I did it! I finished writing the sequel to my novel 5IVE SPEED. Thank you, thank you. It took a few months, but it was well worth it, and in time I think you'll all agree. But unfortunately, we're still not there.

Every book about writing that you read will tell you the same thing. Before writing the second draft, you should put the first draft aside for a while and get it out of your head. I've read the amount of time should be anywhere from two weeks to a couple months. The books will tell you to occupy yourself with something else in the meantime. Catch up on your reading; write some short stories; start on the next book.

Are you kiddin' me?!

This is the toughest part of the novel writing process. The wait between the drafts. I've been living with the characters every day for the past few months (besides most of them being the same people from the original 5IVE SPEED). Every day. They have become a part of my life. We've had our ups and downs, and at times they've given me both bitter anguish and extreme joy. They've told me where they want to go; what they want to do; and forced me to my keyboard oftentimes when I simply didn't want to. There have been moments I didn't want to do my daily writing and a voice from outside said, "Get crackin'. This is for US!" And I did.

I can't remember the name of the author who said something to the effect of "I like having written a novel." I'm the exact same way. The process can be excruciating, but then not doing it is just as bad.

Right now, in my head, the sequel I wrote is perfect and I don't need to change a word. You must also understand, I haven't re-read it. I know what it's like to do a second draft. It's not as glamorous as it's cracked up to be. There will be parts I'll have to cut out that will kill me, but I'll know they don't advance the story. There will be parts I'll have to add because sometimes what's in my head at the time didn't make it to the draft.

But that's not for a few days. I have to clear my head of my best friends so I can return to them fresh. Those of you who are authors who read this know what I'm talking about and I look forward to your comments because I sure could use some commiseration.

I hate gardening, so that's out. I don't think I'm the type to knit.

I suppose I could blog more.