Finis at last!
Apr 13th 2007
Nicole JordanMy Life As A Plebe
It’s usually a big relief for us novelists when we get to type THE END on the last page of a manuscript first draft. Those two little words signify the culmination of months and months of hard work. And even though the first draft of a novel is actually just one step in the long publication process – and there’s a lot more work to be done before the real book gets stocked on store shelves 
(revisions, copy-edits, page proofs, cover art, back copy, promotion) – typing THE END is still a significant milestone.
The story is real by then, and the characters fully developed. And while the manuscript may have flaws, at least it’s in a readable form that can be poked and prodded and polished by ourselves, our critiquers, and our editors.
I just finished the main draft of Book 2 of my new Regency trilogy, The Courtship Wars (Hurray!!! I celebrated with wine and chocolate, of course!) But as soon as I typed THE END, I had to move on to Book 3.
Which made me groan.
Because even though I adore these next characters and have a fun, sexy story all figured out… and even though I try to organize the work into manageable bite-sized chunks (outline, synopsis, opening page, first scene, chapter 1, chapter 2, all the way to the epilogue)… I find myself procrastinating (like Karen Rose does *G*) because I know how much effort it will take to write the whole first draft.
Just thinking about all that work makes me cringe. How lovely it would be to skip over the hard labor and just type THE END!
Often, long projects are no fun. Take, for example, one my dh and I finished last fall – having the house we bought two years ago re-stuccoed. For seven interminable weeks we had to deal with pounding and 
scraping and grinding, not to mention construction workers peering through our bathroom windows – yikes!) This spring we need to replace the roof, and even though it’s only supposed to take two days, I’m dreading the whole thing. I sure wish I could wave a magic wand and have it be done!
My mom recently had to plan a huge luncheon for a dear friend who’s moving away, so she wanted it to be special. My dh just finished a consulting job for a client that took five months and started another one that will last a year or more. And they feel the same way about starting and finishing big stuff… very glad to have it over and gulping at the thought of the enormous work yet to be done for new projects.
Do you have projects at work, play, or home that were a relief for you to put to rest? Or upcoming projects you can’t wait to finish and be done with? What would you give to have a magic wand (or as a goddess, immortal powers!) to do all the work for you?
45 Comments »
45 Responses to “Finis at last!”
Susan K on 13 Apr 2007 at 7:37 am #
Right now I am working on a HUGE project that I can’t wait to be done with. Planning my wedding! I want the planning to be done and the wedding to be here already but I still have 364 days to go. Yesterday began the 1 year countdown. I would love to have a magic wand so I could have everything I want for my wedding. There are some things I may have to go without cause we just can’t afford it.
I just finished cataloging my books. But that was fun! Now I have a whole list of books I need to get to complete collections. Doesn’t help that a lot of the books are out of print (Nicole Jordan, you are on my list!).
Karen Rose on 13 Apr 2007 at 8:07 am #
I’m glad other people procrastinate big jobs, too. I mean, I turn it into bite-sized pieces, but still. The enormity of the task sometimes terrifies me.
Nicole, we did the new roof thing last fall. I was on deadline. It was supposed to be two days, but became a solid week of pounding because our plywood under the shingles had rotted in places. I think the cat had permanent psychological damage from the terror of the pounding. I kept thinking - I’ll go to a coffeehouse or something, but I was working all night and sleeping in the daytime and I thought my neighborhood Starbucks would frown on me snoring in the corner.
Good luck on the roof. My next big project is cleaning my office. It’s actually on my Outlook task list and has been for months. Luckily I’ve just acquired help in the form of a former student who LIKES to clean. She actually looks at my piles of paper with an eager eye. Woot! Maybe there’s light at the end of the tunnel!
Nicole Jordan on 13 Apr 2007 at 8:07 am #
Susan, I thought of you when I wrote this blog, lol. I would NOT like to be in your shoes, planning a wedding, but it sounds as if you have it well under control! And hopefully you can start to enjoy the fun and excitement and anticipation.
