Ander - Afterword
#1 of Ander
I started writing Ander on Saturday, June 16th, 2012. Today is Wednesday, April 11th, 2018, and my furry novel, my little "side project", the novel I have spent the last 6 years working on, is finally, finally done.
3 794 Pages.
1 180 922 Words.
3 293 kb.
It is done. It is finally, finally done. Never before has a novel taxed me to the same degree Ander has. Never before has a novel made me feel anything so intensely, from the insane happiness at my characters' triumphs, to an overwhelming sadness bordering on actual mourning for their losses. Every day was an uphill battle to translate all those feelings onto the page, and many days, even most days, I had to retire from my writing desk feeling empty and spent, like I hadn't done my imagination justice, like I wasn't able to properly convey all those thoughts and feelings into something that could reach my readers in a meaningful way.
In short, it was difficult. It was the most difficult thing I have ever attempted my whole life. And you know what?
It was worth it.
I love my story, and I'm glad I wrote it, and even though I am ecstatic at finishing it, I can't help but feel a little sad, too. I had come to love my characters like real people, the good and the bad, and saying goodbye to them was just as difficult and frightening as starting their journey all those years ago, back when I had no idea what I was doing or where their story would end up taking me.
So for all of you who accompanied me on this journey, for all of you who ever commented on any of the chapters, who ever faved or voted, who ever left me a little donation to wake up to, and for all of you who simply read and enjoyed my work, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thank you so much.