I think it’s this way with most authors—by the end of a project you are weary of it. The story. The characters. It feels as if it is the most horrible thing you have ever written, but there it is. Done. Finally. This is especially true, I think, if the story has been more difficult to wrangle than usual. And so during those very final days and hours, it’s hard not to want to shove aside the not-quite-done story in favor of next project with its enticing possibilities.
That’s where I am at the moment—coming to the end of a story that has (I feel like) taken much longer to finish than it ought, that has wrung me out emotional and mentally with extensive revisions, left me wanting to quit at the finish line in favor of the story currently tickling the edges of my imagination. I want to jump into the new without coming to a full and satisfying finish with the old.
A bit of background: While some of my stories have impacted and shifted various aspects of my faith, my real growth has come in the actual writing of the stories, through the process instead of what I’ve written. It’s been that way my entire writing journey.
So as I was giving myself yet another pep talk last weekend to “get ‘er done” before letting the new story take up full residence in my mind and heart (I’ve tried to allow two projects in at once and it just does not work for me!), it occurred to me that in my personal life I’m also at that ending/beginning point of two stories. However in that case, I find myself clinging to the old, dragging my feet about settling into the new story God is writing for us.
Just as in writing, I need to finish our old story well and to charge with great anticipation into the new. Embrace excitement over the known, the semi-known, and even the unknown of the pages yet to be turned. And to do so
with joy, knowing that even if this new story takes unexpected turns, there is an Author in complete control. An Author who writes ultimately happy endings every single time, because every story ends in Him.
This week, my novella will finally go to my editor for the final edit. After a little bit of catching up on other things, I will then turn my full attention to the story that’s been sparkling just on the horizon, beckoning me into its light. As I do, I will pray for the courage to jump into the new story God is writing with our lives with the exact same enthusiasm.k
So tell me which you enjoy most–closing the book on a satisfying ending or opening a book to a world of possibilities?
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Thank you for your post.
How I understand your feelings. Ultimately – there is always something, what is ending and something, what is begining. I must still fight against my fear of future… And – yes, there is only one true certainty – God.
Agreed! We are always at an end and a beginning! So glad the Lord will never leave or forsake us in either! 🙂
Anne, I am so happy that you are writing for publication again. I love reading your books. Are you indie publishing or traditionally publishing? Are you allowed to tell us anything about these projects?
Thanks, Sylvia! I’m doing my second indie novella. No title yet, but getting close. It’s set in 1835 and revolves around a couple whose families are on opposites sides of the “war” between Michigan and Ohio over The Toledo Strip. I published my first novella last year. It’s called No Small Storm. 🙂
I enjoy both the opening and closing of a book.
I compare it to going on a trip.
Getting ready for the trip (buying the book)
Enjoying the trip (reading the book)
Coming Home (to pick up another book and do it again)
Love it!
As a reader, I most enjoy closing a satisfying book (but partly because that means I get to choose a new one to start!) As a writer, I really struggle with the first draft. I love rewriting and polishing and putting on the finishing touches.
So good to have you blogging for Inspired by Life…and Fiction, Anne!
Thank you, Deb! One of the reasons I love being here is getting to say connected with you! 🙂