45k Wingding

Woo-hooo! It's half-way party time! I hit 45,264 words on my WIP. A round of Starbucks and chocolate cake for everyone...on the house!

Caveat: you'll have to toodle over to my house to claim said java and treat.

Nevertheless, hitting mid-point on a manuscript is a big deal for any writer. Why?

CONFIDENCE

The task ahead doesn't seem quite as daunting now that half the story has been captured on paper. If you were able to make it this far, for sure you'll be able to finish. The pressure of wondering if-I-can suddenly morphs into I-can-do-this. It's all downhill from here.

FAMILIARITY

Knowledge is power, and by now you really know your characters. They've become your friends, which makes it easier to predict how they'll react to any given situation. Most of the personality decisions have already been made so there's less brain power involved in fleshing out your protag and antag.

EXHILARATION

You're closer to the climax, which is the most fun to write. All the writerly juggling balls are up in the air...it's pretty, it's intense, and it's fun to watch. It's time to throw your literary hands in the air and howl on the ride down.

While these 3 points are true, I'm not saying the rest is entirely a piece of cake (yes, I'm still thinking of cake). There will still be days when you get stumped over a plot point or a character who acts...well...out of character. But the end is in sight, which makes the next 45k (or whatever your projected halfway mark is) a lower hurdle to jump.

Writing is hard work.

Take every opportunity you can to celebrate small victories.

And let me know when you hit your halfway mark...I'll be sure to eat some chocolate in your honor.

WIP STATS ~ DAY 68

Word Count: 45,264

Sentence of the Day: Whispers rustled in the corners of the room, like dead leaves skittering across cobbles.