For my wedding, besides us and the minister, we had twelve and a half guests attend… the half was my six-week-old nephew who slept the whole time, thankfully.
NicoleJ
Susan K on 13 Apr 2007 at 8:28 am #
Nicole
I wish I could get my guest list down to 12 people. NOT possible! Right now it stands at about 220 and most of them belong to my fiance. Everytime he thinks of someone new I remind him that we have to pay for them to eat. Makes him rethink it! I do have things pretty much in hand, though. Thanks mostly to my mother! I don’t know what I’d do without her.
DebMarlowe on 13 Apr 2007 at 9:24 am #
I am currently ignoring a huge project: Cleaning out my closet. It’s not pretty. I know I’ll be so happy and satisfied when it’s done, but it just looks like such a big job and I don’t have any large chunks of unoccupied time any more.
gannon on 13 Apr 2007 at 10:15 am #
My current very large project is preparing to move across the country in June. It’s our last move with the Navy (dh is retiring) and even though they pack for us, we still need to prepare. We need to go through everyone’s closet–this includes 3 kids who accumulate loads of junk–and every room in the house! Is it any wonder I would rather not think about it now?
My dh has started going through files in the office, purging papers we no longer need and have continued to haul around the world. I keep saying it’s time to simplify our lives. No time like the present, right? Now, if I could just hire someone to do all the dirty work!;)
Karen Hawkins on 13 Apr 2007 at 10:41 am #
I came to say my biggest project lately was finishing my dfb (Darn Fine Book), but that pales besides moving across country. Heck, it pales even beside cleaning out a closet. ONE closet!
Good luck, Gannon! That’s tough, but it does get you organized. I moved from TN to FL last summer and it was hard, but now things are much more organized. For now. By next year, I’ll probably be right where I was before.
Sigh.
Nicole Jordan on 13 Apr 2007 at 10:45 am #
KarenR, PLEASE don’t tell me my roof is gonna take longer! But maybe since I don’t live in FL where there’s so much rain, I won’t have the same problem. *G*
DebM, you have a great reason to not have large chunks of time any more…. having to write your new books! Do you have all three finished, or just the first?
And Gannon, I’m an Army brat, so I know exactly what you’re going through. I went to six different high schools. But funny thing is, once the work was done, I enjoyed moving to new places and making new friends. And after I was out of college, I started getting antsy if I lived in one place too long. However, those days are long gone! I don’t care to move again anytime soon, even though we just moved ten miles two years ago. I’m curious, though, how do you think you and your dh are going to handle retirement? Is it something you can’t wait for or are nervous about?
NicoleJ
Sabrina Jeffries on 13 Apr 2007 at 10:53 am #
I have a million larger projects that keep sitting, waiting for me to do them. I think I need to get rid of some stuff in my life. I never have any time for anything! Except for blogging, of course. And spider solitaire. And Robin Hood and Law and Order. Oh, and lunches with friends . . .
Okay, I have GOT to get my life together. Sheesh!
TheNightPoet on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:04 am #
The only project I have right now is to clean my room again. lol Well and I need to start thinking about party ideas for my friend, Melissa’s wedding in August. Speaking of which, can any of you goddesses tell me what responsibilities I have as being the maid of honor? I am sharing the title with another friend of mine (that’s how our friend wanted it) and we’re both newbies at this. I have no clue what we’re supposed to do. If you could help me with that, I’d be very grateful.
Back to the topic….there are so many times I wish I had a magic wand to clean my room, do my homework, reading (for class) and taking notes for me. lol It would be much more easy to just grab my magic wand and “poof” everything into order. lol
Andrea
kimber on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:07 am #
My biggest project is to reseed the lawn in the backyard. My three JRTs romping turned what was lush lawn into a dirtpatch. I can’t afford to just put in sod so I have to till it up and put down seed then fence It off and pray. I have gotten used to cleaning out my closets and office since my office is basically a closet. You know, one of those rooms that you shove everything into when theres no room anywhere else in the house. So I have to clean it out every two or three months.
