Amongst the busy day of driving children around to their activities, I managed about about two hours of writing. I learned recently that I should bring my laptop with me when I bring my daughters to their activities. When they’re off doing gymnastics or learning science stuff, it’s ideal writing time for me!
It’s a good thing I managed to be disciplined like that today, because it allowed me to finally reach 30,000 words in Lessons in Absence. It feels like a halfway point. I had originally intended the novel to be about 60,000 words and at this stage I think I’ll hit at least that. There’s still so much more to explore. It has grown from its original idea into something that I’m tremendously proud of. Along the way, it has allowed me to discover that I love creative writing. This work in progress has inspired me to start another novel, Witness to the Forgotten, and to write poems in Irish.
Between now and the end of 2026, I intend to finish the novel. I have a rare opportunity over a weekend in November that offers me prolonged solitude, where I’ll be able to write 3,000 words a day over two days. I also have a bit of free time over the school mid-term break later this month.
My deadline is self-imposed so the stakes are low if I miss it. However, I’m the sort of person who needs a deadline so that things don’t get put on the long finger.
I can’t wait to write the post about finishing the novel. Before 2027 hopefully.
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