Today is the day I finished The Found Gift. At least this round of edits and rewrites. I thought I might be done at around 14K words, then more of the story came to me. It now sits at 20K. And, yes, I know a couple of sentences I still need to add. I have to tweak geography a little to make the story work. I sent it to a beta reader and will do 3 or 4 more rounds of edits when I get it back. For now, I’ll work on getting a cover and writing the description so I can add it to my March newsletter.
I’m grateful to have found joy once again in the creative process. The movie screen in my head is working. I’ve been journaling enough the past several months that my right hand and forearm are in good handwriting condition. I’m pleased that I was able to add to the story directly in the word document instead of going back to the spiral. I think this is because more than half the story was already done, so filling in parts was easier. I love handwriting, and the story flows so quickly that I don’t see a need to change my process.
I’ll take this weekend off. On Monday, I’ll review the short stories and flash fiction already written for MV Vol. 2, and line up what else I want to include in that title. Since my narrator is working on The Stalker, I want to write book 3 in that series. It will wrap up the crime ring. Literally. I have ideas for two novellas in that series. I’m not sure if there will be more. I also want to dedicate some time to finishing the third math workbook. I have templates to use, and about one-third of the book is done. Any books after this one will be a major undertaking I’m not sure I want to do, or should make it a priority, so it will be a good time to devote myself to just fiction and finishing the all the series I’ve started.
Am I really finished with The Found Gift? No. But completing this stage is worth a celebration. 90% of the work is done. I can allow my muse to rest, play a little to fill my creative well, and then move to the next project. Progress creates momentum, and I don’t want to waste it. It’s been a while since I’ve been satisfied (mostly) with how the writing work is going. I know life will interrupt the flow. But I’ll ride this wave for as long as I can. How do you feel when you complete a project? How do you celebrate your wins?
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