The End

          The End.

          These are the two most beautiful words in the English language (or any language really) to a writer.       

          There is such anticipation when an author takes the germ of an idea, fleshes it out and begins a new story. There is something magical and exciting about introducing a new character to that blank page and the words are flowing so furiously, we can’t type (or write long hand) fast enough to keep up. I love that! There’s no feeling in the world quite like it (for a writer). The rush to get the words out of one’s head before it’s gone is thrilling and a little scary, too. Can’t tell you how many stories I’ve started simply because I didn’t want to lose an idea or that piece of dialogue or the scene flitting around my head even if I’m in the middle of something else. Truthfully? My characters talk to me and sometimes they talk to me AT THE SAME TIME…it gets kinda loud in my head.

          There is the perseverance of writing the middle of the story, when some of the anticipation has died down (although the magic is still there—always there) and we try so very hard to make it as exciting as the beginning.

          The last third of the book—where everything comes to a conclusion, where all the pieces fall into place—has it own kind of magic. For some of us, the closer we get to the conclusion of the story, the faster we write. Not sure how that happens, but it does and then one gets to write those wonderful words “The End”. That’s a whole other kind of excitement. It signifies an accomplishment—a huge one. It shows that no matter how long it took to write the story, you finished it. For some writers, it can take years. Other writers? Not as long. All those words that were whirling around your brain are now down on paper (or safely saved on your computer, flash drives and/or the cloud).

          I was able to write those fabulous words on my latest work in progress this past weekend and I’m pretty darn happy about it. At the same time, I’m feeling a little lost, too. I’ve been with these characters, living in their story, for a while now….it’s hard to let go….but I’m not really letting go because now the real fun begins….editing!

As always, happy reading!

Marie