It’s now 30 days since I started the last volume of my trilogy, and I have written just over 64,000 words. I’d have qualified for my NaNoWriMo victory medal. I’ve stuck to my 2000 words a day goal plus some, catching up when I’ve had distractions like visits from children, the men who came to mow, and the fact that it’s been very hot, or stormy or both.
I’m living and breathing in the Tenth Century. It’s a strange experience, but I’m pleasantly surprised that momentum hasn’t slowed. Another month bar accidents and acts of God, and the first draft will be finished.
In the shadows of the tide,
In the hollows of the dunes,
In the windswept yellow sedge,
The forgotten creatures hide.
When the night is deepest dark,
At the hour of the wolf,
Twixt dog and wolf, when cats
Are grey, then you must heark
To the voices in your head—
For the tales told by the fire,
Whispered low as flames leap higher,
Are the voices of your dead.
Jane Dougherty Writes 
Congratulations so far, fantastic news and well done for sticking to it, despite the kids and the mowers
It’s the thunderstorms that are the bother now. The wind has been furious and has me glued to the window watching it, and at night, it’s been animal comforting time. Up and down a dozen times with terrified cats and dog trying to get under beds/into beds/into the attic/under the stairs etc etc.
I am so amazed at how much you have managed lately 💜
I’m astonished too! I never believed I’d get this far so quickly.
Wow, i am so impressed with the progress you’re making, congratulations on all that diligence! Good luck finishing off the first draft. That will feel so good, I’m sure. And don’t neglect to give yourself plenty of breaks to enjoy post-tenth-century refreshments and relaxations — you deserve it!
Thanks Joy. I thought it was sensible to plough ahead while I’m thinking in the period and while I have a grip on where the story’s going.
Great atmosphere.
Keep up the good work! (K)
Two thirds there 🙂
Congratulations Jane! May the words furthermore with you. Michael
Thank you!
🙂
Sorry, “May the words furthermore be with you!” The time for grammar has to be. (with me). LoL Michael
I’d call it a typo 🙂
I’m so happy for you, Jane. (And proud of you, too. 🙂 )
Isn’t it a cool feeling to be caught up in another time and place?
Thank you! It’s getting to be second nature. I know what the people wear, how they speak, how they cook, what they eat, and I’m learning what goes on inside their heads. Yes, it’s a great feeling 🙂
Such a beautiful poem! I love how it feels. Glad to hear you going fast!
Thank you! I have a feeling the story is going to run well over the word count I’d set though. I’m not much good at editing down either—I always edit up 🙂
Haha! I would say if the words wants to come out, let them! I love editing up too, I feel like it’s much easier than editing down(which is like impossible)
Go Jane!
Zipping up to 70k and the end is receding…
Does that mean it is running from you and you are trying to catch it or that you are closing in?
The closer I get to what I know is the end, the more people and events get in the way, insist on having their story told before we get there.
It makes me think of how I used to think of a race, when I used to run a lot of 5K or 10 K races – you run and let the finish come to you, you don’t go to the finish. The race has its own – will – almost. Sounds flaky but it worked for me (I tend to get into a trance when I exercise, anyway, that is why I like it, I think). Maybe your book is doing the same to you.
Congratulations my friend 💓 stick with it, I know you will, you’re the real deal.
I’ll certainly get it written. Whether any publisher will buy it is in the lap of…fashion.
And your agent. They will get it published. Of this I have no doubt.
You’re right. She will. She’s one of the best.