In my heart of hearts I have always been a writer. Ask me to describe my perfect day and instead of a job I would spend my days writing novels.
Sadly I don’t actually live in this dream world and that means I have a job. And kids. And a husband. And a house. And responsibilities.
What I’m saying is that on my list of everyday priorities setting aside time to write isn’t high up on the list. About 10 years ago, after my first my first daughter was born, I was desperate for a creative outlet. And for time out of the house.
So I signed up for a fiction writing class at the community college. It was there that the idea for “After the Break” took root in my brain. I wrote the prologue and the first 4 chapters of the book in that class.
I was inspired by my classmates, I loved sharing my work. I was a writer again. It felt good.
And then, the class ended and so did my writing. I tried to keep with it. I really did but I didn’t have the weekly excuse to write. “After the Break” went into a drawer for 7 long years.
Two years ago I found it while cleaning out my files. I read through it and realized that while it was rough – really rough in some parts! – the framework for a women’s fiction novel was there.
I signed up for my first NaNoWriMo and dove headfirst into the world of Abigail Lane.
And last night – at 11:08pm on June 22 – I wrote the final line of “After the Break.”
It was an amazing feeling to write that final line. The culmination of so much time and effort and hard work.
My heart was pounding with adrenaline. I couldn’t stop smiling. And there was no one to share it with!
My kids were in bed, my husband was out with friends and it was far too late to call anyone.
So I recorded my joy and giddiness for posterity. I figured I’d just keep the video to myself..but where’s the fun in that?
So I wrote a book. That’s the easy part. Now I have to finish editing it. And then (gulp!) I need to let people read it before I start pitching it to agents or publishers.
I hope it’s good.
I really do think it is…but I’m prepared for the fact it isn’t and I will never get it published.
And even if that happens. Even if only my friends and family read it. There is one thing that will never change no matter what.
I wrote a book.
89,230 words of my own creation.
And damn that feels good…
