Here’s the deal, friends. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was in 1st grade. I started writing my first book in middle school. That was more than 10 years ago (and isn’t that weird to think about!) and in that time I’ve only finished two manuscripts. Now, that’s not to say it should only take certain amount of time to finish a manuscript (it’s different for every person). And two finished manuscripts are nothing to sneeze at.
No, the problem is the fact that in that time, I’ve had a lot more than two ideas. And I’ve not finished them before I move on to the next one.
In fact, it’s interesting to note that the only two manuscripts I’ve finished have been because of National Novel Writing Month and the strict accountability.
You see, I’ve got a follow-through problem.
It’s not that my ideas aren’t fully developed, or that I get bored of them. I just keep getting distracted by shiny new ideas. So I move on to the next idea before I’m done with the previous one. Then the next one. Then the next one.
You see my issue?
This has been on my mind lately for a few reasons. Not the least of which is because I’m this close to finishing the second draft of my novel. And this is officially the farthest I’ve gotten on any book. Which is exciting and scary. And it got me thinking about all the other books I want to write.
Luckily, I’ve had some good motivation to stay focused on this manuscript. And I guess that brings me to the real point of this post: gratitude.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who encourage me to keep writing, even when it’s hard. They push me to keep going, and inspire me when it seems like my ideas have dried up.
So to you, my friends and family, I want to say thanks. I may write because it’s something I love, but I keep going when it’s hard because you tell me I can. And because you badger me (in the best possible way) about wanting to read the finished product.
Until next time, word nerds!
(Also, it may entertain you to know that it took about a week and a half to write this whole post. Talk about a follow-through problem.)
Kate G. Jameson 