So I achieved a great milestone yesterday: I actually finished my first draft of my current novel. I don't know if it's fully sunk in yet because I don't seem as excited as I think I "should" be. Don't get me wrong - I am so glad it is done, but I'm also not finished with it yet.
Maybe that's the thing. Maybe I'm dreading the next part. This is a novel I really want to pursue publishing with, but I know that is going to be a lot of work. And what I'm dreading most is what it needs the most: cutting.
My biggest weakness when it comes to writing is cutting. Remember all those length requirements you had on your essays in school? Yeah, I never had even a twinge of a problem meeting them. In fact I usually had a harder time staying within the upper limit requested.
I have a really hard time knowing what is essential, crucial information, and what is fluff. I don't know what I can reasonably get rid of and not sacrifice my story; or (heaven forbid) what might actually make it better. I really need a good, critical reader who is willing to read through it and say, "This is useless, but this is good." Unfortunately, I don't have the money to pay someone who does that professionally on a regular basis (though I am joining a critique group, so I'm hoping they will help).
But today celebrate with me because I have a good first draft. Now I just need to focus and teach myself how to make it great!
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