First draft of Koen complete!

Last night, I typed “the end” on the first draft of Koen, my stand-alone prequel to the Absolution of the Morning Star series! Writing took almost exactly eight months, with a 633-word daily average. The book is currently coming in at 135,358 words, but I think it will grow some as I have a scene or two to insert. As so often happens, the ending snuck up on me. I thought I had at least a few more days of writing, but I wrote the final sentence and knew there was no more of the story to tell. I’m happy to report I finished ahead of schedule and just in time for the beginning of my busy season at work.

There is nothing like writing “the end” in a novel. So many complain that it’s redundant to include the little two-word finale. Readers can clearly figure out the story is over by the lack of continuing pages, but writing “the end” is for the writer, not the reader. It marks a moment of triumph after months of climbing that hill- it’s the cigarette in the mashed potatoes proclaiming the end of a great meal (not that I smoke, but still). Until you experience getting to that point, it is hard to understand the significance fully. It’s an incredible feeling, though short-lived. The work is not over yet. Now will come about 3-4 read-throughs for content editing and several additional passes for polish. The story loses its luster each time until I am sick of it. Only then will it be ready for the world, which is quite sad. But at the moment, it is exciting, and I can’t wait to do that first read-through. I wrote the first chapter eight months ago and haven’t read it since. It will be like seeing a long-lost friend again.

Eight months is a long time for a writing project, but I am happy with the output since I only had two hours a day to write and started a new position this year, which required much of my energy. Last New Year, I set myself a goal of completing another book and was able to accomplish it, leaving just enough time to edit and polish so it’s ready for the next stop on its journey. As I’ve mentioned in prior posts, I aim to get Koen traditionally published. I’ve given myself twelve months to get some traction. If nothing happens, I will independently publish as usual. It is not for fame or fortune (there is little chance of that anyway), so much as to prove to myself that I can do it. I am confident in this story; it is probably the best I’ve written. But I know the competition is fierce, and it comes down to plain old good luck finding someone who resonates with the tale and is willing to take the risk on it. It might not happen in a year, but I am set on trying. The process alone will help validate me as a writer. As much as I want to say I don’t need that, I do. I would love to end this spin around the sun, saying I was able to accomplish my dream. How cool would that be?

Cheers!