Things are going well...

The novel is coming alone nicely.  I may even beat the June 30th deadline for the complete first draft.  I've been told to rest - Doctors orders - so whether on the lounger outside on the deck or on these grey, rainy May days, on the sofa inside, I rest with my little laptop on my knee...  I have accomplished more in the last  month and a half than ever before.  My renewed resolve is also a factor I suppose...  I've got to do this now.  This novel is the start of the second part of life.  Chapter Four?
There is probably only three more chapters to write then the novel is done.  The Journey has been difficult, disorienting and quite frustrating but, knowing I am almost there is exciting.  I am looking forward to the edit/rewrite stage.  Finishing is my forte after all.  
I've been reading a lot lately in my ample spare time, from a Contemporary Fantasy novel by Guy Kay - Ysabel, to an old western by Louis Lamour; wierd combinations I must say.  I needed a hit of the really good stuff and picked up Kafka by the Shore, by Haruki Murakami.  He is the bar; the level I am aiming at.  Is it too high?  Perhaps, but it is far better than aiming too low...

It's almost time for the birth...

After about eighteen months and 150,000 words, the book was stagnating, overdue, you could say.  It was getting quite frustrating to have all these scenes and chapters done, some well beyond the third draft, and still not be certain of their order.  Or of the direction of the book.  It was crisis time; felt like throwing the laptop out the window...

Ah, but then my girl came through for me as usual.  She knows my characters almost as well as me; she hears about them everyday.  Who better to ask?  So i began bouncing plot ideas off her and away she went.  After a three hour conversation about the plot and motivations of my characters, spanning dinner preperation, through tub time and concluding over scotch in our PJs, I had a complete plot plan written out - beginning to end.  The first time ever for this book!  I can not tell you what a relief that is.  Robert Muchamore once said that writing without a plan was mental and I do agree, but could never quite do it this this book.  Sometimes,I think I am too close to it. 

You can't write a book if you don't know where your characters will end up.  Period.  But the labor pains are passed, I feel.  It is time to birth this book.  As always, my girl saved the day with great plot ideas, twists and her usual unique take on relationships.  What would we do without the people who support us in this journey?