Another lesson in trusting...

Yesterday, I wrote THE END on the novel I have been co-writing for the past six months.

It was a huge lesson in trusting the process. We often hear those words.
About 45K words into the book, I doubted we could do it. I worried the plot line was not sufficient to carry the novel to where it needed to be for the particular genre--100K words, from what my agent suggested.

I had to do some serious self-talk to push past the doubt and fear. The words kept coming!

Now, we will proof and do a little revision. Then, who knows?

I am so proud to have been a part of writing the book. Plus, proud the universe thought me worthy of writing it!

I'm dancing. Can you tell?

Congratulations and good work!

Malcolm

Way to go Rhett - that's no small accomplishment and you're setting a great example (writers must write, no matter what!).

Just don't stop dancing. You made quite an accomplishment!

Congrats!

Rhett,
you are unique. Don't change.

I second and third that, Rhett,-Keep dancing! Best of luck with the book.

Good job, Rhett. Hope all goes well from here on out.

I trust you are going to celebrate now! Go for it!

Thank you, all.

Now, I have to write the synopsis. I have whined about that topic before...

I liken it to eating the over-baked crust after enjoying the gooey pie filling.

"eating the over-baked crust after enjoying the gooey pie filling."

Is that the southern way of eating pies or the madhatter method?

What a great feeling, Rhett. Congratulations!

I'm just starting
my next one, and I'm facing the same doubts and fears I always have.
I'd thought it would be easier since I'm writing with a co-writer, but
it's not.

Would love to hear about your book. Is it a Southern fiction as well?

I'm still enjoying the one about the fishing...

It is a political fiction--a total departure for me. My coauthor is a retired politician--one I greatly respect. I couldn't resist adding in humor, though. Of course, when you add the south and politics, humor just kind of shows up for a visit.

Glad you liked the fishin' story, Ahab. It is based on a true story--my dad and my nephew.

A retired politician? Sounds like a fantastic experience. Bet it'll be a good read.

I just finished the dreaded synopsis...from 422 pages to five, then down to just over two.

I feel as if I just pulled my brains out through my nose.

Just wait until someone requests a ONE page synopsis, and of course, be
sure to include plot points, motivations, and emotions, AND write it in
an interesting way. I'd felt thrilled that I'd condensed the story into
a three-page synopsis and actually quite proud of myself--until my
agent requested a one-page synopsis.

Funny and scary thought, Brenda.

I'll just write the equivalent of a back cover book blurb.

Think I'll just shoot myself in the foot instead...

I wrote a reply and it never made it here so am trying again.

Congratulations, Rhett! You are an inspiration!!! Literally you are! I am only 1/2 finished with my initial part of the collaboration on a workbook based on my book Life is Like Making Chocolate Chip Cookies. My partner takes lead from what I write. We had wanted it done and published by now, but we both haven't been working on it like we should.

Thank you, Rhett, for being the inspiration I need!

You are most welcome, Sue.

It is hard to write a novel alone, much less with two people. I was just very lucky to team up with someone as driven as I am! We managed to meet every two weeks to plot and plan, then the rest we did via email. Somehow, it worked.

If we come up with an idea for a sequel, I will gladly work with him again. It was a pleasure.