You can’t see my face right now (at least I hope so, as I’m in a room by myself), but I’m smiling. It is a glorious day here in my living room. Why, you ask? Well, I woke up exhausted but forced myself to get up anyway, so it can’t be that I’m well-rested. I had disgustingly salty and freezer-fried hot dogs for lunch, so it can’t be that I’m well-fed. What’s the secret, then?
Words, my friend.
I decided a few days ago that this book on exorcism was, in fact, not destined to be a single volume—that it would have to be at least two books, perhaps even three, and there was just no getting around it. The plot arc and the word count allow for nothing else. With that in mind, I knew where the ending of Book One would have to come. And I’m pleased to say that it just did. That’s right, baby, I just wrote the last line of my latest book and it was appalling. But there’s a full-stop after it, which makes me happy. I’m closing it at 62,912 words and putting it aside until I write the next episode. I know that a lot of writers would go back at this point and edit Book One, but I have a feeling that things will go better if I just write everything and then edit everything in one grand sweep.
To all the writers working on finishing up their own manuscripts: I’m sending lots of feel-good vibes your way. I’ve had my fair share and it’s time for me to spread the love. Best of luck to you and here’s to me diving into Book Two!
sotav said,
July 23, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Yessss!
Go Anna, go Anna!
If I was at Mac with you I’d hug you right now.
Sarah said,
July 23, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Whoo hoo! =) You rock.
Duh.
Mariah said,
July 23, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Hooray! That’s amazing. Hopefully I’ll join you soon!
Now go get some sleep and eat decent food!
suzanne said,
July 23, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Good news!
I loved starting book number two. Now I am almost finished with that one! I needed this inspiration for that last push. Found you through your funny comment on Sarah’s blog.
Sarah said,
July 24, 2009 at 1:01 am
Congrats Anna! “That’s right, baby, I just wrote the last line of my latest book and it was appalling. But there’s a full-stop after it, which makes me happy.” Okay, this managed both to crack me up and make me feel like a big whining loser. I’m sure it’s *not* appalling, but you’ve inspired me to go and write something truly awful and get to that final full stop!
Thanks for your comment and I like your blog!
Hannah said,
July 24, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Anna, you should write a book about vampires falling in love with mortals. Then you can have legion of tween girls to do your bidding.
Also, I want to know more about this book on exorcism. What kind of exorcism is it? Tell me tell me tell me
Anna W. Waggener said,
July 25, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Thanks, everyone!
Hannah–The first book is based on the Catholic tradition, the second will be set primarily in New Orleans and will deal with the Haitian Vodou tradition. Sound exciting? I hope so!