I have had a novella length story I've literally been working on for three years and one week. I started writing it on March 6, 2006, and just finished it today. The sad part is, it spent about two years and nine months shuffling between intention, minor update and the back burner.
As the weather's been changing, of course, I've gotten to spend a lot more time outdoors. We get a lot of crows in the yard and in the field across the road, but among them is a strange imposter. A raven. Their throaty crawking call is so unique that it's not easy to dismiss when I set out in the morning with my dog to do the daily yard patrol. So every day, this raven gives us a throat full of hell as we parade the yard, and as soon as I spot it, it takes off and flies over to the field, where it disappears.
What does this have to do with my novella? Well, one of the main characters in the story is actually a raven. And for the last few weeks, I've felt as if that raven were prodding me to dive back into my story and get it finished. On Friday morning, I stepped outside to test the weather, and there it was in the massive pine tree beside the house. It squarawked at me twice, bobbing it's head, and then we both went about our business.
I came inside, brought up the document, and got to work. About twenty minutes ago I finished the first draft. Sadly, I worry that my raven friend may disappear now that I've fulfilled my part of the bargain, but I hope not. A lingering raven will make sure I get through the workshopping process, as well as second and third draft edits.
Any of my friends who might be interested in a proofread, please let me know. I'm always more than grateful for the extra feedback, even from non-writers.
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4 comments:
You know, we receive messages from strange sources sometimes. It's up to us to listen to them and be receptive. This was obviously one of those occasions. I'm glad you finished the first draft.
As always, my eyes are yours if you need them.
I agree. I really felt like it was prompting me to get to it. I have another story too, that one of the characters is a raven, so if it doesn't go away, I'll know it's telling me to get to it on that one. :D
Thanks, Nikki. First draft has been flown straight to your email. :)
How odd that the raven appeared. Let's hope it's a good sign!
Helen
http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com
The awesome thing is not that the raven appeared--but that you were open to the message!
Congratulations.
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