I’ve been at my screen all day today… writing and deleting, and writing again, but, just maybe, I think I might have finished my First Draft!
My baby WIP, now an adult, having hit 18 years old, has finally come of age officially!
I wrote over 4,000 words… boy am I tired!
The ending has a slight ambiguous twist, but that leaves an opening for a possible novella for a minor character…
Still…
I FINISHED!!!!!!!
So, for those of you who are interested, here is the first version of the possible blurb, for my baby, tentatively named Wedded Stress.
Aashi’s life was all set.
Or so she thought.
After finding out her fiancé was not the man she thought, she vows to put him, and her innocence behind her.
Accompanied by her brothers and best friend, she embarks upon an enlightening journey, where memories created and new relationships forged, have far-reaching effects.
So… are you intrigued?
It’s set in 2000, in the Indian suburbs of Birmingham, UK – Yes Indian, because every city here seems to have a mini India where the Indians seem to congregate!
Spread between Birmingham and India too actually.
It’s a story of a British born Indian girl, Aashi, and her family, as they come to terms with her broken engagement.
There’s love, lust, humour, and a little bit of seriousness too…
Oh man. I can’t believe I did it!
Time to let it lie before rereading and hacking it to pieces!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Apr 18, 2018 @ 06:41:53
Congratulations! A great achievement 😊👍
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Apr 18, 2018 @ 06:42:15
Thank you Sam!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 00:43:55
Doing the happy dance for you. Congratulations!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 07:22:34
Thank Allie!!!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 23:19:57
Way to go, Ritu! I’m proud of you. 🙂
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 07:22:22
Thank you so much Jennie!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 12:18:04
You’re welcome, Ritu!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 17:32:02
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 15:43:27
Sounds fascinating. You know I want to read this story. Right on, Ritu! You did it! Congratulations!! ❤
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 16:07:37
Thank you so much for all your support Colleen xxxx
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 16:28:56
Always! A true pleasure. ❤
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 14:49:56
Very intrigued. Can’t wait.
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 14:57:40
Thank you lovelyc❣
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 12:24:55
Very intriguing… I want to see where this journey takes her 😮 congratulations on that first draft Sister!!!!!!!!👍😊
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 14:55:22
Thank you Brother ❣
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 01:36:46
You’re welcome Sister always ❤️
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 11:21:50
Congratulations! Oh, what a feeling!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 14:54:28
Thank you Norah! It’s amazing!!!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 09:44:30
Congratulations, that is such a wonderful feeling. I agree it is a good idea to let it lie for a while before editing. I look forward to buying the published version. x
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 14:51:04
Thank you for your support Yvonne! ❣
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 00:06:09
Congratulation’s, Ritu! Getting it out is always a relief!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 02:34:18
I’m not sure that shouldn’t be reworded Robert. ha ha
Hugs
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 04:32:26
LOL! Getting the work out is always a relief. Thanks, Dave!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 07:00:36
😀
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 06:59:48
Hee hee!!!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 06:52:58
It’s all out now, anyway! Phew!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 18:38:21
I tend to get cranky until I figure out what it is I’m trying to write.
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 20:51:15
I know that feeling, and had to rein my frustration in, otherwise I would have been yelling at my kids for breathing near me!
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Apr 15, 2018 @ 01:26:44
LOL. I know the feeling even without kids.
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Apr 15, 2018 @ 08:27:15
😀
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 23:58:07
Awesome, well done Ritu. You must feel ecstatic! Xx
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 06:52:40
Thank you!
Ecstatic, and exhausted!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 23:36:17
YES!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 06:52:25
I know! Yay!!!!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 23:16:42
Congrats!!!!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 06:52:16
Thank you !
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 21:53:24
Whoohooooo! Well done that girl 💜💜💜💜
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 21:59:04
Thank you sis!!!!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 21:12:54
Wonderful 🙂
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 21:57:08
Thanks Sue!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 22:06:49
😀
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 20:32:03
Well done Ritu, time to stop and breathe now.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 21:00:20
I shall try David! Thank you ! {[{hugs}]}
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 20:27:10
Congratulations!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 21:00:03
Thanks Dan!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 20:16:29
Congratulations!! Time to celebrate before the revision. The blurb sounds intriguing.
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 20:59:41
Thank you Darlene!
I am so relieved it is done, but so tired!!!
I’m glad you like the sound of the blurb!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 19:33:43
Congratulations, Ritu! Finishing the first draft is a huge achievement! I love your blurb, I’m drawn in to the main character. What happened with her engagement? and where will she go from here.
Jo-Ann
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 19:48:16
Thank you Jo-Ann… I would happily regurgitate the whole story here for you… but that would spoil it!
I’m so glad you think the blurb is intriguing 🤗
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 18:58:53
Who said writing was easy? 18 years and here you are finally at the end of the first draft. Absolutely awesome Ritu, so proud of you. I knew you could do it. Bollywood film rights next lol.
Flipping well done you 💖💖
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 19:46:09
Lol.. .Why stop at Bollywood? I want a Hollywood remake too!!! 😁
Thank you 🤗
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 20:08:41
Lol, think big is a very good way to be! Are you still in euphoria made 😂
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 20:59:08
I am tired lol!
I want to just look it over one more time, add each chapter to a new page, then print it off… I like to have the paper copy in my hand!!!!!
But at 275 pages, at the moment, it will be a hefty print out!!!!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 08:05:49
I find it hits a couple of days later. Huge high finishing a long project followed by a writing hangover when the mind goes to mush. It’s quite an intense process.
