Skip to main content

The Wrap-up Paralysis

I’ve been trying to write the closing scene of my next novel for months. I’ve been talking about it in my writers’ group ad nausea, setting and breaking deadlines weekly and agonizing over it in my sleep. I’m a master procrastinator so I put it off by going back and doing the first edit and then the second edit for which I’m using AutoCrit for the first time. In my mind I was making progress! 


It wasn’t until today, while I was answering questions for an author interview that will post this weekend on a fellow indie author’s blog, that it finally hit me. One of the questions she asked was which character in my book was the most difficult to write about. As I described the antagonist in my current WIP as a ‘true narcissist’, I realized that I hadn’t developed him fully enough. I was even starting to deeply dislike him and was not sympathetic to him one little bit. I then knew I had to go back and build in a little more of his back story to try to explain why he was so deeply disturbed that he would do the things he did (can’t tell you what or it will spoil the story)!

So, back I go to make the revisions, finally write the last scene and type those glorious words ‘The End’! I’ve also given myself a little break and pushed my launch date to March 8, 2015 (which is the same month and day as the launch of my first novel and also International Women’s Day). I originally wanted it out by Christmas but I am in the process of planning the 2nd Annual Phuket Paradise Writers’ Retreat (for which there is only one spot left!), along with keeping an assortment of other projects moving along. Also, there's a lot of prep work that needs to be done before launching a novel. For the sake of my sanity, it only made sense. I think the new launch date also sets a tradition for me for future novels :)

I’m psyched and re-energised now so, Hi ho, hi ho!


Comments

wmervis said…
I am looking forward to the nest novel
Dana said…
Can't wait for the next novel! Carry on bravely!
Unknown said…
Sorry for the re-write but maybe it will help you finish the novel.
Thanks Wendy and Dana! I'm working on it.

Kathryn, thankfully, it's not a complete re-write. I just need to add a little more 'meat' to his backstory.

:)
Mari Barnes said…
Glad that you have found a solution. and thanks for mentioning AutoCrit. I'll be checking that out very soon. Good writing!

Mari
Thanks Mari! AutoCrit is a great tool but it can't totally replace a human editor. If you give it a try don't get too caught up in it. Accept the suggestions that make sense and ignore those that don't :)
Happy Writing!

Popular posts from this blog

The Last Witch on Skye goes on tour!

 I'm very exicted to give you a preview of the next title coming out from OC Publishing. The Last Witch on Skye , written by Carolyn J. Nicholson and illustrated by E.M. Gales (edited by Marianne Ward and book design by David W. Edeldstein) will launch on September 17th. Our virtual book tour has begun and we are thrilled to have the folks listed below on board to help build excitement for the launch. A bit about the book... The Ban the Witches and Fairies (BW&F) Party has chased all the supernatural beings out of the Isle of Skye. Only Magaidh, a young witch, remains, hiding in a castle disguised as a cat. But, she and the Queen of the Fairies have a plan to rescue the Fairy Flag, allowing the fairies and Magaidh to return to Skye. As Magaidh resumes her business, Spells Inc. she thinks about getting revenge but the Fairy Queen suggests peace would be a better plan. Throughout the book, Magaidh and her two fairy friends, Sean and Iain, go on many adventures together, including...

Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Francene Gillis is on Tour!

As we celebrate the launch on June 22 of  Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Nova Scotia-based author, Francene Gillis, we're reaching out to reviewers, bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and avid readers who would like to receive a review copy. Our tour schedule is starting to take shape so wanted to share with you those who have already joined the virtual book tour. Make sure you visit and follow these folks and show the love for those who support authors in their mission to spread the word! As reviews, author interviews and spotlights run, we will be updating the links so come back often :) If you have a favourite book blogger/reviewer, podcaster, BookToker, or Tuber that you think would be interested, add them in the comments below. The Where Did i Go?   T our Line-up: Francene Gillis Sarah Butland's Imagination Captured Author Takeover - Kicked off the tour on May 14 Tea with Francene Gillis on  Toons & Wooden Spoons  with Mary Janet MacDonald - June 8 Lisa Has...

The Tudor Prophecy on Virtual Tour

  We're excited to announce the line up of reviews, bloggers and interviewers for the virtual book tour for The Tudor Prophecy by Julie Strong  that released on January 25th. The tour continues in full force. Please visit the sites and leave comments and follow these reviewers, podcasters and bloggers :)  Here's the line-up so far. As reviews, Q&As and interviews air and post, we will update the links. Atlantic Book Reviews (Lana Shupe) - book review - November 26th - pre-tour review! The Corner Bookstore  - USA Global TV & Radio - author interview - January 9 History Bards and Downunder Reviews  - author interview - January 16 What Cathy Read Next (Cathy Johnson) - launch announcement and excerpt -January 17 Dalhousie Alumni Newsletter - January 20 - launch announcement The Author Journey (Anne O'Connell) - author interview - January 21 Dianne Ascroft  - author Q&A - January 24 The IndieView - author Q&A - January 25 Dartmouth Book Exch...