The End

by Cindy R. Williams

I did it! I just wrote the two magic words I have been waiting to write for just shy of three, YES THREE YEARS! What two words am I talking about? Thanks for asking. They are, "THE END".

I sat on my love seat in my bedroom with my computer on my lap when I wrote those two incredible words. I looked around my room at the bazillion dragons and fairies smiling down on me.

I leaned back on the sofa in shock wondering what a writer is supposed to do at this monumental juncture in the journey of their first 170,000 word novel.

"Wishing You Were Here" by Chicago was playing on my favorite writing TV music channel. I love Chicago and thought how great it was that I finished with their music playing.

Good things seem to happen that coincide with Chicago.

In fact, I owe my marriage to Chicago. My husband and I met buying tickets to attend their concert at BYU.

Now if you're asking in the back of your mind, "What is she doing writing a 170,000 word novel? Middle Grade fanatasies should only be around 60-70,000 words." Let me explain.

The idea for Thundertail came way back in November of 2007 as a bed time story to my then six year old Chase McKay. Yes, the same Chase McKay that inspired the children's book. I felt it was the right time to learn how to take my stories to the next level and get them written down.

This led to meeting a woman that would change my life, Dr. Pamela Goodfellow. She recently relocated from Seattle, where she taught Creative Writing at the University of Seattle. She also owns Goodfellow Publishing Services. She was offering classes through Gilbert Parks and Recreation. I felt that I could afford this, and one night a week away from the family would not destroy them so I signed up.

Now, almost three years later, I have completed all nine college writing courses and graduated from Dr. Goodfellow's program. My first published book, Chase McKay Didn't Get Up Today, has been named a finalist in the Arizona Glyph Awards. I have several other awards from short stories, essays, and first chapters contest. And now, finally, I have finished Book One of the four book series of Thundertail.

Thundertail was originally going to be three books, but I split the first book in half so instead of 170,000 words, it is now around 80,000 words. Yeah, I know, still a bit long and my editor will probably make me tighten it some. Also,with a few revisions the remaining 90,000 words will become Book Two of the series.

When I finished the last chapter, I realized that it brought the closure needed, loose ends tied up, a hook for the next book and that I really, really was done. I just looked at my computer dumbfounded, then had to mentally nudge myself to type the official words, "The End".

I called my good friend and writing buddy, Melinda, and shared my news. She was delighted and of course this calls for a QT (Quick Trip - soda) or DQ (Dairy Queen - Blizzard) run to celebrate. Then I called my husband. Sorry sweetie, no offense. I think the idea of celebrating with ice cream tempted me.

My sweet husband has been editing for me. He has a great eye for content flow, grammar, punctuation, spelling and typos. Lucky me, I know. Actually, if you knew my husband, you would realize I am one of the luckiest ladies to have ever lived on this or any planet.

When I called my sweetie, I read the last twenty sentences or so to him, then waited to see if he understood what it meant. He let out a huge burst of laughter and said, "You did it! You finished the book!" We laughed and I beamed so bright I am sure he could see it even through the phone.

After I hung up, I jumped up and down and ran around the upstairs of my house doing the "I finished the book" jig. I didn't know how to do this jig before now. It is something that comes from deep inside and just flows out every muscle. I'm sure I looked quite goofy, probably like someone who snorts jello, but I don't mind. No one was home but the cats, dogs, fish, and the hamster and what do they care? In fact I am feeling another jig coming on. So this is "The End" of this blog. Oh . . . this feels so good! I can't believe I am saying this, but this is even better than chocolate!!!!!!!!

Also posted on ANWA Founder and Friends and Dragons Dreamer