enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 3, 2013 at 8:39 AM

      Thanks for the kind words, Michael. If only your optimism was sold in a bottle. I'd be a buyer for life. I've heard that positive thinking makes a huge difference in the outcome. If only I could kick the negative minions out of my head(: As always, your comments are appreciated. Thanks for stopping in to comment on my blog.

      Delete
  7. Annalisa CrawfordMay 2, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Never regret anything you've written! I would still write even if I never even tried to get the MS published. You know when you've got a good story, just like you know when bits aren't working and you need to restructure. Have faith. (I commented on a post yesterday where the author had succeeded on her 150 query! Moral: never give up, because next time might be THE time.)

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    1. UnknownMay 3, 2013 at 8:42 AM

      Wow! your words are definitely uplifting. I only gave myself one hundred rejections, After I begin the query process. However, after reading about your friend's experience, maybe I'll give it two-hundred.(: Thanks for stopping by to comment on my post. Your words definitely made me think.

      Delete
  8. Gina GaoMay 2, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    Don't worry about what might happen. Things will always work out in the end.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 3, 2013 at 8:46 AM

      You and my husband think alike, Gina. YOu're right, no use wasting time worrying about the things that are beyond our control. It's a coin toss, either it will be all right or it won't. Yet, despite this knowledge, I still find myself battling insecurities and worrying about the what if's in life. Guess I just need to work hard to change that behavior. I'll probably sleep a lot better if I do.(: Thankis for stopping in to comment on my blog.

      Delete
  9. PatsyMay 2, 2013 at 3:59 PM

    I know it won't be easy, but try not to worry about the next stage until you're done making your book as good as it can be. For now that's your real goal - selling it comes later.

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    1. UnknownMay 3, 2013 at 8:48 AM

      So true, Patsy. It should come in stages, but now that I'm FINALLY so close to the end, all of the what nexts are raining down on me. Guess I just need to take shelter and weather the storm. Thanks for the sage advice. You've given me lots of food for thought. Take care.

      Delete
  10. unikornaMay 7, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    I sent my story to almost 100 publishers, only about half answered and 30% rejected me, 10% said they'd be interested in a longer version of the story and only 3 offered a contract...but that happened along 10 months...so the waiting was horrible...All I can dare say is...patience. Lewis was rejected 400 time with Narnia.

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    1. UnknownMay 7, 2013 at 1:53 PM

      Unikorna, that is great. One contract offer is spectacular, but three.... YOu have a lot to be proud of. I'd be pleased with your average.(:

      I'm diligently working to finish. It's time to move onto the next book. You've given me something to aspire to. Thanks for stopping in to comment on my post.

      Delete
  11. unikornaMay 16, 2013 at 3:32 AM

    Hundreds of rejections is not so bad, the creator of Narnia had 800 rejections before he was finally published. Just keep believing in your work...

    ReplyDelete

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