April 8, 2024
What part of the book journey gets you most excited?
There are lots of pieces involved in the writing of a book. It starts with an idea sparking in your brain. There’s the moment when you put on paper the first sentence, the first paragraph, of the new story. When you complete the first chapter, sit back, and realize that you have something worth pursuing is another milestone. (Does anyone else do that?)
Countless moments occur as you solve the question of ‘What’s next?’ or maybe, ‘Why?’ and you find the key to the fabric of the story. Of course, there’s a thrill when you finally type ‘The End.’ It’s a different rush when you first hold a physical copy of your book in your hands.
Which of these gets me most excited?
All affect me in different ways. It’s a rush to meet new characters or become reacquainted with old friends. Satisfaction comes with seeing the story build and pull together. With the first draft finished comes the self-congratulations. Then there’s the thrill when the stats show that someone has purchased your book.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
I could take the easy way out and say they all excite me.
It would be the truth. It would also cheat you, the reader. So, here’s what excites me the most.
If you follow this blog, you know I am a pantser – I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t plot my books out ahead of time. I may have a beginning and an end in mind, but the middle need to be figured out. When my characters start arguing with me, telling me what I’m doing right or wrong and where I need to go next, I take it as a sign, an indicator that they trust me with their stories. That excites and encourages me.
The runner-up is writing ‘The End.’ It’s not really the end of the process for me, as there’s still the many layers of editing that need done, but it’s the pride of having finished the most important stage. Once the first draft is complete, the rest is a matter of stick-to-it-ivness.
Let’s see what other authors share their take on the topic this week by following the links below. (Most will post on Monday, but additions are welcome all week.)
As always, until next time, please stay safe.
(P.S. for my long-time readers. I’ve been lacking in the stick-to-it-ivness department and haven’t touched the edits for The Edwards Investigations for several months. That’s about to change. It’s past time to get back to work on it.)
April 8, 2024
What part of the book journey gets you most excited?
Then there’s the moment when you get two different sets of characters arguing over who will tell you THEIR story next, and they both sound fascinating.
oh yeah, I’ve dealt with that before!