New Experiences + The End

Today’s prompt:

New experiences you are learning from.

1. That I can write. I’ve never tried to do 50,000 words in a month before (let alone three weeks!), but it actually hasn’t gone that bad. Last year I did 30,000 and thought that was a stretch. But this year it’s gone very well!
2. Moving. You don’t know how much you just expect you’ll stay in a house for a long time until you’re told you need to go. But even with all the uncertainties, He still shows Himself faithful.
3. Making decisions as the head editor of a magazine. This has been really interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever been in quite this kind of leadership position before. It’s definitely different—and makes me lean on the Lord more!
4. Differences in doctrines. With friends and family. It’s hard to deal with sometimes, but it definitely makes you go to God and ask, “How should I respond here?” Always, He responds. It’s amazing how He does at times.
5. I’m helping my third-youngest brother make a book of pictures from this place at the moment, and we’re running into troubles. Looks like we’ll end up doing what Mum was suggesting at first. Maybe it’s time I start trying to figure out her end of things first before going ahead and doing it my way at times? I’m glad I have a mother who can think through things. :)
6. A month or two ago, I made some sourdough starter for the first time. Somehow about a week ago I finally managed to kill it. Never, ever, ever leave a sourdough starter in the fridge for too long and then cook it on top a hot water heater. I did it. It choked to death. So now I’m making a new one. Currently I’m on day five, and it’s looking very alive and happy—which is good! I’m thankful we can make healthy homemade sourdough bread!
7. My brothers always have projects going. Tonight, Joe was working on putting together a paper pig, so I helped him. I’m learning that I need to sometimes take time out of my busy schedule to spend time with my brothers. I’m thankful that I have little brothers to spend time with!

Writing went very well today. I wrote 1,288 words, and finished the novel! I was originally planning to go a little slower on that part, but realised it would be really boring if I did, so I just skipped time (as I seem to do very easily), and finished the book. I never had a very clear idea what the last scene would be, but I do now. And I love it. :)

Now I can go back and edit the rest of the book to fit the last scene. There are a few rough bits I know I’ll have to correct, but I’m leaving that for now. I’ll get the rest of what I wrote yesterday and today printed, then I’ll let it set until after we move. I’ll probably get to editing around the end of January/beginning of February. Then I’ll need to hurry, so I can get it done by the June deadline of getting several free books printed.

Over all, I’m very thankful to God for giving me the idea for this story and helping me write it, and actually getting me to “THE END”! It was the first time I had ever typed that at the end of a novel, so that was fun. :) I’m also very thankful to all those who’ve been praying for me—I know God’s answered. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens to this book. I’d like to make it my debut novel, but we’ll see what God has in store. :)

With joy,
~Esther