Two days ago I turned 33, and finished the first draft of my novel's manuscript. So many important occasions falling on the same day! But now what?
The truth is, I am still figuring that out. I know what is best is to put my story away for a while and let my characters take a break. I have been writing fiction stories for 8 years now, and feel I have learned more in the past month than in that whole time before it. Granted, I finished several stories in the past and learned how to properly world-build fantasy realms. But there is a lot of value in finding out that modern literature has its own formatting and grammar rules that are completely separate from the scientific writing that I have done as a doctor since 2014.
I'm now on a search for the perfect way to query my story to agents. I plan to send those letters out after I finish a second draft, which I won't begin until May. In the meantime, I am still going to submit to my local writer's group and get feedback on existing work. I am starting a new short story, and want to compete in writing prompts to get my name out in the world. Who knows? I have nothing to lose at this point, so I'm going to work until I can't work anymore.
If you're a writer like me and you're feeling lost, I have one piece of advice. Just keep writing. Even if you have to take a break, keep writing when you get back to it. If you're bored with it, change it. If your characters make you cry, cry with them. If your heart hurts when you're finished, it means you lived their pain. Give them some love to live, too. Love yourself. And don't be afraid of the critic within you, who is much harsher than any critic you'll meet.
Don't lose your voice. Breathe life into them as they breathe life into you!
- MSloan
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