Writing the end of a novel

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Hi

I have been hammering away at a SF novel and have come to the end. I am feeling sad about writing the end.

As soon as its finished I will start rewriting. This is the first time I have finished a novel (its my third attampt at writing one) and I am happy with the plot and story and characters.

Can any writers give me advice or any encouraging comments will be appreciated?

Is the re-write going to take longer than the initial draft (which was a two month creative phase of knocking out words on paper).

Also I am worried my AS will prevent me writing something that most people would like.......

I suppose I am feeling worried about having an anti climax because the past 6 weeks have been so charged with creativity and writing I am worried about losing that mental state....

You wrote a novel in two months? That's crazy fast. It takes me upwards of six months to come up with one hundred thousand words I'm satisfied with.

Yes, rewriting/editing takes much, much longer than the first draft; up to twice as long, and often much more because you have to go back through and read it all, making note of mistakes and whatnot and correcting them and changing stuff throughout the whole thing. It's tedious work, but it helps a lot in the long run.

If you're worried that your AS is keeping you from being able to write something you think people would enjoy- don't worry about it. Just because we're somewhat socially inept doesn't mean we're no good at writing stories and whatnot. If we have the talent and inclination, there's nothing to stop us from writing something that's well-received, just like NTs.

Also, I love sci-fi. If you're OK with it, I'd like to read a bit of your novel; maybe post a short excerpt here, as both an example and for a review/critique? If you're not comfortable with that, though, it's perfectly alright to say no.

I know the feeling! I'm one poem away from finishing my second book (it's a book of poems). But while I'm afraid of an anti-klimating feeling, I'm very excited about starting new projects. That's the thing really, if you don't want this creative period to end, you can just start a new creative project. But taking a break can be good too, sometimes one's brain just need to rest a bit.

I know the feeling! I'm one poem away from finishing my second book (it's a book of poems). But while I'm afraid of an anti-klimating feeling, I'm very excited about starting new projects. That's the thing really, if you don't want this creative period to end, you can just start a new creative project. But taking a break can be good too, sometimes one's brain just need to rest a bit.

Vice versa here. I need to figure out how to begin a novel, and keep up with the flow.

Two things, I suppose.

Having now completed four novels, and with more than fragments in three others, the key is to never stop writing. When you finish one, READ it before you touch it in any way. Same as you would with an essay. Maybe make some notes, or read parts you think you mistakenly entered or over-wrote out loud, but don't rewrite until you've read. Often one paragraph you're not happy with in isolation will contradict the next one once you're rewritten it. Remember, as you did when you wrote it, to take your work in totality.

Secondly, on the question of beginnings, write where you feel best to write. It is usually the best beginning. If once you're deeper into your novel, you feel as if you need a different or pre-dating opening, then write a prologue. That's what they're for. Don't worry about the technicalities of the structure, especially in the initial. Often, the further into your work you tread, the easier it is for you to see what it is you've created.

Good luck to anyone who writes. Never stop. Once you've finished one, move on with another one. It will make it easier to approach your rewriting your first one with objective and fresh eyes.