Two more days. Another two thousand words.

And then, this challenge is complete.

Here in the U.S., Independence Day was last Thursday. Many office workers were able to take Thursday and Friday off, resulting in a four-day weekend. Miraculously, my calendar behaved, and so I was one of those office workers. As a result, for the first time in longer than I can remember, I got a decent chunk of truly good rest. For four full days, I left the house only three times: a previously-scheduled massage, church Sunday morning, and mom-care Sunday evening. Other than that, I slept late, read, and did some organizing—and, of course, I wrote.

Now, even though the challenge isn’t quite finished, I’m already preparing for the next step, namely, figuring out how much of the first draft actually exists. Once I’ve done that, I need to identify the holes in the plot. This is when I’ll bring out my beloved whiteboard which I can set up in my newly-organized office so I can chart out what I have and what I still need.

It’s hard to believe I’m at this point. Having that gorgeous break was an enormous help, a chance to catch my breath before the final sprint.

And now, it’s time to head for the finish line.