Conquering the demon

I write this post amidst a bit of jubilation. Four weeks ago I wrote about Finishing. At that time I said I would complete my novel in four weeks, finishing one of many dreams. Tonight, I did just that.

I faced many demons on this journey. The realities of time, family, and faith all tested me. I had troubles with my health, with my marriage, and worst of all with my children's health. Using each of these to draw strength, and using writing as an escape, I managed to face the biggest demon of all: my own self-doubt.

I've always said that my mother is my toughest critic. I love her, but she is. But she has nothing on the inner demon of self-doubt I hold within myself. I told my husband when I started this journey that even I doubted I could finish it, but I "had to try."

Over the past year I used (and abused) the support of my best friend and my husband to get the novel written. I stumbled and missed days of writing. I fell and missed months. Each time Jess or Erik would help to pick me up, dust me off, and shove me back into the sweathouse.

Tonight when I wrote those final words, and finished them off with a "The End" for good measure, Erik woke up at the exact moment (by coincidence) and gave me a good heart-felt cheer.

I now have two months (by my own deadlines) of editing and ignoring to do, prepping queries and the hook, not to mention the synopsis that I dread. But having completed the novel, conquering my own demons to do it, I have no doubt that I'll get it done.

When I'd told him I finished, Erik asked me - "So does this mean I get my wife back?"

If he only knew how much more work it would take! *LOL*