I finished the first draft of my third book yesterday. It’s been pretty much four months of solid writing and I felt more relief than joy when I typed the final words. Writing takes its toll and the last few weeks have been a struggle to stay focused and keep motivated. But I got there, somehow, and ahead of schedule as my target was to complete the draft by the end of the year.
I’ll be walking away from the project now for a few weeks as I need to recharge my creative batteries. I feel the characters need a break from me as much as I get a break from them. I’m hoping that when I revisit the manuscript I’ll be pleasantly surprised as opposed to peeking through my fingers in horror. A long road of editing now lies ahead before the book will hopefully see the light of day, some time in 2021.
I’m mulling over a few other projects as the ‘Kirkwood Scott Chronicles’ rumbles on. I can’t see it continuing beyond a fourth instalment and that’s certainly what I’m aiming for. I also have some additional reading ahead as I research for some historical sections of the book. I want these chapters to be as accurate as possible so they often take more time to write than the ‘modern-day’ parts. It’s a slow but ultimately worthwhile process.
If you’re in the middle of a daunting project at the minute I hope you can see it through to the end. I know there are a lot of fellow writers out there but it can be anything really. It’s been a tough year for everyone and fatigue is setting in everywhere I look. I saw the image of the apple tree and it inspired this post at a time when I was struggling for ideas. I hope you find the motivation you need today to keep walking your road.
Black Thoughts 
Congrats on finishing book no. 3. I’m very pleased to hear that, as I’ve just finished no. 2 and can’t wait to read what happens next… 😊
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Coming in 2021 hopefully. Thank you for continuing to support my writing 😊
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Congratulations Stephen. I could never write a book. Hope it does well when you finally get it out there.
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Thank you very much.
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Well done Stephen!!! Pressing on toward a conclusion is often most difficult when the finish line is in sight. Again, well done! My respect for you and all those who write for the enjoyment of others continues to climb. I cannot fathom what it must be like to write an entire book (or a series of them!), when getting 2 to 3 pages on a Word document for my blog usually is a monumental task for me.
Enjoy your break.
Chuck
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Thank you very much, Chuck. I could never preach sermons like you do. We all have different talents.
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I just read James 5:7-8 before reading your post:
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”
Fits well with your message. Congrats on finishing the draft of your third book.
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Thank you very much 😊
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I liked the way you mentioned how your characters need as much a break from you, as you do them!
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They certainly do 😂
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Congrats, Stephen!
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Thank you 😊
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Your tie in with apple tree as motivation brought to mind a quote from Martin Luther: “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
Meanwhile, here I sit with a mind full of thoughts and absolutely nothing on paper for my work newsletter deadline tomorrow! How you can write every single day is a feat that escapes me! Congratulations on completing your goal!
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Thank you Erika. I’m stubborn if nothing else 🙂
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Are you sure you didn’t have any apples fall on your head, Mr. Newton? Good job finishing the draft!
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Thank you.
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You have worked so fast. Amazing!
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Thank you.
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Keep writing. I hope to have my book published in 2021.
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Brilliant. Keep pushing hard.
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Congrats on getting to that point! I have just now posted a review of the Kirkwood Scott Chronicles #1 on GoodReads. I’ve dived into editing what I hope might be my first published book some time this year. A lot of hard work ahead! The draft title of what might turn into a quadrilogy, and this book are: “The Dragonblood Legacy: Balance of Honour.”
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Thank you for the great review. It’s much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing what you produce 😊
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I love fantasy stories, and though Skelly’s Square fits in that genre it was very much a novel novel for me! I’m about 1/8 of the way through my first edit, and my friend is doing a stellar job helping out, so I’m hopeful I’ll be submitting it for publishing some time in the first half of this year. Thank you! 😊
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Hoping it goes well for you 🙂
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Love this quote. Just found your blog and really enjoying it.
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Thank you. I also have three books out so, if you like my writing, feel free to check them out 🙂
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