On a humid summer evening in August of last year, I sat down and wrote the prologue of my novel. I didn't know it was the prologue until I'd finished it, because I hadn't considered writing a book until only a few weeks before this particular evening. I put a song on repeat and wrote until the images in my head were perfectly recorded, then sat back and read those nine pages over and over.I can do this, I thought. I can write a book. I know it.
Now, ten months to the day, 428 pages, and 124,000 words later, my first novel is complete.
It's the best thing I've ever written in my life. Even if it never sells, I'll still love it forever and be so proud of my work. I've learned so much with this experience, and I just can't wait to keep on going down the path of my career as a writer. This has been the most exhilarating work I've ever done.
I'm so filled with gratitude that it's leaking out of my eyes a little. I just can't help it.
Thanks, Universe.
And now... I think it's party time, friends. Care to join me?
30 comments:
Congratulations on finishing your manuscript. Loving it yourself is the most important thing.
However, I still wish you luck in the query wars!
I will completely join you. A toast to you and your first born! Yes, your first novel is like your first-born child. I still cherish mine even though I know now it is far from the best thing I've ever written. And I hope that brings you comfort...the idea that although you love this baby with all your heart, you will actually do even better some day ;-) Best of luck "raising" this one!
Yes, I'm having sleep troubles which is why I'm writing you at this hour :-(
Congratulations!!!!
Time to pop that champagne.
We'll talk of the rest of the adventure later.
Congratulations B.! I am mentally toasting your achievement! Good luck with revisions, querying and the rest of the road. I have no doubt you'll go far.
- Sophia.
Make mine a double.
Congratulations to YOU!!!! That is such a great feeling, even if it does leak out of your eyes a little bit. You deserve a break and please take one before you jump right in to revisions and edits. Unless of course you've written the perfect novel that needs nothing. LOL
Congrats again. That's such fantastic news.
That's Awsome! You must be just a-beaming!
Congratulations I know it will be successful.
Enjoy the moment.
Yvonne.
Congratulations, Miller! I started my celebration already, so join on in.
Woo-hoo! Time to do the happy dance.
Congratulations! It's such a great feeling isn't it? Go and celebrate!
Have a great weekend!
I normally read my sidebar in the order posts went up, but I couldn't help myself--I saw this and jumped way ahead.
GOOD FOR YOU! Congratulations! Well done!
*pops champagne cork and toasts*
You're a NOVELIST!
Congratulations of finishing. There's something so magical about finishing your first novel. You definitely deserve to celebrate.
Yay! Congrats!
I hope you did a "The End" dance
Now comes the hard part - revisions!
*dances around* woohoo!! Congrats!!!! I now it will sell.. and it's awesome that you love it!! I'm sure everyone will love it!
Woo hoo!! Yes, let's celebrate! It's an amazing accomplishment, yes celebration is called for!! I lift my diet Coke to your honor!
WAHOO!!! I'm opening a virtual bottle of champagne for you! Drink up and party! You did it, congrats!!!
Thank you so much, my wonderful blogoverse friends! I woke up to an inbox full of congratulations because of YOU GUYS!! My day is made. Hell, my CENTURY is made!! Thanks, guys!! I wish we could somehow meet up virtually and share a drink!! :D
WOOT! That is spectacular, B. I'm so happy for you. This weekend I will raise a glass to your accomplishment. Bask in this, my friend - many people talk about writing a book, few actually complete the job.
Cheers! Congrats, quite an undertaking! I guess we are all virtual drinking n' toasting you, now! ;-D
I am in awe...I write a few pages and wonder where this rambling will lead me... persistence pays off!
Congratulations. That is absolutely brilliant!!
Woohoo! Partay!!! It's one of the best feelings in the world, isn't it?? Congratulations!!!
Congratulations!
Happy Book Birthday! Must feel so great to accomplish something so big. Hold on to that good feeling!
This so absolutely cool! I wish I had the book here to start reading right now. Of course, maybe this is the start of the really hard part--getting the book into print. I hope it's a rapid process and we have something new to celebrate real soon.
Lee
Tossing It Out
WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATS!!!! :) *Cheers*
You'll always remember your first.
And...now you get to go through Revision Hell! ;)
Happy Weekend!
Love,
Lola
Woohoo! Congratulations! It's such an awesome feeling to finish a novel - great stuff! :)
I'm probably a little late in the congratulations but here goes. Congratulations!
124,000 words, Wow, you've been busy!
Con. Grat. U. Lations!
Well done, good lady. I hope you've been rewarding yourself for the past few days with chocolate, martinis, or chocolate martinis. (Or whatever else makes you happy.) :)
Good for you! That's such a cool milestone to reach.
Congratulations writing partner! I've never seen anyone more disciplined and more driven. And the talent is top notch in this awesome story wrought with many layers, twists and turns - frightening and poignant, a remarkable fast-paced tale!
That's awesome! Congratulations!
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