Gannon, you have my simpathy. I hate moving. My last move was years ago and I still haven’t got my house organized.
Nicole Jordan on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:21 am #
>>I came to say my biggest project lately was finishing my dfb (Darn Fine Book)
That’s what you call it, Karen? Mine starts out as Darn Fine, but somewhere along the way it turns into Darn Friggin’ or worse. *G*
I know, Sabrina, it’s not to hard to do the projects we love and have fun with, but the others, it’s like pulling teeth. I have dozens of little spring cleanup stuff to do around the house that I keep putting off and off and off. But at least last week I made myself tackle the sewing pile (missing buttons, small holes, etc.) that I’d left lying around and building for about 9 months.
NicoleJ
Nicole Jordan on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:27 am #
AndreaTNP, I’ll bet Susan knows what a MOH is supposed to do! My MOH picked up the flowers and welcomed the guests, but like I said, mine was so small, it was more like a party.
And Kimber, I’ve had to reseed lawns several times, which isn’t fun. The one that really got me, though, was when Chemlawn came out and sprayed the new lawn that I’d spent months carefully nursing along with Round-up instead of just weedkiller and killed the whole darn thing. My dh said he’s never seen me so livid. I almost threw the Cl guy off the front porch when he said our lawn was looking gray and dead because I hadn’t watered! And there are some good tricks to holding in moisture and getting seed to stay in place and sprout well. Hope it goes great for you!
NicoleJ
gannon on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:28 am #
Nicole,
My husband and I are both excited and nervous about retirement. Does that make sense? My husband went to the Naval Academy,so all he knows is Navy life–me, too. He’ll officially have 21 years in (as of May 21) and we’ve been married almost 19 years!
Everyone says we’ll get itchy feet after a few years and want to move, but quite frankly, I’m over the whole moving thing. We’ve been lucky to have lived in some great places, but it’s time “to put down roots”, as my dh says. Especially since our oldest will be starting high school in the fall. I don’t know how you handled moving so much in high school! My son would disown us if we did that to him. As it is, he’s not really happy about the move, but then that’s how he feels every time. After the kids make new friends, then all is well. I keep telling them that moving is the pits for all of us–I’m already sad about leaving my friends, too. Thank God for e-mail!
Nicole Jordan on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:35 am #
>>Thank God for e-mail!
Boy, you can say that again, Gannon!! It’s been lifesaver.
The Navy has so many wonderful places to be stationed, much better than the Army in general. I know I would envy all the places you’ve been!
As for moving a lot, it taught me how to make aquaintances and friends easily. I made lifelong cherished friends I never would have known if we hadn’t moved a lot. So on balance, I think it was well worth it.
Best of luck to you and your family! It’ll be an adjustment but you’ll probably grow to love it.
NicoleJ
darlingbeachgirl on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:40 am #
Well I pretty much got in over my head by trying to rearrange our whole house so I kinda wish that was over and done with. I moved my husband and I bedroom to the play room and then decided to do away with a play room and give the boy his own room. Boy was I glutton for punishment cause now I have the toysrus I joked was their play room spread between the girls’ room and the boy’s room. of course he being the only male I thought he would like his own room so due to my mistake I have a 3 year old little mouse as I like to call him cause he is small and constantly making a pest of himself with his sisters crawling in my bed in the middle of the night. (of course I enjoy the cuddling while it lasts though)
gannon on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:54 am #
Nicole,
I agree with you about the friends I’ve made–definitely worth everything. I always tell my kids that we are in certain places for a reason and I often feel that it’s to cross paths with different people. We’ve been blessed in that respect.
You’re right, we have lived in some great places. With the Navy you can almost guarantee you’ll be near the water! Now we’re moving to the mountains of western NC–far away from any water, except lakes and rivers. Still, we can’t wait. I adore the mountains.
