Friday, July 9, 2010

Charleston

On Wednesday night, I finished my latest WIP, Saving Me. She rang the bell at 75,404 words, 153 pages (single-spaced), and 20 months.

Actually, that's not quite true.

The idea was born on November 1, 2008 (NaNoWriMo). I wrote about 32k, then stopped. Over the next year, I dabbled here and there at it, added about 10k, then stopped.

November 1, 2009, I started Eternal Spring, which you now know, and I finished that draft in March of this year. Pretty much a few days later, I decided I'd finishing Saving Me once and for all.

I cut down to about 23k and started from there.

So I guess it really took me around 4 1/2 months to write, if you added together the times I actually wrote on it. Once I had my breakthrough with Evan this past Monday, I really hauled ass and wrote 12k in two days. That's a big deal for me. :-)

Anyway!

I'm happy and content, but no great feelings of excitement this time, not like when I finished Eternal Spring. That was the first book I ever finished--the moment where I could look someone in the eye and tell them that I'd written a novel.

With Saving Me, I wasn't going to take no for an answer. I knew I'd finish, I just didn't quite know when.

Don't get me wrong--I'm excited. But more like this:


than this:



I finished writing around 10:30 Wednesday night, and what did I do? I immediately picked up the book I'd been reading (Where the Heart Is) and finished it. That's what I call celebration. :-)

Maybe because this idea's been with me for so long, niggling at the back of my head, compelling me to write it, the feelings are more subtle.


But anyway.

In continuation with tradition, I will be hosting a giveaway to celebrate finishing Saving Me. I'm afraid it can't be as fabulous as I'd like, since hubby and I are still basically poor college students, but I'll do my best. :-)

I'll have more details on the giveaway next week, but I can tell you that the prizes are all going to be writing/revision-related.



PS: Wondering about the name of this post? "Charleston" is the last word of the novel.  :-)

Have a fab weekend!

23 comments:

Hannah said...

Huzzah!! Hey but you have not only one book but two under your belt! Show those agents your versatility!! Now comes nano!!

Matthew MacNish said...

Glass of wine by candlelight versus a laser show at a Rave? At my age I'll take the relaxation any day.

Still, congratulations!

Today's guest blogger is Guinevere Rowell!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Congratulations, well deseved drink of wine I say.

Yvonne,

Christine Danek said...

BTW --love the pic with you and the kitty. :)

Christine Danek said...

Don't know where my other comment went. I just said congrats again. Nice way to celebrate.
With a last word like that --I'm really curious.

DL Hammons said...

I've said this once...but its worth repeating.

BOO-YAH!!!! :)

laughingwolf said...

grats on resuming your nano write, i have yet to rework any of mine...

Unknown said...

Charleston has me thinking of a lot of endings... and I have to say that I'm very excited to read it!!! Hmm after having the opportunity to read a lot of the story it definitely has me intrigued!

Congrats again! It's nice to know that every finish doesn't feel the same. My excitement was more subtle this round and I'm relieved to know that the same goes for you at times! :)

Sarah Ahiers said...

wOOt! Even though you didn't feel like a rock concert, you still deserve one.

Will you be doing Nano this year?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's awesome, Summer! You celebrate in full Summer fashion.

Tara said...

Yea! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Nicely done, good lady! Congrats on the finishing.

Also, I saw no alcohol in the laser show picture, so you know which version of excitement I'd choose....

Erica Mitchell said...

Congrats! Having two finished is amazing. I have two in the works and niether done but I'll get there eventually. Wow 12k in two days, rockstar!
I love Charelston, live pretty close to it, so the last word makes me want to get in the car and head north. ;)

Crystal Cook said...

I love that last word!!;) I love that you finished it!! I LOVE your story!! I'm just gushing with love for you and your awesomeness babe! You rock like no one else :)

And that's what I call celebrating too :)

Lola Sharp said...

You know Chucktown is home to me. Chuck owns my heart.
Soon you'll be able to come stay with me for 'research'. (and cocktails...I'm an excellent bartender and hostess)
(not that you can't visit me now, but NJ/Philly is far different research material. Though, the cocktails would still be deelish.)

Again, CONGRATS.

Lola loves Summer...
Lola--->out.

Old Kitty said...

Yay!!!! Well done you!!! And how intriguing. "charleston" is the last word of your novel. Wow.

You deserve a lovely candlelit dinner just like in your pic. Enjoy the moment, breathe in the peace and quiet. You've written TWO novels. Amazing.

Have a lovely weekend too!

Take care
x

Liza said...

I'm for the wine and book celebration...it lasts so much longer then the slap, bam of fireworks, with an easy, warm comfort vs. something that burns and disappears. Congratulations again on finishing...and since Where the Heart Is, is one of my all time favorite books, I'll say your celebration was good indeed.

Elliot Grace said...

...saw "Charleston" and clicked happily. (my favorite city:)

Then I read, and apparently congrats are an order. Good for you, Summer:)

Saumya said...

That picture is gorgeous and looks like the ideal celebration! You are so motivating :) Congrats on finishing!!! I hope I can get there someday!

Missed Periods said...

Congratulations on finishing. I am intrigued: does the novel end with a certain city or dance? Cute cat.

Shelley Sly said...

Congratulations!! I understand the different moods when finishing different books. After my first one I felt like doing cartwheels (except I can't do cartwheels), and same with my most recent books. The ones in between received a less energetic celebration.

That's neat that "Charleston" is the last word. I don't think I even know the last word of any of my novels! Should look that up.

Jules said...

Just found you. Glad you completed your novel. I'll be following to keep up with things.

Sunny Side Up....

Unknown said...

Congrats on the novel :) It always makes me smile to hear a fellow writer has gotten a step closer to their dream :)