Some Musings Part IV

Last one, I swear.

The Chaos Child took me five years to write. After we published it, my husband and I discussed when could we realistically expect my next book. Publishing takes a while, editing takes a while, but most importantly writing takes a while. But there’s actually a secret that I don’t think I’ve ever seen talked about. The first book always takes the longest. It’s honestly simple, until you write a book, you don’t know how to write a book. But then once you know how it gets easier and easier every time you try your hand at it. When I look back at how long it took me to write The Chaos Child, I internally cringe. How could it have taken me that long? I had less children then too! But like any skill, there’s a learning curve and until you overcome it, it’s going to take as long as you need.

So when I look back on the writing process of To Private Ford Rayburn, I’m in awe. In one year I wrote three times the amount it had taken me to do in five. And I’ve never felt better about myself. When I think back to my high school self who dreamed of becoming a writer, I’m glad I could fulfill her potential. That’s not to say it hasn’t come with a cost. As I alluded to in the first part of this ramble, I had to take September off from writing. Writing had become such a habit for me this year, that it genuinely hurt to do so, but it was necessary. I had gone so hard, I hadn’t realized I wasn’t letting the story breathe. But the break has been good for me and I shall start editing To Private Ford Rayburn with renewed vigor.

Only one question remains, what am I going to do for Nanowrimo this year? And why do I suspect it’s going to turn into more than I bargained for?

Fin.