Have you seen the movie Stripes, starring Bill Murray and the late, great John Candy? It's about a couple of guys who join the army and endure basic training. Other things ensue, but for my money, the film really ends with their graduation ceremony.
At one point, the men are running an obstacle course. As their platoon commander looks on, John Candy et al come running down the hill, screaming, arms flailing, like a bunch of zombies hopped up on something.
I am at that point in my manuscript where I feel like one of those soldiers. I have run part of the obstacle course (the most difficult part, to my mind) and am careering and careening toward the finish line, which is now in sight. If I'm screaming, it's with joy, not frustration or dismay.
Not that I'll be done the first time I type "The End" (and yes, I actually do that). Oh, no. It'll be back to the start of the course. But this time, I'll know the route, so hopefully, I won't wind up smashing into a wall or falling flat on my face.
Yep, the end is nigh -- in a good way!
3 comments:
I love Stripes! Of course we had to keep two versions when the kiddies were little.
And woohoo on being on that last mad dash to the finish line. What do you do after you've typed those two little words? Break out a bottle of wine? champagne? Curl on the couch with a good book or a good movie (or dear hubby?)
And I doubt at this point in your career that you'll fall flat on your face. See you next Saturday?
Alas, no, I won't be at the meeting on Sat. Too deep in the book. Next month, though!
What do I do when I send the book to my editor? Well, for about half a day, I am deliriously happy and relieved. Then I start worrying about whether or not I'll have to do revisions and how much, while also contemplating the next book. I clean my office. I do other things I've put off (like Mount Laundry).
This time, I've got a room to prep and paint, too. Ah, my wild and exciting life, eh? :-)
I love the visual! "I'm finished, I'm finished," with arms flailing.
ROTFLOL
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