the honeymoon phase of writing The End...

I wrote around 2,000 words yesterday (bit of a record for me over the writing of this novel), two of which were The End. Did some tinkering today and the ms ended up just over 45,000 words in total. I know it still needs a bit more editing but I think it is in near-final draft shape. I have just submitted it to the publisher and once I have had a breather (and done the company GST and filed it and completed my first university assignment and sent it in) I will go back over the ms and rub off the rough edges. It is hard to believe I have reached the end. On the weekend I felt like this about the novel so I'm proud I pulled myself together and got it done. Putting the cart before the horse (completing the story after the contract has been signed) has been a new experience for me and I have to say its a little tricky to drive with things coupled in this manner. More sweating is involved when you have been paid/signed up for something you have not yet written. I guess I find it easier the other way around but I would never say never to doing things this way again. Hopefully having been through the experience once I will be better prepared if there is a next time.

As is often the way at times like these (the honeymoon phase of writing The End) I'm momentarily feeling rather sanguine about everything to do with my writing career. I realise that a writing career is a very stressful thing. There is so little that can be controlled and we are at the mercy of so many variables, not all of which are just or reasonable. Success can be an elusive and sometimes mythical seeming beastie. Today however I can understand Nathan Bransford's post on fate and be weirdly happy along with all the commenters. I cannot say that I will ever love that this is how the writing world is, but it is my world and I am a card carrying member and today I can truly say I will happily accept it, warts and all.

Here for your delectation is a link on the reality of self promotion for authors. We may not like it but it too is just 'how our world works'.

Short and sweet....

Feeling unwell today so will be short and sweet and then I'm off to rest on the sofa with a hottie and some bad daytime tv. I finished editing my WIP, then went over it again and reached that magic point where I felt I never ever wanted to look at it again (don't worry, its a normal part of the process for me), so I e-mailed it to a publisher today. (yay, yay, yay) Have also spent some time today going over the publisher's edit of one of my short stories to be published later this year. I must say a short story edit is a joy - just the right length, no chance to get too confused and done in minutes. And there is an illustration to go with it. Sweet! Did a short talk yesterday (along with 3 other writers) to school principals, teachers and librarians and although I'd been having trouble deciding what i should say despite a fair amount of brain application, and stressing yesterday as I wrote my speech notes I felt happy with the final result. Its very reassuring when someone in the audience nods at a nod appropriate time, or nods and then hurriedly scribbles down some notes. I think in amongst it all I said some useful things as I 'exploded some fiction myths' and provided some 'tips for creative writing in the classroom'. I'm off to tend to my unwellness and await the homecoming of my faithful and diligent slaves (yes i do mock) also-known-as my children.

Glad I made sense...

Update - for the moment you can find my interview here if you scroll down.

Okay - so I've gotten over myself but I haven't sorted out the link yet for my interview last Saturday. Will stick it up as soon as I figure it out (shows what a good university education will do for ya).

I have slowly been processing the whole interview experience and so far wonder why Emily Perkins - on the radio before me last saturday - disapproves of Harry Potter. Also wonder why we really didn't talk so much about writery things but more about my wild and misspent youth (ha ha). I had anticipated more writery questions and was a bit surprised about the direction it all took. For those who tuned in I'm glad I still made sense though. My facial expressions would have been fun to watch.

(One of the questions was, Where do we draw the line on how scary a story can be? I've had a go at adding to my interview answer here.)

Now awhile back I mentioned secrets. None were big ones, just lots of small but potentially cute chicks incubating. Out of eleven little robust eggs, sadly four chicks didn't make it out of the shell (there were tears) but one burst forth yesterday looking very fat, fluffy and pleased with itself. Still keeping 6 remaining eggs suitably warm and waiting to see what hatches. Will tell more as soon as I am able.

In other news I have just finished the first draft of a new picture book. Yowza - happy with that. And just came across this excellent write up on advice for writers on how to act in public. I like that there is just one simple rule - be nice. I even think I can manage it. Thanks to Moonrat hanging out at Editorial Ass.