Starting a new type of post since I’ve had a few questions about this sort of thing – “How’s the Novel Going?”

There’s some tension as you get near the end of a project (for the second time, in this case!). I’m anxious to get it done, but nervous about whether this is really going to be the end. Will I find that I need yet another major rewrite? And if so, how am I going to get the determination to do what’s needed – or will I just give up and move on to another writing project instead?

I’ve gotten to what I think will be the last two or three chapters. The lads have performed their fake train robbery, and the fake posse has caught up to the group. Not going to give away any spoilers, but I think it should wrap up in a couple of chapters. Then, there’s one spot I want to go back to, where Chance is in San Diego. I think I need a bit more lead-in material, maybe another chapter, to get everyone on the train in a convincing manner.

So … maybe three or four chapters, tops. I ought to be able to get those finished before October, right? Then, it’s off to the nice editor I met at the Rock Hill Conference, then I start the query letters.

What are your thoughts as you wrap up a project? Do you have any rituals or habits?