My News! I Wrote “The End”

“The greatest challenges humans face throughout their lives are two:
1- the challenge of where to start
2- the challenge of when to stop.” –Sameh Elsayed

This quote caught my eye when I was looking at ways to celebrate finding those two all important words THE END, because while it may be talking about things we do in life, it could certainly be rephrased for writers to say “The greatest challenges a writer faces are two – where to start her story and where to end her story.” While that might not be the greatest challenge in writing a book, it can be a challenge. But today I can celebrate finding that end.

I’m even sharing with you the last words of the story in my picture. At least the last words right now. At this stage in writing with editing up next, every word has the potential of being changed, cut, or added to. I’m hoping not too much added to since I didn’t find the end until after I was 16,000 words over my contracted word count. But stringent editing always makes a story better. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself right now before I go back to Chapter One and start this editing journey.

But tonight I’m happy that I can finally go back to the beginning and read through the story to see what I can make better.

Since I’m thinking about endings, just for fun, I’ll share the last words of my soon to be released book, In the Shadow of the River.  At least, I think I will. I’ll have to go peek at them to be sure those last few words aren’t a spoiler for the story.

Okay, I’ve peeked. These aren’t the very last lines, but a couple before that last line. That final line did have what might be a spoiler but these won’t spoil anything about the story.

“Always moving on,” he said.
That was life too. A person needed to keep hold of the good while moving on to the next scene.

While I’m about it, I’ll share the first line of In the Shadow of the River too. I love sharing first lines.

Jacci Reed’s mother shook her awake, then put her fingers lightly over Jacci’s lips.
“Shh. We have to get off the boat.” Her mother’s eyes were wide in the light of the lantern she held.

Just about 18 days until Release Day for In the Shadow of the River.  You can pre-order it now and get a bargain at Baker Book House with 40 % off and free U.S. shipping. An extra bonus is that there are a limited number of autographed copies. Or check out the Goodreads giveaway chance to win one of 5 copies being given away.

Reviews are showing up on Goodreads already like this fun one from Nora. “Ann Gabhart hits it out of the park as readers enjoy a front row seat on a showboat in all its glory. … If you love historical fiction, showboats, and a behind the scenes look at the show. This is the book for you and your book club.”

I love that she mentions book clubs. I always have fun talking to book clubs when they choose one of my books.

How do you celebrate when you find the end of something you’ve been working to finish?