I feel like I’m under some sort of cruel spell…every time I say or think I’m on the last chapter of A Companion for Life, I’ve found myself hitting my head against the proverbial wall until I give in and accept that it isn’t the last chapter. Please let this be the last time I say this, I’m on the last chapter! The story is now over sixty-seven thousand words, almost the same length as Redeeming A Rake. Can you hear the soft thud of my head against the brick wall? The first time I thought I was on the last chapter occurs almost exactly half way through the book. How on earth did I think that was the last chapter?
Once (if ever) I finish this story I’m going to give myself a holiday from finishing novels and play with a variety of stories that have been waiting impatiently in the wings for development. I was hoping to have something else ready before the end of the year (it’s possible, but highly unlikely), but that was when I thought this was a short story. The next time I mention a deadline forget I mentioned it! I just don’t work to deadlines. They end up like wire garottes around my inner artist’s throat.
The last several weeks I’ve had a mild sore throat and now I’ve developed a chest infection. I woke up at three in the morning coughing and couldn’t fall back to sleep so I got up and went back to work. What a trooper! Really I’m just obsessive! I planned to go back to bed, but I didn’t. I’ve wisely now called it a night since I can barely see straight. Hopefully no extra plot twists or chapters will tumble into my brain as I fall asleep. I’m on the last chapter…I am! Speaking of dead deadlines…I’m now hoping to get A Companion for Life online before the end of Novemember. The Epilogue was written weeks ago…I just need that last chapter… Hopefully it won’t be one of those books where I have to write the ending three or four times. The ending of The Curse of Love was rewriten three/four times. I read it now and think, how could it have ended any other way? However long it takes me to finish A Companion for Life, I’ll send out my usual e-mail newsletter to my members letting you know it’s online. If you haven’t heard from me in over a year and you’d like to get the notifying newsletters check with me and make sure I’m not sending it to a dead e-address. Wish me one last chapter!
Jennifer says
Short stories are nice, but books aren’t exactly a bad thing – at least not from a fan’s viewpoint!
Good luck on that last chapter.
Terri says
Waiting with bated breath! : ) Hope you feel better soon!
Sarah says
I think it is funny that you keep thinking that you are almost done and the characters keep tugging at your brain to tell more of their story. Keep up the great writing! You will reach the end soon! I love you!
Cari says
@Sarah
I love you too Sarah! (She’s my baby sister and one of my biggest fans).
I feel like I have a fever so I’ve had some ice cream (any excuse) and now I’m going to go back to bed and be ill while listening to some uplifting-heart valve widening-cheezy music (Air Supply anyone?) and maybe while I lie there and try not to work…maybe the last chapter will flash before my eyes. Maybe not…maybe I’ll have to have some chocolate! Can you tell I’ve gone off the healthy eating? We’ll get back on that scrawny horse in a day or so. Really…I will…