When is Writing a
Book Actually Done?
by A.E. Albert
“When your story is ready for rewrite, cut it to the bone. Get rid of every ounce of excess fat. This is going to hurt; revising a story down to the bare essentials is always a little like murdering children, but it must be done.”
-Stephen King
Believe it or not, this is a very common question among writer's. I've asked myself this very question many times.
Let's face it, we could keep editing until the end of time and there's always room for improvement. But in the real world, we have to put an end to the madness at some point.
But when do we know it's actually ready for publication?
When I first completed my manuscript, I literally danced around my house with joy. I then gave it to my mother and sister for the first read through. Yes, they were pleased I had written a book, but they gave me many suggestions.
So, I implemented their ideas. I kept giving people my book to read, thinking it was done every time. Every time, it was given back to me with sticky notes.
Read: How to know when you’re done writing your novel
When does the Madness End?
I kept thinking, I can't do this again! Every writer knows what I'm talking about, the energy it takes to create something from nothing.
But of course, I would plug away, knowing they were right. This happened four times. My manuscript grew 100 more pages and my book was so much better for it.
Then something amazing happened. I realized every time I said I was done, I was done. I was emotionally sucked dry. But the last time, I just knew the journey was over.
For one thing, I felt good about it. No one can tell you your book is complete, it's something you know on an instinctual level.
Of course, I probably could have added more and made improvements. But I just knew that this story was complete as it was.
As a writer, we all know that our stories seem to take on a life of their own. It's as though our work silently lets us know that their story has been told.
So, I guess all I can say is this. When do you know you're done writing your book? I think it's kind of like being in love, you just know.
When did you know you were done? Leave a comment.
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The parameters of life, they're what let you know.. The external parameter, of time, and the internal parameter, of feeling.
ReplyDeleteJust like stories, themselves, the emotional climax is where for us as storytellers the story of telling the story should end..
Reality isn't like a story; the latter's imbued with the kind of identity which is polar opposite to the kind the former's defined by. (That's why there's been that joke, pertaining to certain romance stories, about "what'll happen the next day?".)
Life's mechanic nature, being the total oppressor that it is, I would just advise anyone to try to create in line with their feelings.. Go with where your heart takes you, and for the sake of life's sheer brutal "clockwork-meaninglessness", finish your art where you reach your feelings highest.
(Have you noticed the pattern, Aimee? I'm working my way down the list, one article a day.)
It's like Lord of the Rings. Tolkien could have ended it with the battle of Minas Tirith. But no, he felt the book needed another 50 pages or so. Not that I'm complaining. lol
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