Book 47 - Absolution

I'll state the obvious right off the bat - this is a total cheat.

When I started the 100 Books in 2010 challenge last January, I had many rules. A couple of them I've broken - like counting unpublished novels.

As a very willing beta reader for several of my friends, I found myself swimming in WIPs I hadn't just read but also wanted to brag about. Manuscripts I'm quite certain will be on the shelf for your enjoyment very soon. (I've only blogged about the ones the author has given me permission for...)

But at the start of this challenge, it's unlikely I would have counted my own thriller.

Maybe it's desperation for not even crossing the half way mark three quarters of the way into the year, but I think it has more to do with pride. For the first time since I started this novel, I read it - in almost one sitting - from start to finish.

Through each revision, I've read parts of it, fixing the pieces flagged by critique partners and beta readers. I've dialed up the violence, and then toned down the gore. I've added the detail to make the story breathe - and finally, it feels like a real novel. One I admit, I'd be pretty satisfied reading if it was written by someone other than myself.

I'm resisting the urge to tweak it one more time before sending it off Monday morning, but it's already months past deadline and I've pushed my excuses far enough. There are minor changes to make, sentences that didn't flow quite right, and a couple of logic gaps that needed filling...but that's as far as I'll take it.

Of course, I can't "review" it here (though the urge to provide a detailed back cover blurb is overwhelming) but I will let it stand as book 47 in my 100 Books in 2010 challenge. It might be bending the rules a little - but I won't lose any sleep over it.

It's Monday night the insomnia will kick in.

The Book In My Bag Today: Another One Bites the Dust, Jennifer Rardin