About The Bitter End

Post 716:

            It’s a hackneyed simile, but writing a novel has a lot in common with long distance running. The beginning is pretty easy. Nothing hurts. Frustration and weariness haven’t set in, and there’s a sort of pride—hey, you’re doing a good thing, and not everybody does good things.

            Toward the end, at least for me, I’m not thinking about what a good decision I’ve made. Frustration and weariness are just about all I’ve got going, along with a scarily high heartrate.

            Does writing suck? No. Nor does exercise, but somewhere toward the end, it kind of does.

            If you’re like me, you sprint at the end of the run. Nothing is more important than getting it over with.

            I’ve done this with books. Sometimes, you just want it to be over so you can move on to the next thing.

            Probably not a good idea. Good writing ain’t running. Maybe slow down and take it all in. Get your breath back and take a clear look around. That way the miles won’t be wasted.

            Just a thought. Cheers and see you after.