Life has its calm seasons and busy seasons, times when I can work at my leisure and actually enjoy what I do, and times when I’m forced to labor long into the night, fretting and worrying and racing to finish on time. Right now I’m in one of those crunch times. That’s because I’m within a few pages of finishing my newest novel and typing “The End.”
By now I know my characters and my plot very well. I know what my imaginary people were like in the beginning of the story and where I hoped they would end up. I’ve never piloted a jetliner but that’s what it feels like I’m doing in these final stages. I’ve been soaring high with great flights of imagination but now it’s time to land. I need to make sure all the plots and sub-plots are lined up correctly so I can touch down on solid ground and bring this enormous undertaking to a halt. If you’ve ever flown, I’m sure you remember how it feels to reach the airport terminal after a LONG journey, unbuckle your seatbelt, stand up straight, and give a sigh of relief that you’re finally home. That’s what it’s like when I type those wonderful words, “The End.”
If I can land this novel within the next few days, I will have about a month remaining before my deadline. I’ll use that time to do a final read-through and another edit, tying up any loose ends and searching for ways to make the story even better. I can ask important questions like: Did I accomplish what I set out to do? Are my readers going to be drawn into the story and stay interested? Are they going to feel satisfied when they get to the end? … And how many tissues are they going to need? (I absolutely LOVE to read a book that makes me cry, don’t you?)
But to me, the most important part of this newly-finished novel is its spiritual content. Yes, I want to entertain my readers, but if my story doesn’t also give them a new insight, or help them through their own life journey, or remind them how very much God loves them, then my work is incomplete. I’ll be praying about this aspect of my novel too, as I read through it.
Once I turn in this book to my editor, I’m going to reward myself with a trip to Florida. That’s the carrot at the end of the stick I’m currently using to flog myself to finish. I have a wonderful vacation planned with my husband and our dearest friends. It includes lots of fun and laughter and good eating and bicycling. I posted these pictures from a previous trip beside my computer to keep me motivated during these final weeks of work.
But I can’t pack my bathing suit and bike helmet just yet. First I have to get back to work and get this book finished!
So how do you celebrate when all your hard work is finished?
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I clean my office so I can find my desk again. 😉
LOL! Yes, my office does start to resemble a landfill when I’m this close to finishing.
Usually when my hard work is finished my husband and I may go out somewhere nice for dinner.
That’s a great idea, Shirley. I’ll need a good meal after weeks of not cooking a proper one.
Thanks for the glimpse into your writing life, Lynn. I’ve always enjoyed that your books remind me of truth AND tell a good story. Thanks for working hard to make that happen.
Lately, my current “reward” is a little eggnog in my coffee. My husband and I made a pact that we would only do it when we can enjoy our coffee together, ensuring it is a truly a treat. It feels like a true reward after a long day of working hard.
After a hard “crunch” season, my husband and I try to getaway for a weekend if we can. Last spring we went away to a cabin for a weekend, no phones, no computers; just us and some good books and our bikes! It was the best gift from Jesus to rest together after a hard work season. I’m excited that you already have your Florida trip planned!
Your egg-nogged coffee sounds yummy, Alison. And your weekend away with your husband does, too. I like the “no electronics” rule. Great idea!
Those crunch times are challenging, Lynn! I’ll say a prayer for you today that God’s strength and equipping will come upon you in power. ‘The End’ are two of my favorite words to type. 🙂
Thanks for your prayers, Becky. I love typing those 2 words, too.
Well, it would be really nice if I could plan something like that after having done something hard, but I can’t really. Being a student, I just stay in the city where I go to college and buy something I wouldn’t normally do, like an Innocent smoothie, a delicious piece of carrot cake (or whatever it is I feel like having then), maybe even Ben&Jerry’s ice cream. Or go to the movies or a concert with discount. Or I buy the book I’ve wanted for a while. Things like that, really.
I wish you a lot of patience, strength and fun finishing this part of the process. You can do it and Florida will hopefully be an awesome reward!
I’m glad you give yourself a reward, Henrike, even if it’s a small one. Someday when you finish school, you’ll deserve a big celebration.
If it’s a major project, I would like to celebrate by going out to dinner with my family and a nice little excursion. If it’s a small little triumph, an afternoon of chocolate, tea/coffee with a little movie or a good book will do it. =)
It’s fun to reward yourself in different ways, isn’t it?
By going out to diner and some shopping
Those are two of my favorite ways, too!
I read a book!
That’s a GREAT way to celebrate!
At the moment I’m in the last stage of writing my final project paper, so these are rather stressful weeks. However, when I have finished it, I will reward myself by reading the book that arrived just today: ‘Though waters roar’, written by one of my favourite authors 😉
A few years ago I read it in Dutch, but I’m really looking forward to reading it in English soon!
Thank you for all the hard work you put into it. I want you to know that I appreciate the way you weave the gospel into each of your books. I own every single one of your books and love them all. Keep it up!