There is a sense of satisfaction and (let’s be honest) relief at having completed and printed out the first draft of my latest novel, “The Owl on the Pergola”. The manuscript is now with my most trusted reader for her verdict – fingers crossed. The first couple of chapters have elicited the comment ‘Colourful’ which is encouraging as far as it goes. The photograph shows one of the locations in which the novel is set, so colourful is probably fair!
I’ve enjoyed living with the characters day by day for the last six months, and, while I shall still be working with them as I edit the book, it won’t be in quite the same way. You see, I now know how the novel ends – yes, that’s right, I honestly didn’t know how it would end until I wrote the last page! Even if editing changes the story appreciably, I shall never again walk beside the characters as they discover who they are and what they can achieve. I shall miss that.
Autumn Leaves 
Sad like saying goodbye to old friends. I only recently came to understand this as I began writing my book and absolutely love time spent with my characters. Wishing all goes well from here onwards for your book!
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Dear Brenda
Thank you for reading and for your good wishes. Good luck with your book too! Some characters almost become friends, don’t they?
With best wishes
Penny
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They certainly do! 😀
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I can so relate to that “ending” of your journey with the characters, Penny. It used to make me cry. Congratulations and I hope the rest of the book’s journey to publication is just as colorful as the beginning. 🙂
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Thank you so much for the kind and supportive comment. I can believe that you were emotional at journey’s end with your characters. I found myself weeping with my MC at various points in the journey. Writing is an immensely immersive experience – at least, I find it so.
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Yes, me too! My husband just needs to look at my face to know I’m killing someone off!
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