Gannon
Susan K on 13 Apr 2007 at 12:38 pm #
AndreaTNP,
So far I know that a MOH is supposed to throw the bridal shower, plan the bachelorette party, direct the bridesmaids in their duties, help shop for dresses, make sure the bride doesn’t go insane, keep a record of all gifts received, etc.. There is an entire list on http://www.theknot.com. That’s where I’m finding all my info. It’s a lifesaver!
Kasey on 13 Apr 2007 at 12:57 pm #
Well I started my thesis last semester, and I will be working on it off an on over the next school year and I will be very excited to get it all completed and get my defense over with. Of course when that is done, I will have my Master’s too. So it will be a great feeling to finish next year.
Suzanne Enoch on 13 Apr 2007 at 2:18 pm #
I’m working on my big project right now, due June 1st. No magic wand in sight, but I’ve been trying to tell all my family and friends that I’m judging a writing contest. They need to write a chapter on a topic I suggest, hand it in, and I’ll get back to them. So far no takers, darn-it-all. I think they’re on to me.
Next project, finding a nice robe that Karen Hawkins will wear while we’re rooming together for the RWA in Dallas, because otherwise she writes NAKED.
Nicole Jordan on 13 Apr 2007 at 2:50 pm #
Darlingbg — at least you’ve got a few benefits for all that chaos! Fosters togetherness *G*.
I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to have it all done, Kasey. Oh, and I just saw that the pre-orders for the next HP book are through the roof, breaking all other records.
And I feel for you, Suzanne! Not only having to meet a close deadline — how many books are you writing this year — 3?? 4?? that would kill me! — but having to keep KarenH decent. That’s a pretty big challenge, lol.
NicoleJ
Karen Hawkins on 13 Apr 2007 at 2:51 pm #
Hey, Suzanne! Who said I’d be writing at Nationals? I should be on my official TWH (Two Week Holiday), or so I’m thinkin’.
BUT if you want, and you’re feeling the Night Wear Love, then I’d like a blue, fuzzy robe with lovely matching slippers. Just sayin’…
Kasey on 13 Apr 2007 at 3:09 pm #
I saw that too Nicole. Infact, I already pre-ordered my copy so I can pick it up at midnight. I don’t want anyone ruining the ending for me!
gannon on 13 Apr 2007 at 3:32 pm #
Good luck with you thesis, Kasey. What a relief it will be for you when it’s complete. I remember when my dh worked on his–Ugh!! Pretty much convinced me not to worry about a master’s degree for awhile.
Kasey on 13 Apr 2007 at 3:46 pm #
Thanks! I have been kind of put it on hold for now because I am waiting for the last book to come out. I need to make sure nothing happens that will cause me to have to change my focus.
gannon on 13 Apr 2007 at 3:58 pm #
Kasey, I guess I’m out of the loop. What book?
Kasey on 13 Apr 2007 at 4:05 pm #
Oh I am doing my thesis on Harry Potter, so I am waiting for book 7 to come out in July. I am going for my Master’s in English and am focusing on Children’s and YA Literature.
Nicole Jordan on 13 Apr 2007 at 5:30 pm #
Sorry, Gannon! I shoulda been more specific… a few blogs ago Kasey had mentioned what her thesis was about. I think that’s so cool! But I don’t know that I would have the patience or fortitude to make that kind of commitment now.
Where are you moving to in NC? Those mountains are beautiful. We used to whitewater raft on the Chatooga. What wild ride! And do you and your dh have plans to fill in your retirement hours?
NicoleJ
Judy F on 13 Apr 2007 at 5:38 pm #
I guess my biggest project I am avoiding is putting my pictures in an album. I think I have a few years worth under the coffee table. And lets not talk about the ones stored on the computer now that I have a digital camera. Yikes. I swear my new niece will be in college before I get it together.
