March 20th

The ending to my novel finally became clear. When I start writing I know how my story starts, where it ends, and a few of the major scenes along the way. This particular story started as a short story that I wrote many years ago. That short story was going to be part of a collaboration of several authors based on a timeline created by the editor. I was stuck on some of the elements that still existed from that short story along with a piece of history of my own world. I kept trying to mash the two disparate ideas together.

Yesterday, while in the shower, I broke the story. I don’t want to get into too much detail (you know, spoilers) but I stripped away what was no longer needed. Everything came together and it all made sense. The climax of the story for the two main characters finally gelled and it started to write itself. Unfortunately, it was just in time for me to start my work day. I jotted down some notes and played with scenes in my head.

I was worried that I would not make my due date because the ending just wouldn’t come together. I was beginning to think my plan for releases was wrong and I’d have to abandon it.

Documenting this date was important to me because there are so many times that momentous things happen in the writing of a novel that gets lost since they only happen to me and no one else. Writing is a solitary business which is both its strength and weakness. Playing music in a band is a collective experience between the band and the audience. Writing a novel happens alone in a room. You might get a chance to discuss your characters and ideas down the road but in the moment it is just you and the words.