Writing to an end

Well I have done some major revisions for my book over the last few days.  It was tough because I had to cut large chunks that I felt were not really heading in the right direction.  Sometimes you have to force yourself to take a good hard look at where you want to go, (with your book, or anything for that matter) and rethink what you have done, or are planning to do.  I think it was the right decision.  I ended up cutting three large chapters and setting them aside for book two, if I go that route.  They are safely stored for future use.  I spent several hours this morning working out the details of how I want this thing to end.  It became a lot easier without having to tie in the three chapters that I cut.  The book I am writing is a fantasy novel and I should have heeded something I once read that stated that one shouldn't try to write an Epic Fantasy on your first try.   I now have chapter outlines for the last six chapters and have worked out a few of the details that have been nagging at me for the longest time.  It feels great to have a roadmap again. 
At about two thirds of the way in I found myself kind of becoming wishy washy of where I wanted it to go.  I think the biggest lesson I have learned from this for the next book, is keep my eye on the prize, meaning keep the story on track to have it arrive where I want it to.  My guess is that I might have the first draft done by the end of February as long as time allows. 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!  Here's hoping for a bright and peaceful 2013. 
A lot has happened in 2012 and I guess I thought I would have a final draft ready by this point.  Alas, this is not the case.  I am at the 104000 word mark give or take.  I am still writing about once per week, but I have resolved to bump that back up to 3-4 days.  I want to put a big push on and finish this first draft soon.  I have also rethought some things and am no longer planning on self-publishing.  I see so many people doing it but I am not sure how successful they are.  I think I will try to get an agent once I have a fairly polished product.  I would love to set a finish date but they seem to come and go far too quickly, so I will instead say I will finish as soon as I can.  Have a great year.