Procrastinating at the Finish Line

JoNightshade · Jul 30, 2007

So I've been "about to finish" my first draft for about 2 weeks now. I have four major scenes to write, and then it's done. DONE.

And I just realized that I'm procrastinating. I've done 2K per day for the last three months, and suddenly I'm finding excuses to go do OTHER things I "need to get done." Granted, I have been putting off quite a few things "until I finish my book," but nothing that couldn't wait a couple of days longer. I even committed myself to training the new girl at work and went in for the full 8 hours today (I work very part time).

I think, somehow, I don't WANT to finish. I don't want the story to be over! I don't want to have to face another month of slogging through... EDITING! AGH! Writing the last few scenes is always the best part for me, and I want to hold onto it as long as I can before the "real" work starts.

/confession

NicoleMD · Jul 30, 2007

I was stalled for two months on my last four scenes. It turns out I was trying to force the ending that I wanted instead of the one the book wanted. Once I got over that, I finished the book in one sitting.

Good luck with getting it done. I love editing, so I'm no use there!

Nicole

Shady Lane · Jul 30, 2007

I totally understand. I stall to death when I get to the ends.

Just try to think about how proud you'll feel when it's really done, and then sit down and finish.

Just Mike · Jul 30, 2007

It happens. Just remember that it isn't really done until all of that yucky editing is over with.

scarletpeaches · Jul 30, 2007

I so hear that.

In my case I think it's a fear of failure. If I finish the first draft or the edit, I'll then have to submit, thereby bringing upon myself the avalanche of rejections telling me, "No, Nichola - you're not as good as you hoped you were after all. Begone."

WordGypsy · Jul 30, 2007

When I finished I didn't FEEL like I finished. It wasn't done to me, and won't be until I've edited to perfection. When I'm ready to show the world, then it's done. So finish this copy. Don't worry, you still have plenty of time to hang out with the characters during edits, trust me!

MelodyO · Jul 30, 2007

Hey, wanna come over and watch a "The Office" marathon with me??? Crantinis and popcorn, on the house. \0/

I mean...YOU GET ON THOSE LAST FOUR CHAPTERS RIGHT NOW, MISSY.

JoNightshade · Jul 30, 2007

Oh, the Office! I think my husband would kick me out of the house. He hates that show with a passion.

I was thinking of re-watching the first two seasons of House, though. Or possibly all of Home Movies (the show, not my actual home movies).

JoNightshade · Jul 30, 2007

The other thing I keep doing is having my characters make jokes. It's like they know they've gotten to the end; they've all gotten acquainted and now they're comfortable enough with each other to start fooling around. Appropriately enough, my second-to-last scene is a pool party.

I have also finally decided what genre my novel is: mystery-suspense-romance-thriller-humor-romance.

MelodyO · Jul 30, 2007

JoNightshade said:
The other thing I keep doing is having my characters make jokes. It's like they know they've gotten to the end; they've all gotten acquainted and now they're comfortable enough with each other to start fooling around. Appropriately enough, my second-to-last scene is a pool party.

I have also finally decided what genre my novel is: mystery-suspense-romance-thriller-humor-romance.

Okay, House it is. My love for Hugh is huge. Hee.

And what a coincidence! That was the genre of my first novel, too! They really need a new shelf at the bookstore.

PS I think all books should have a pool party scene in them, by law.

JoNightshade · Jul 30, 2007

MelodyO said:
PS I think all books should have a pool party scene in them, by law.

It IS law. All male characters must appear bare-chested at least once.

TheIT · Jul 30, 2007

In the Learn Writing with Uncle Jim thread, I believe he once said he writes a wrap party for his characters at the end of the story (which gets edited out in the next draft, of course).

Have you decided what your next project will be aside from editing this one? Maybe the thought of not having something new to work on is also affecting your writing. Having something ready to go once you reach this finish line might help.

Good luck!

