Sitting up writing at half past midnight.  I struggle to keep my eyes open, for I am tired.  Despite my better judgment, I resist the urge to sleep.  My novel is nearing 100,000 words and I fear it may hit 120,000 or more before I finish writing the climax and ending.

They say a good publishable manuscript is upwards of 90,000 to 150,000 words. Their reason being that it is far easier to trim and edit, than to add to a finished manuscript.  

Two questions:  Who are “they”?  And, why do I keep using Word Count when it only makes me crazy? 

I’m feeling the pressure to wrap it up.  I long to get to the end, to be able to write those two elusive words–The End.  And yet, I don’t want to rush it.  My story has become somewhat organic, meandering here or there, lingering on a back story now and then; all detours that will surely add to the richness of the characters, lending insight to their motivation.  

Are you sensing a measure of my frustration and self-doubt?  If so, then you my friend, would be correct.  

This is hard work.  I will never again pick up a book and not take a moment to honor the immense investment of time and energy that the author put into its creation. Sometimes the story comes easily.  Other times, it must be pulled out of you like a splinter.  Whether easy or difficult, it involves a huge commitment of time.  Of that, my fellow aspiring writers, you can be sure.      

The challenge is in making time to write.  A full time job, with an hour commute each way and a family to care for, does not leave much time to click away at the old keyboard.  I find myself doubting that I can realistically write a novel on the fringes of my day.  

Take right now for instance.  I know that I should be sleeping, but can’t resist the urge to put to words the story that is swirling about in my head.  As I near the end of this novel, it is as though the characters have sprung to life.  I am stringing bits of flesh to bone, and they now demand that I tell their stories with honesty and integrity.  They linger near me, and at times, consume my every thought.  

I have heard it said that some writers feel as though they go deep within a well of creativity, seeking solitude when writing.  And they need to remind themselves to surface, if only every once in a while, to tend to the real business of life that is happening all around them.

Perhaps I am becoming such a writer.  I’m finding myself annoyed by other’s demands on my time or attention.  I must try to remind myself to give fair attention to the characters in my real life.  For those are the only ones that truly matter.  I love those crazy, colorful characters that are my family, coworkers and friends.

It is now 01:51 AM and I am shutting down the lap top and calling it a night. My character’s stories will again, need to wait; but write them, I will.  

As I climb into bed next to my sleeping husband, I close my eyes to rest and get ready for another day in real life, that is now just a mere four hours away. 

Goodnight all. 

         
Next post:  Talent vs. Discipline ….why one is worthless without the other