It’s Friday! Yay!!
Yesterday afternoon I got revisions for CAGED MAGIC. I’m going to process them overnight then dive in. I’ve made progress, but the book still needs some work. This is the home stretch, that last mile to the finish line. I think most writers are fatigued at this point, but it’s more important than ever to stay 100% focused on the finish line. Sometimes it’s too easy to just give up, or to start celebrating too soon and not do that final push needed to take the book all the way across the finish line.
Like this guy — the runner that started celebrating too soon.
That had to suck for him. I don’t want to be that guy. Of course, I’m pretty much the opposite, never sure I’m going to make it until I’m actually on the other side. This is the point where I have to shake off any doubts or worried and believe in myself and the book. Because that’s what gives us that last burst of energy to get us across the finish line.
I had a wonderful reminder of why this is the point where believing can pay off. We just did the final proofread on EXPOSING THE HEIRESS (slated for August 4th release), and the proofreader contacted me to tell me she loved it. Man, that is so nice to hear at this stage when I can’t really change anything significant. But here’s the key point: I love that book NOW, but like all my books, there was a point where I loathed it. When I was sure it wasn’t working, that it was boring, that…well you get the idea.
All that kept me going was that I chose to believe in myself and story, and kept going until I hit that finish line. So when I read the proofreader’s lovely comments, all I could think was — what if I’d given up? Quit? Or lost focus (like that poor guy in the video above who celebrated his win prematurely)?
That’s my unsolicited writing and life advice for the day. Believe in yourself and what you’re doing, and hit that finish line!
May 22nd, 2015 at 6:56 am · Link
Oh man, that dude had to hate himself afterwards. I’ve seen that kind of thing in football – the guy runs down the field and he’s almost to the endzone when he starts celebrating, and the defender smacks the ball out of his hands before he makes the touchdown. Premature celebration. Yeah, I’m like you – don’t celebrate until I actually make it, and even then.
I’m so happy your proofreader loved ETH and that you stuck with it. Heck, I’m happy you stuck with all your books. They totally rock.
It is so much easier to give up – especially when you have no idea where the finish line is and you feel like all you’re doing is running. And there’s this little voice telling you to stop and rest. But you can’t. So you keeping running.
Whoa. Deep. I need more coffee.
May 22nd, 2015 at 7:58 am · Link
I remember that footage from when it happened and went viral. Man…just goes to show. Hrm…I remember a certain author I know and love (in a completely platonic/fangirl way!
) said the same things about a book titled HER TEMPORARY HERO. Fast forward a year. Let’s see…That book is a finalist in the RITA (the Oscar of the Romance Writing World), and in the NRCA (National Readers Choice Awards).
Needless to say, I’m not surprised you love ETH now. And you’ll feel the same away about CM once the hard part is over. You got this, babe!
Have a great weekend, witches. I’m looking at plans for an ark.
May 22nd, 2015 at 2:58 pm · Link
B.e. I know on that guy! Adrenaline and excitement got the best of him, I guess.
Hope you have a great weekend!
May 22nd, 2015 at 3:01 pm · Link
Silver, I remember it too. I felt bad for the guy.
Aw thanks on HTH. And yeah, I thought that book was boring too. But you know, I’ve read like 20 or 200 times at that point so I can’t judge.
Hope you get a lot done this weekend and a little time to enjoy!
May 22nd, 2015 at 3:05 pm · Link
I remember when that happened a few weeks ago and I had mixed feelings for the guy. He got cocky. But the guy who won was gracious.
And like you said, never give up until you’ve finished. We’re all glad that you have dedication and perseverance. I’m glad you love ETH now and I am so happy that your proof reader loved it too. You must be thrilled – oh another reason to celebrate ;).
I hope you have a nice Memorial Day Weekend :).