How's the novel going?

​It’s the day after and of course it’s tempting to blog about some political topic.  I won’t do that.  I don’t feel compelled to share my views with readers and I’m fairly certain the bottom line is – they don’t care what my views are anyway.  This much I will say – we must now face the challenges of governance.
At least once a week someone will ask me ‘how’s the novel going . . .?’  I’m always surprised by this question.  First, I’m surprised that acquaintances remember that I am currently working on my third historical novel.   Second, I am surprised that they are interested enough to ask about my progress.
Working on my third novel has been like walking the Camino in Spain.  You know in advance it’s going to be challenging but you do it anyway.  You struggle with being lost, crushing uncertainty that what you are doing is worth it, taking long breaks to rest and restore your resolve, asking others along the journey what their experience is, asking for help – from anyone.
While trudging along you form a picture in your mind on what the end is like and what it will feel like.  I have written three separate final scenes.  I don’t know which one if any of them I will use.  This past week I finally drafted the climax scene and have shared it with my muse.  I’m sure I will re-write that chapter many times but the initial scene is expunged from my soul.  I am waiting with some trepidation for my muse’s response.
When setting out on the journey of drafting a third novel I set the goal of writing 80,000-85,000 words, similar length to Murphy’s Troubles and Out of Darkness.  This past week I reached 75,986 words – so the end is in sight and I know I will accomplish my original goal of completing the first draft by the end of the year.
So, there you have it – it’s going well, thank you very much.