finish writing my second book

my current draft and then write the last chapter.

I think it will take another year to finish this book, but I hope to have a first draft by December.

Today I am going to do some timed writings that will get me back on track… and put this manuscript in a brand new place.

Sometimes a cross-country move is in order to gift ourselves place and space and time and air to do our art. I have moved so much. I have lost so much in my life. It is hard to see past the loss to the clear horizon ahead. But, I now have the chance to write and live in a cabin in the woods. That will give this book the life it needs and give my first book a chance for a rewrite.

So there are many recommended changes… an actual rewrite. And I found a place to spend the winter to do this. But, it means the fragmentaion of the family and being across the country from my son.

How do I feel about the sacrifices that my art is demanding of me?

I am hoping to read all the way through the existing chapters on Friday and then take a notebook to a public place and spend two hours drinking and writing. All alone!!!! No guilt. No pressure. Part One might end up being a whole book. If it is, I am going to send it to Editor Dearest.

I only lack the finishing up on this book, but my life has changed so drastically that I am forgiving myself for this lack of completion at this point. However, I need to print both this manuscript and RP and review them while I am backcountry. I may just have to pay the boss for the ink here at the pack station and print from here since I have no idea how far it is to the nearest printing shop.

for completing this goal will be three new long-sleeved shirts from Victoria’s Secret.

I have not been able to write all week due to the upheaval in my life, but the house is packed and our belongings are going into storage so as of Monday I will go back to writing. I no longer have the trailer to work in because it is full of stuff, but I am going to work in my bedroom and finish this book. I am going to put it to bed on April 24 and start the book of essays on Food and Love.

I lack one chapter. Surely I can put this to bed before we have to be out of our house by May 1. I can’t do anything about this today or tomorrow, but I will have our stuff packed and ready for storage soon, and then I can just focus on finishing the book and putting it in the drawer.