Closer than Shadows

Sometimes when I get stuck, I'll insert a sentence in bold red that serves as a reminder for what I want to put in that spot, but just can't seem come up with the words to do so at the moment. (As an example, finish up the lunch scene or something like it) Then, when I reach a certain point in a book (usually when I'm feeling itchy feet, because the end is so close, right there, go go go go go) I make a list of all of my red comments. It gives me direction during my final days in First Draft Land and it's so much easier to slide my finger down the list and let Vlad tell me what I'm in the mood to write.

Last night there were nine remaining things on my list. Today there are eight. All but one are small things--paragraphs here and there, one or two pages. Only one full chapter remains to be written. I'm anxious to finish, but sad to. Finishing the first draft is always difficult for me. I feel like I'm losing a close friend. But when I'm able to ignore those unfortunate feelings, I get excited.

I'm closer than shadows now. Vlad's almost done telling me the story of his eighth grade year. He's whispered in my ear something dark, hinted at something horrible, thrilling and painful that will bloom in Ninth Grade Bites and follow him through his senior year. I want to continue to be his pen, to tell the world all he's been through. With any luck...maybe Vlad and I will get to spend the next five years together.

But that's not up to me.