The Year of Almost

Not finally, but almost.

For over twenty years, I have talked about writing a book. There were a lot of starts and stops. I researched extensively for many years. But I never got anywhere with actual writing. I took baby steps to start writing by taking a Writer’s Digest class in 2020. My writing attempts were unsuccessful. My dialogue was stilted among other things. I crashed and failed but at least I attempted. 

Fast forward a few years. In 2023, I decided to make the year my year of finally. The year that I pursued all the dreams that I have talked about but not yet achieved. One goal was to write my book. In spring 2023, I learned of a Romance of Writers America’s “Paper to Polished” program, which taught unpublished authors how to edit their manuscript. A finished first manuscript was a prerequisite for entering the program. I had to finish the manuscript by the start of the class January 2024. I decided to go for it.   If I didn’t take this opportunity to finish my manuscript, when would I? 

I finished the manuscript. I didn’t believe that I would. I became ill with pneumonia in the fall and took several weeks off from writing the book. I even called the program coordinators and told them that I would not be able to finish the book by the time that the program started. But they encouraged me to continue writing the book as much as I could. I am so glad that I followed their advice. If I had not, my manuscript would still be unfinished. 

After I finished my manuscript, I realized last year was not my year of finally. Finally indicates the end and I am not anywhere near the end of the process. But last year was still meaningful. I have come so far. Last year was not my year of finally. But my year of almost.