I do that too. Print out and use a paper copy for first edit and notes. It’s a good break from a screen and just feels better. Not good on the carbon footprint but what the heck lol
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 09:09:56
I know.. 300 pages eek! 😮
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 11:23:03
I know! Amazing how they add up when you get going. My last NaNo was 110K!! Largest one I’ve done thus far….if you assume they are not part of a series 😂
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 14:55:04
Wowzer!!!!!! I do look forward to seeing it on paper though!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 18:58:31
That’s why I prefer real books to electronic ones too. In your hands they are tangible. Same with editing my own!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 20:52:27
I’ve just spent a while going through the manuscript using Grammarly, not reading as such, but catching silly errors, like missed hyphens and spelling mistakes…
Then I may get it printed tomorrow…! Eeeek!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 09:07:54
Good idea, especially if they can be ironed out before actually printing half a tree out 😂
I don’t spend much time doing that though. It can be a procrastinating event as editing always introduces more so it ends up being a false economy with too much effort or time spent perfecting that.
See, I know every trick to avoid the next stages 😊
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 09:18:26
I did something silly and managed to change all words with er in to show as Er so sister was sistEr etc! Oh my!!!!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 09:54:04
You make me feel so much better now! I absolutely know it’s not just me that does things like that 😇
Try global search and replace. Wildcard *Er and accept changes as they come up. Only do global change if there is nothing in there starting with Er. Might work 😊
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 10:58:50
I may just be better with my paper editing lol!!!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 11:50:06
Lol… I think initial stages are best on paper myself. Just print it and take it from there 😂
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 12:12:07
It’s been printed…. looks huge lol!!!!!!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 12:16:46
I have a ring binding machine and put a cover on it. Double spaced it was exactly as you describe it 😂😂
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 12:26:09
Its being bound as we type!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:18:39
Ooh, it’s exciting stuff. My first one was littered with my addenda. I’ve hidden it in the loft now so future house owners might unearth it after I’m a best seller as a “find” 😂
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:27:24
Lol!!!!
It’s HUGE!!! I’ve nestled it in a box file now. Will add my pencils and post-its soon enough!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 18:11:18
Congratulations, Ritu!!! Enjoy this part, the hacking bit that comes later? It hurts 🙂
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 19:44:57
Lol thanks Aimer! I’m dreading that… but for now…yay!!!!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 17:32:31
This is such great news. Congrats on finishing the first draft🎉🎉 The blurb sounds very intruiging, sis. I am excited😊😄😁
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 19:41:39
Thank you sis! I’m going to read it through in a few days and think it’s all rubbish lol!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 18:22:32
LOL! I am sure you won’t think that! I know the beginning which you posted in a series and it was great!!
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Apr 12, 2018 @ 20:50:10
I am so grateful of your support sis! ❤
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 21:09:11
I wish I could do more, sis! I am very excited, sis!
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Apr 13, 2018 @ 21:39:43
💜🙏🏽💜🙏🏽💜
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 17:07:13
That’s a huge step! Good for you.
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 17:14:48
Thank you Linda!!!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:54:28
Congratulations, Ritu. 4000 words is a lot.
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:58:58
It caused brain ache of a different kind Robbie… but it’s done! Thank you 😊
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:47:07
So proud of you Ritu. Well done can’t wait to read it. Congrats. Xxx
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:57:07
Thank you So much for all your encouragement Marje!!! Xxx
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 19:19:24
You are welcome Ritu. 🙂 x
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:26:27
Yay you!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:45:06
Thanks Janet!!!!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:55:00
ah so – what’s the difference between giving birth and finishing a first draft? With child birth, you only experience the pain once – hello editing. On the other hand, when your first draft is waking you in the night, at least you can set fire to it… I’m am chuffed for you to the power N where N is effing enormous. You are a champ and a special ‘I am a novellist’ hug is being prepared, wrapped and ready to be delivered to you at the bash. Hip Hip Hoorumble!!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:24:07
Thank you His Geoffleship!
I reckon the editing will be more like teen parenting… that is a pain like no other!!! Then again… I hope not lol!
Looking forward to that huge hug though!!!!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 17:04:28
If you need any help do let me know. Voice of experience etc…
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 17:15:13
I’ll be sure to reach out! Appreciate it 😍
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:54:36
Fantastic.
Letting it lie is a very good idea. Be prepared to think it’s rubbish when you start on it again. I think reading the first draft is the worst part of the process, because you (really I) read it and wonder why you thought any of it was good. Editing is about stroking it and coaxing it into shape.
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:22:00
The fun and games are to come… eeek! Still. I finished my first draft!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:42:08
Well done Ritu! It’s good to hear. 😀😀😀
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:20:18
Thanks Simon! Can’t quite believe it!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:40:31
Sounds interesting.
Good luck
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:19:50
Thanks!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:39:53
WELL DONE RITU 👍😃❤️
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:19:43
Thank you Chris!!!!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:36:51
Congratulations! 🙂
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:17:58
Thanks!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:35:20
Congrats Ritu but remember, if you are chasing “magnificent perfection”, your book will never be ready for publishing. If you are creative enough to produce that much text, then you are creative enough to always see opportunities for tweaking. You must have experienced similar feelings with “Poetic Rituals”? There must be a time when you say “Enough … it’s time to launch another literary offspring into the world.” All the very best. 🙂
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:19:30
Thanks Colin! I’ll let it sit for a while.. . Do a reread and tweak then give it to s one beta readers…. promise… I know there’s no such thing as perfection !
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 16:26:30
🙂
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:20:26
Well done!!! /wonderful moment, congratulations!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:29:35
Thank you you!
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:18:15
Hooked, like a fish! ❤
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Apr 11, 2018 @ 15:29:17
Lol!!! Thanks sis!!! ❣💜💖
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