As I near the end of the first draft of my work-in-progress novel, I have been running scared. The fear comes from two sources. First, though the end is in sight, I still worry I will not pull off finishing the novel. Second, I will soon have to bid so long to the characters who have inhabited my life since last Fall. My fictional characters invariably come to feel like real people to me, and I miss them when they are gone.
I have used various coping mechanisms, but none so effective as a performance by the South African Drakensberg Boys Choir. Judy Croome introduced them to me in one of her recent posts, and I keep listening again and again to their music. Sometimes I am just carried along with their joy. Sometimes I think of how improbable their gathering would have been not so long ago. It may be a bit of a stretch but that accomplishment gives me hope that I too can pull off my (admittedly less consequential) endeavor.
Here is The Drakensberg Boys Choir:
This is the comment I left on Judy's post:
"May the joy on those boys' faces be translated into a way of life for them and the world. May their harmony smooth any harshness life brings as they navigate the separateness the world may impose on them. May through them love find its way to all of us."
May they also help me finish my novel.
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5 comments:
Good luck with the final push to the end of your novel Judith! Such an emotional time for an author.
And, to help Judith manoeuvre her way through these last pages,all together now...
Shosholoza Shosholoza,(Moving fast, moving strong)
Ku lezontaba (Through those mountains)
Stimela sphuma eSouth Africa (Train from South Africa)
Go, Judith, Go...Write fast, write strong!
Judy, South Africa
Hi Judith .. keep going and I'm sure you'll get past the overwhelm.
Those kids are wonderful aren't they .. and their music, as well as the music from the townships - just beautiful.
If you have a chance - there's a video of a Korean singer on my blog and that's amazing too .. and will give you a tear or two .. as well as inspire you to finish off!
We have such wonderful lives and your characters will forever be there .. in print, on screen (various!), coming alive via video, podcasts etc .. read to the background of the Drakensberg Boys Choir ..
I'm sure all will be well - enjoy the next few days .. Hilary
Well, good luck with finishing your novel, Judy. I know the feeling of parting ways with one's characters... it is always a tough spot. It's almost as if they become one with us. But you will have your accomplishment to celebrate, and that will keep your heart warm.
All the best!
Nevine
Judy, thanks for your support, for the choir, and for the translation.
Hilary, I saw the clip and like everyone else I watched in tears. Thanks for your support.
Nevine, thanks for reminding me of how good it feels when one is finished and can celebrate.
Oh, yes, I remember this clip on Judy's blog. I loved the melody.
Bucketloads of good luck with that final draft. I wonder what it feels like.
Greetings from London.
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