JoNightshade · Jul 30, 2007

Nah, I've got more projects lined up with than I know what to do with. No problems there. I'm just WAY attached.

And yes, I am writing one line on my WIP for every ten lines I'm writing here on AW*.

And I kinda need the pool scene. My pivotal mid-point scene occurred in an indoor pool, so it's kinda like this weird parallel...

Also I WANT IT.

*Oh please for the love of all that's holy, someone ban me...!**

**Not really.

TheIT · Jul 30, 2007

Oh, well, in that case, go write something. Quicker you finish, quicker you can share it with everyone else.

:whip:

Andre_Laurent · Jul 31, 2007

I'm right there with you. I'm at 80K, the finish line is in sight and I just can't get my arse going.

Harper K · Jul 31, 2007

I'm so there. I've got about 10,000 words left, which is nothing in the scheme of the total number of words of fiction I've written over the past year. But ever since I realized I could see the finish line, I've become really, really interested in watching movies I've seen ten times before (stupid Godfather marathon on cable last weekend), getting non-research-related books out of the library, dancing, and buying clothes.

Oh, and of course, my house has become very clean lately. Can't write... must sweep floor!

This idea of a pool party scene intrigues me, though. I think I might write one just to get back into the groove.

LilliCray · Jul 31, 2007

I have 93,800 words to go to finish my fantasy WIP!!!

Okay, no, it's probably not going to make it that far. If I'm lucky, I can push it to 40k.

Being done is the best feeling in the world, ain't it?*

Go, go, go! Get that novel done! Wooo! :partyguy:

*I wouldn't know... I have yet to finish a halfway decent piece of writing...

NeuroFizz · Jul 31, 2007

Sit your ass down and finish it. Quit making excuses.

Horseshoes · Jul 31, 2007

Take a run. Take several. It'll be fine.

Soccer Mom · Jul 31, 2007

Whoa. I thought I was the only one who hit procrastinationville at the end of a book. I always swear I won't and I always do.

Will it help if I yell at you?

GO FINISH YOUR BOOK JO!

JoNightshade · Jul 31, 2007

WAH!!! Everyone's yelling at me!!! ::Jo runs away crying::

Now I can't finish my book!

Okay, just kidding... here I go... trudging off...

Esopha · Jul 31, 2007

NeuroFizz said:
Sit your ass down and finish it. Quit making excuses.

Exactly! This is the culmination of the writing experience. It's our equivalent of a two-day long sugar high, and the last peak before it all comes crashing down and you realize that, oh sh*t, I need to sleep it off. Or whatever.

Besides, drawing out the painful realization that it's almost over is worse than getting it done and feeling a little twinge of sadness.

javili · Jul 31, 2007

mystery-suspense-romance-thriller-humor-romance.

Me too! Most of the books I read are that genre.

And I also get the "don't finish it or it's all over" syndrome.

I thought it was some guy sex thing, but am starting to think of it as a sort of final checkoff for the writing engine to make sure I'm ready to have this thing complete. I let stories sit for years because, though I didn't realize it, I was just not mature enough as a person or a writer to finish them. I realized it when I went back later and did finish. I could see the difference.

I think it's a good thing, is what I'm trying to say.

Azraelsbane · Jul 31, 2007

I'm with you on most things. I'm about 15k to the end of a 180k piece, and I'm just...unmotivated. I don't really know why. I've been writing like a fiend for months on end.

Second, the x-genre thing. What I'm working on now is fantasy, but my first book...no clue. It's an ungodly hodgepodge that I'm sure would never be accepted anywhere

JoNightshade · Jul 31, 2007

javili said:
I thought it was some guy sex thing,

Okay, what?

Azraelsbane said:
Second, the x-genre thing. What I'm working on now is fantasy, but my first book...no clue. It's an ungodly hodgepodge that I'm sure would never be accepted anywhere

Genre X! Yes! That's it! Okay, what agents are looking for genre X???

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