Katiaesque

Not Yet! (A writing update)

Katia Raina

So I told myself I would die or finish this draft of my manuscript — which my agent and my supportive writing friends are waiting to read. Have been waiting to read. Um . . . for a while now.

It is a story that almost died — a weird magic story a whole bunch of people believe in for some reason. Some (you know who you are!) have been pushing me — rather hard! 🙂

The truth is, I have been pushing myself hardest of all. This story has been sitting on my chest, wanting to get out. Maybe I have to write it, so that I could cleanse at least some of that weirdness out of me 🙂

Whether I agree with my lovely generous friends  — and a certain writing teacher — about the future of this particular crazy manuscript, I swore to myself I would finish it (or go insane).

So I tried to give myself deadlines.

So I woke up early in the morning, stayed up late at night.

I was really hoping tonight would be THE NIGHT. I was hoping to be blogging about THE WISDOM I HAVE GAINED AFTER FINISHING THIS DRAFT by now. Just a draft, mind you. In all its (horrific! glaring!) imperfection.

I so wanted to enjoy this Christmas season MANUSCRIPT-FREE.

Oh, well. Sometimes life doesn’t come to you in rations — or in neat packages meant to be enjoyed one present at a time. Now’s the time for family, now’s the time for manic writing, now is the time for holiday cheer. Sometimes that’s not the way it works.

Sometimes everything is just dumped on you at once — the main course, the soup, and the ice cream, and you must slurp it all up at once in one big bowl, and enjoy. (Sounds so gross, I’m sure.)

But the truth is — I AM enjoying it — all of it — the whole impossible smelly stew that my life is right now. 

 (And I am almost done with that hated-beloved-stupid-magical-impossible book. Or one of its many drafts, at least. I’m almost there!!!)

done for the night
 
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5 responses to “Not Yet! (A writing update)”

  1. Joyce Moyer Hostetter Avatar
    Joyce Moyer Hostetter

    Stories seem to have their own timeline. Mine refuse to be rushed even though I always try! But I’m learning to embrace the time it takes. Here’s hoping the Christmas season yields that perfect nugget that adds a whole new glitter to your story!

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    1. Katia Raina Avatar
      Katia Raina

      That sounds like wise advice (and a great Christmas wish!) 🙂 Problem is — I don’t want to be one of those Salinger types (I mean, in terms of productivity). Why can’t I be one of those Stephen King types (at least in terms of my output!), a one-book-a year kind of writer? (Okay, one book every two years?) Why not?! I have SO MANY other stories waiting in the wings, just dying to be told!!! WAAAAAAAH . . .

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  2. Joyce Moyer Hostetter Avatar
    Joyce Moyer Hostetter

    Hmmmm I know the dilemma of all those stories waiting to be told. Very frustrating to put them on hold.

    I have put off one story for more than 15 years and suddenly I’m finding a way to combine it with another story I’ve been putting off. The truth is the first one wasn’t a story at all, more like a setting.

    I have a feeling that you have some amazing stories to share. And I want to read them. So I do hope you’re able to finish this one soon.

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  3. Medeia Sharif Avatar
    Medeia Sharif

    I wanted to be free-er this holiday, but I’m behind my goals so I’ll be writing.

    Soon you’ll be blogging about how you made it. 🙂

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  4. Katia Raina Avatar
    Katia Raina

    Thanks for your faith, Medeia — and Joyce! Boy am I going to have fun writing THAT blog post, Medeia 🙂

    Here is to writing, writing, more writing — and then, hopefully some nice completed manuscripts in 2011!!!

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