The Bones of a Story

Minutes ago, I wrote the last words of the second draft of my novel. Phew! Two months ago I didn't know what to do with that unruly, incoherent mess of pages that formed the first draft. Now all the material is there, and the story actually makes sense if you read it from front to back.

I have lots of polishing and rewriting to do, before this manuscript can see the light of day, but the skeleton is in place. For the first time ever, I don't feel like I have to rush to finish this book as quickly as possible. I want to take my time with the third draft, filling the gaps and smoothing the rough patches, layering on details and meaning. I'm going to take a few weeks off (time to catch up on blogging!) before I start in on the revisions.

I'm especially proud that I was able to keep up my writing even though I started full-time work on a contract at the beginning of August. I try to write for an hour or more before I go in to work, and for the most part I've been successful. Then on my days off I put in extra time. Having a job has helped me focus and use my time wisely, but I'm really grateful for the routines I've developed earlier on that have carried me through.

Ah. Time to bask in accomplishment with a lazy Labour Day weekend at the cottage.