I did go through my book piles and now have some of them boxed up. That’s as far as I got with it. LOL
Claudia Dain on 13 Apr 2007 at 5:46 pm #
Kasey, that thesis sounds fascinating! What’s your premise?
See, I like to think about other people’s projects rather than my own, a book due May 1.
An unfinished book due May 1.
And, is anyone selling tickets to watch Karen H write in the nude? Cause I’m willing to pay upwards of 3 bucks for the privilege.
gannon on 13 Apr 2007 at 6:01 pm #
Kasey, what a great topic for a thesis! My 3 kids and I love the Harry Potter books–can’t wait for the final one!
Nicole, we are moving to a tiny town called Valle Crucis–it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places! It’s right next to Boone and near a couple of good ski resorts (Ski Beech and Sugar Mountain). My dh is going to work with some friends of ours in their business–gotta do something since he’s only 42 (almost 43)! As for me, I’m going to get serious about my writing. And maybe work part time at one of the fun little shops in the area. Plus, I will continue to be the CEO of our family (a full time job!) and taxi service for our 3 children. Our oldest will be driving in less than 2 years –yikes!–so he can take over later.
Gannon
Brandy on 13 Apr 2007 at 6:13 pm #
My current project is repainting my entire house (inside). Hubs is just a huge pracrastinator about it, so I’m the one doing all the work. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but I’m also reorganizing everything as well. I hate clutter, so getting all this taken care of is important to me.
I wish everyone the best of luck on their projects!
Kasey on 13 Apr 2007 at 7:09 pm #
Thanks everyone! I am am probably one of the few people who is excited to work on my thesis becasue it is a topic that I love so much. My topic is not set in stone but I have my Review of Lit mostly done so I set myself up in the argument pretty well I think. I am going to use the development of the fantasy hero and explain how it is directly related to Harry’s coming of age throughout the series. How one could not happen with the other.
Claudia, good luck your book. I am sure it will be wonderful.
Not sure if Julia London was on here today but I just wanted to say I found her book when I stopped at B & N today! One more thing to distract me from writing a paper that is due on Monday.
julia london on 13 Apr 2007 at 7:49 pm #
Hey Kasey! I’m coming in late — I was out all day, but I had to stop and tell Nicole I’m so jealous she finished. I am nowhere near and have a deadline looming like Claudia’s.
How cool you found the book!! I am sorry to divert you from writing your paper, but hey, its the weekend :-).
I read through all the comments. I can say I am glad I am not moving, i wish I could get to my closets (found a gem of a shirt today in the very back–had forgotten I had it), and the biggest thing on my plate…other than deadlines and watching a book go on sale…is selling a pool table. Anyone want a pool table?
Kelly Ann on 13 Apr 2007 at 8:41 pm #
I would love a pool table, Julia, but I doubt that it’s practical for me to come and buy it. Especially since I live in Alabama and hate moving anything!!!!!
I like most projects I take on, I’m odd, but I love the satisfaction of seeing my projects complete and having something to keep me occupied. I don’t care for being bored, it’s hard to sit still unless I’m on the computer or reading.
However, I hate moving, I’ve done it way to much. I’d be happy never to move again, but I will be. We are looking for land to buy and build on. I dread the moving but I’ll be happy to settle to one place forever. My parent’s moved to Fla. when I was 4 and I lived in the same house until I was 17 and off to college. They still live in the house. I prefer to feel settled.
This weekend I have a project I dread - cleaning out my kitchen cabinets and reorganizing them. I’ve been procrastinating for about 2 months. I’m sure I’ll be fine once I’ve started & really happy once it’s complete.
Nicole Jordan on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:27 pm #
Photo albums, house painting, cabinet cleaning… sounds like all the things I would put off, too. LOL Wish you goddesses great success with them all. What I want to know, though, is why if we’re goddesses, we have to do all that stuff?
I’ve skied Beech a loooong time ago, gannon. And that really is beautiful country. Being CEO of a family can be a full time job, so best of luck with that and your writing!
