The trilogy is done?

Okay, tell me to put the pen down, er, to step away from the keyboard…

“It sounds much better now!” I explained to my daughter after changing several more words in the epilogue. I laughed. She laughed.

Yup, guilty!

So, when does a writer say, “It’s ready for public consumption,” and give the approval for publishing? When do you put the frosting on the cake? When do you let someone eat the first piece? Well, I’m hoping today is that day, because later this afternoon I get to make that choice when I review my online copy of The Story of Q – The Secret of Mrs. H. Do I click on that little button on the screen when asked if I want to receive a printed proof, or do I go back and make some other subtle scribblings? Are we there yet, Daddy?

People ask, “How do you know it’s done? How do you tell?” Good question and there is no simple answer. It’s difficult to explain, but you wake up one morning with a feeling in your gut. It just feels right! Ask any artist and I’m sure they’ll say the same thing. When do you put the last paint stroke on the canvas? When is a floral arrangement just right? Do you put in one final green stem?

But honestly, I think today is the day. I have that feeling in the pit of my stomach, but check back tomorrow or better yet, eavesdrop on my next conversation with my daughter, “Oh honey, don’t you think this sounds better? It’s only a couple of words, but…”