I wrote the other day about the comparisons between marathon running and writing a novel. Both are wars of attrition and many drop by the wayside, battered and beaten. Both culminate in glory and accolades but the path to the finish line is strewn with the collateral damage of the occupation; for every war has its casualties. Sacrifice and discipline are paramount. Without them you will fail, then fall and the dream will remain just that; discarded and shrivelled away.
I described where I am currently with my novel as like being at the 26 mile point of a marathon. The point where you feel you have created your personal Everest only to realise that you still have another .2 miles to go. Or 385 yards to be exact but, hey, who’s counting? Well I am to be honest. Every torrid step of the way. For after almost four hours of constant running you feel every stride and obsess over every step. It is one nearer the glory or the ignominy of stopping. Whichever comes first.
I’ve attempted to describe the agony and beauty of that moment but sometimes a picture speaks the volumes that my muted meanderings can never accomplish. Which is why I’ve dug out this photo. It’s me in the finishing straight at this year’s Belfast Marathon. No smiling, no soaking up the atmosphere and acknowledging the crowds. Just a world of pain as I contemplate nothing but the finish line, just ahead of me.
I could have posted photos of me smiling with my medal to describe the marathon experience but I feel this one captures its essence so much more accurately. It’s not pretty but it is real. Much like my writing style. I’ll post an equally unflattering image of my writing experience later today but, until then, never give up. Knuckle down and buckle up. For the finish line is within touching distance. Only 385 yards to go.
How close are you to your finish line?
Is the pain worth it?
Black Thoughts 
“Sacrifice and discipline are paramount. Without them you will fail, then fall and the dream will remain just that; discarded and shrivelled away.” Bingo! Keep pressing on. Finish strong.
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Thank you very much. That’s the plan 🙂
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As you said, sacrifice and discipline are the key, if you know that no obstacle is really one….
As to me… I’m so far from the finish line that I can’t even see it… 😄😄😄
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I’m sure you are a lot closer than you think.
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If only… 😀
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Failure is not when you fail, but when you quit trying. The final 385 yard sprint to the finish is on.
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Ha Ha. I wouldn’t say it was a sprint, more a hobble, but I got there somehow 😊
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Good job!!
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Thank you 😊
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Finish line? I am closer to the starting line. But yes, the pain is worth it. Keep going. You got this!
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As are you. Keep going. And as ever thank you for your regular support 🙏🏻
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Sometimes I think the finish line keeps getting extended…like in a bad dream.
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Ha Ha. How very true 🙂
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I’ve only recently discovered that I can join in the race, so I’m excitedly bouncing around in the early stages. I dream of the finish line, but have a long way to go. Keep going! Is this the final draft before sending it out to be ‘test read’?
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Thank you Katie. It’s still a bit away from sending out to test readers but I’m hoping it will be ready by the end of September.
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Excellent! Keep going … very close now. K
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wooo! are ya there yet? Hope you are! or will be soon! xo
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A bit to go yet unfortunately
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Hooray. Another runner who writes 😁
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Yes! There are a few of us about 🏃🏻♂️
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