Gabbin about... the final stretch of my novel!
The end is near (in a good way)
6.4.25
Helllooooo internet land! Buckle up cause this update is a LONG one! Also, it’s ALL vamps so if you’re not here for vamp novel updates, see yourself out the digital door🚪
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How’s the writing going?
I don’t want to jinx it or scare off my newly acquired inspiration but like….SO WELL. I’ve had multiple 1k+ word days. I have less than ten chapters to go. My character voice and motivations are clearer than they’ve ever been.
Honestly, it’s been hard with this level of clarity to not go back and start editing from the beginning. But I’m resisting! I’m staying the course and pushing through until the end.
What I’m MOST proud of is my consistency in my writing these last two weeks. I’ve shown up to do the work almost every day — even on vacation! This has not been the norm and I’m hoping I can keep up the daily habit.
Something I’ve learned is I can write dialogue all dang day. I know what I want my characters to say and do. And when I come back through to take another pass at it, I’ll amp up the scenery, visuals, and imagery. But writing two talking heads, bobbing in the ether with no context as to what else is happening besides their mouths moving is something I’m very good at.
Are we surprised by this? My name is Gabby after all…
Anyhoo — I’m salivating at the prospect of this book coming to an end. If I don’t get an update out next week, it’ll be because I’m saving all my mental energy and word count for vamps.
I figure you’ll forgive me once the book is finished 💋
So what happens when you finish it?
I’m optimistic that I’ll have the first draft of this manuscript done within the next two weeks. I’m 90% sure I wrote in the last update — no, I’m not going back to check. We are forging ahead! — that I’ll take a good long break from it once I type ‘THE END.’ The brilliant and talented
advised I take a month off buuuuuuuuttttt that feels really long. So stay tuned on whether or not I follow that direction.Writing the book is just the first step of a long process. Editing can take many, many months. I plan to do a full read through with fresh eyes digitally where I’ll focus on filling in blanks, fixing plot holes, laying in foreshadowing, etc. Then, I’ll likely print it out and hand edit things like missed typos, punctuations mistakes, sentences that read as clunky dunky garbage.
How are you planning on publishing?
I am going the self-publishing route. Hands down. No questions asked. If this thing picks up any interest and I’m able to sell it to a traditional publisher, great. But I want it to see the light of day. I want to share it with all the people who have been following and supporting this writing journey for over a year now.
Is this path for everyone? Nope! And that’s just fine. But I don’t mind the marketing. Of myself or the book. So I’m happy and ready to take on the challenge.
Am I biting off more than I can chew? Maybe! Won’t know until I try.
In the meantime, I’m building up my promotions muscle by posting this update — my third weekly update in a row (please clap) — and consistent posting to my social media accounts. Cause that’s the advice I would give myself if I was my own client :) Exhibit A below 👇
Thanks again!
To all who have sent a note of encouragement or support — I can’t say how much I appreciate you. You light me up and keep me going🫶
Well look at that. This wasn’t as long as I thought it would be :)
Until next week!
xx Gabs