The Finish Line
The finish line. The light at the end of the tunnel. Thank God it’s almost done.
Yes, I am coming to the end of a draft of my new novel. Just a couple of chapters to go - easily doable by the end of the weekend. Next week I’ll have time to tidy my flat, go to the gym and do basic chores that I’ve been ignoring for the past couple of weeks as I’ve immersed myself in the book and powered on to the end. Is the novel finished? No. This is just a draft, and only the second full draft. I’m a drafter not a planner, so i often take 6-8 drafts before the novel that you will hopefully read some day (this novel isn’t under contract so it’s still very much a hypothetical at this stage).
The second draft is, for me, very much about ripping up the first one and starting again. My first drafts are messy, wild things. I take all my initial ideas and throw them into the manuscript to see what sticks. I’m still finding out who the characters are. Often I have an idea about themes that might be interesting to include but as I write, those things become less important and something else emerges. This draft has been about leaning into what worked in the first draft (with some help from my agent who sent me invaluable notes after reading) and pushing some of the more interesting aspects a bit harder.
Finishing the draft will be a relief. An excuse to take at least a week off. I know it’s not perfect though. This draft is on the short side (for me) because I’ve focused on getting the story right. I need to layer in more background details, develop minor characters who decided late on that they wanted a more starring role (meaning that the light touch I gave on their initial scenes now doesn’t cut it). In my opinion, this draft is loads better than the first so I will have a slightly anxious wait while my agent reads, hoping that she agrees!
The good thing is that I still love the story. This draft has been a lot of fun to write and on miserable winter days it was nice to escape to southern Spain and write scenes on the beach or a tense conversation over vermouth at a bar overlooking the sea. I’m already planning my research for the next draft and thinking of ways to layer in more historical detail. I haven’t yet felt the frustration that can come after several drafts, when things aren’t coming together and I can’t see a way out. I will of course not jinx myself by saying that those things aren’t in my near future - I know how quickly a novel can turn on you!
Enjoy your weekend and know that at some point I will be hitting the Send button on an email to my agent and looking forward to a week off!
Congrats!!!