Last night I told David that I felt like I was just a couple of chapters away from being finished with the first draft of the book. Over the weekend I finally wrapped up a chapter that has taken me a sweet forever to write, not because it covers some deep emotional issue, mind you – it took forever because it’s about Martha getting a Kindle for Christmas, and any time Martha and technology meet face-to-face, it is an epic, life-altering event. When I pasted that chapter into my big ole master document, the word count jumped up to 41,909. Since the book is supposed to come in somewhere around 50,000 words, it was a glorious moment. I’m fairly certain I heard several harps in the background and maybe even a couple of lyres.
Anyway, I don’t know what they call that in book-writing circles, but in Deep South circles we call it HOLD ON, MYRTLE, WE’RE HITTING THE HOME STRETCH.
So this week? I’m gonna hunker down and get ‘er done. I don’t know if I can write a little over 8,000 words in a week, but I think I can get pretty close. And since the little guy is in VBS right now, that means that I have some really nice stretches-o-time when I can pop in my headphones and block out the world (well, to an extent – I will never stop being fascinated by the people who walk into Panera or Starbucks) and crank out some sentences.
Hopefully I’ll be able to say, “LO, IT IS FINISHED” the next time I post. And then maybe I’ll perform a heartfelt dance number.
Hope y’all have a great week!
You go, girl!
(do people still say this?)
(I’m not really sure.)
(but it felt appropriate.)
You can do it!
I say it…all.the.time!
Martha and Kindle- that makes me giddy.
I second the “You Go Girl” sentiment. Very exciting!
Good luck with the writing! Love me some Napoleon!
Just remember to record the dance number so we can see it!
Sophie,
I CAN NOT WAIT to read your book!!!!
First draft almost fin-ished, first draft almost fin-ished, first draft almost fin-ished – whoo whoo whoo!
How fantastic!! If there is Martha in this book, consider one sold. I LOVE your stories about her.
Yeah!! Can’t wait to read!
One of the best movie clips of all time! This totally made my day! :)
yay! congrats for you sweet friend :-) praying those lat 8000 words come easily and perfectly (I’m sure they will) :-)
Yay!! So excited for you! So excited for me that I get to read it SOON!!
You can do this!!! Love you!!
YES! I have some deadlines coming up, and if I manage to make them, I will be doing a Napoleon!
So glad to hear you’re in the home stretch – you can do this!
Hooray for the home stretch!!!
Cheering you on!
I’m so excited for you. I am in the process of finishing a book, too, and I can honestly say its one of the hardest things I’ve ever done so WAY TO GO YOU for making it this far! Can’t wait to read the finished product. :)
So excited for you Sophie! Git er done!! Woo hoo!
You & Myrtle just go full throttle, because that is one book I am looking forward to reading with giddy anticipation!!!
My husband turns 70 this month. When we went out to eat Saturday night and he wore his “Vote for Pedro” t-shirt, we attracted quite a bit of attention. Needless to say, this clip put a smile on my face!
Yay, Martha is going to be famous! I’m sure she is already searching for the perfect 3/4 length sleeve jacket at the steinmarts for your Book Release Party! I cannot wait to read this book, I think it would be glorious to have a little sneak peak of the Martha/Kindle chapter. :)
As I was reading this, while simultaneously on hold with Walgreens pharmacy, “Wind Beneath My Wings” was playing on the phone. Hooray for unintentional soundtracks! Fly high in the sky, girl!
I loved this scene in Napoleon Dynamite. I cannot wait to see you doing this dance, Sophie!! Seriously, I cannot wait to read your book! I am so proud of you!
True story- I met my husband when he was on staff with Young Life and working for a month at Windy Gap in NC. He was doing program (aka the crazy characters at club) and the night I met him, his character did the full Napoleon Dynamite dance while wearing a helmet, elbow & knee pads, tube socks and 1980’s snow boots. Clearly, it was love at first sight.
Random story- I work up at Covenant College and we have various high school and middle school camps that use our campus during the summer. An adult with one of the groups walked by wearing a Mississippi State and I hollered “Hail State!” without even thinking about it. That is ENTIRELY due to the influence of your tweets :) #SEClove