Writing the final Chapter

Writer’s Life

Writing the Final Chapter

I have been writing for a year. I began with a story that took place two or three books after this one. Sinha’s origin story became the focus.

312 hours and 26 minutes of writing and revising later. 66,321 words.

We’re leavin’ together
But still it’s farewell
And maybe we’ll come back
To Earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We’re leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?

It’s the final countdown
The final countdown

-The Final Countdown by Europe, Lyrics by Joey Tempest (Sony Music)

Yes, what a miserable song to play in my head. I suppose it is a play on the words ‘final’ and the feeling of dread that this is it. This is the final piece of the puzzle. This is the build-up. The ignition started. Engines roared. Fire blazing. The question on my lips: “Will this thing take off?”

318 hours and 45 minutes later.

Here I am. I’m at the end. I’m scared. I’m terrified. The thoughts in my head swirl around,

Is it good enough?
Is my story compelling?
Does it jump around too much?
Am I introducing too many characters?

Is this a sufficient close to a plot that can continue in subsequent books?

Is the villain deplorable?

Eek, what am I doing? I don’t know what I’m doing!?

I need to focus, I need to breathe. I can do this. I can. I have written 68,669 words in this novel. There are only a couple more to go. This is the last chapter, the final climax that everyone (who will read this book) is waiting for. There is no pressure. Ha ha ha.

Another deep breath exhaled. I have a plan. I have the outline. I can change anything, anytime. This is dirty writing.

Let’s go.

-D.M. De Alwis