Julia, don’t need a pool table, thank you! And hope you and Claudia fly toward your deadline. Haven’t been to a bookstore to look for PERILS yet, but out here in Utah, most distribution is late… we’re lucking to see books by the official pub date. But I am really looking forward to it…. especially since I’ve seen such lovely reviews for it.
KA, where in AL do you live? My folks lived in Montgomery for a year after I was out of school.
NicoleJ
Kasey on 13 Apr 2007 at 11:32 pm #
Don’t worry Julia, I will use any excuse to put of writing my paper.
Kelly Ann on 14 Apr 2007 at 3:29 am #
I’ve skied once in my life and it was @ Beech, I knew then that I had limitations when it came to sports. But the beauty of the place made up for all the laughter I endured for attempting to look like a pro. I spent more time on my back sliding down the side of the bunny slope or tangled in that orange fencing begging passerbys to help me. It wasn’t pretty, though I had a wonderful time. And I do like sleding, even if I’m not graceful @ that either.
NJ, I live in Centreville, which is like 67 miles north of Montgomery taking Hwy 82, small, peaceful and very beautiful!
ericaleigh on 14 Apr 2007 at 4:26 pm #
We had a pipe burst in the basement (aka my garden apartment) and I finially got the majority of the room put back together. I kept saying to my mom that I just couldn’t wait for everything to be finished and put away so that I could get my life organized. Miraculously I majorly motivated this week and got most of the painting done and everything relocated back into the room, waiting to be put away, thrown away or put for sale on e-bay. There is something to say for finishing a project that great sense of accomplishment and of having done a good job.
Nicole Jordan on 14 Apr 2007 at 6:02 pm #
KA, I’ll bet that really is beautiful country. Really green, right? I’m so envious. In the whole state of UT there are maybe ten blades of grass, and those dry up when summer hits. Except for the golf courses and land that’s irrigated. I really miss the green of Atlanta.
Erical, that burst pipe stuff is awful! So glad you got it all fixed up.
NicoleJ
TheNightPoet on 14 Apr 2007 at 9:51 pm #
Nicole and Susan K, thank you so much for the help. I’ll have to let my friend who is sharing the title with me know about this. You two are lifesavers!
Andrea
susang on 15 Apr 2007 at 7:17 pm #
I procrastinate when it’s time to do the hand wash–sweaters, bras, silks, etc. However, I no longer procrastinate ironing my linen shirts–they all go to the cleaner to be laundered now! Worth every penny!
And boy am I glad to hear that Nicole has finished her book. Congrats!
SusanG
Nicole Jordan on 16 Apr 2007 at 9:06 am #
I’m so glad SusanK knows about this wedding planning stuff, Andrea! And I hoe both weddings go GREAT. You’ll have to report back to us on them.
And SusanG, it’s great to have you here! I hear you about the laundry, lol. Fortunately I get to wear jogging suits and jeans for work and don’t have to have fine clothes. Good thing. Ironing falls into the same category as sewing, IMO. I maybe do it once a year if I absolutely have to.
NiicoleJ
TheNightPoet on 16 Apr 2007 at 10:49 am #
Nicole, I’m glad she knows about them too. I would still be lost without what she told me. (well truth be known, I am still feeling lost. lol) Once school is out for the summer, I’ll be able to focus on my friends’ wedding more than I am able to now. And I will definitely let you all know about how it went.
Andrea
Mad on 19 Apr 2007 at 9:09 pm #
I’ve got a few things to fix/repair at the house in the next few weeks….I hope to God I can get someone to come out and do it because Mom is coming for a visit and I’d rather not have to hear “yada yada yada is broken, blah blah blah needs to be fixed.” And no, having hubby fix or repair anything will just make it worse….sadly, he and his 3 brothers are NOT handymen…they break whatever they try to fix so I’d rather pay someone to fix the things I need done. LOL