I haven’t started writing yet this morning, but I stopped yesterday when my manuscript hit exactly 180,000 words, because that seemed like a significant landmark. I even took a screenshot of it:
I had to stand back for a moment when I saw that number and appreciate how far I’ve come. I’ve never written a novel this long. In fact, 180,000 words itself is literally almost twice the length of most of the novels I’ve written.
I guess I feel a sense of accomplishment in that? Although I hope future novels will not be this long!
Writing has been there for me.
It’s the end of the calendar year: a time for reflection upon what’s passed and a time to prepare for what’s to come. As I look back on 2019 and gird my loins for 2020, I realize that through all the crazy plot twists my real life has taken over the past three years, writing fiction has been there for me through it all. I’ve used writing to exorcise my demons and work through my midlife crisis (which I must say I really expected to be over by now!). It’s been the one constant. People, relationships, jobs, living situations — all these have changed at least once over the last three years, but not writing.
I think for Valentine’s Day this year, I’m going to give a box of chocolates to my writing instead of anyone else. 🙂
4 Comments
Les Mood · December 29, 2019 at 12:40 am
I am retired. I don’t work. I don’t go to school. I don’t student teach. In the past twelve months I’ve written less than 275K words. You do all of the above, and hit 180K. I am in awe. Ms. Andrews, you are effing amazing.
The Real Person!
But 275k is nothing to sneeze at!!! Well done, Les.
Ryan · January 1, 2020 at 12:21 am
It looks amazing I can hardly wait. What is that software you use
The Real Person!
Ryan, it’s called Scrivener. I can’t recommend it enough if you are writing anything longer than a few thousand words.