Yup.

Last night, I wrote those magic two words: The End. My final word count is an almost-round 75k, which is a fantastic word count for most YAs but a bit too short for this particular book — which means I can spend my vacation brainstorming ways to spread out the plot a bit more. In addition to, you know, lounging by the side of the pool, walking o the beach, admiring the Mediterranean sea, eating in cute Greek taverns, climbing ruins…

Don’t be jealous.

(I would be jealous.)

Anyway, given that I started this book on the fourth of September, it means I finished it in exactly a month’s time, which is pretty cool. I’m also incredibly relieved I managed to finish it so early, because it means not having to put drafting on hold while I’m gone (it takes forever to get back into things), and because it means I can prepare for my vacation without undue writing-related stress. I’m leaving tomorrow, which means it’s time to get some work done.

Right now, I love this book. I hate the thought of that love and energy fading as I dig deep into its flaws, but that’s good, too, because I love it enough to know that it deserves to be better.

Here’s a snippet of Amara and Cilla on an island market:

A boy showed up by their side, baring a wide smile. “Rootstocks?” he asked, raising a rattan basket stacked with roots and leaves and seeds, a heady mix of sweet and mint and sharp. “I’ve got kalisse, ginger—or aniseeds if you prefer? Cinnamon sticks? Mint leaves—” The disinterest in their faces had him switching rapidly from one to the other, but Amara didn’t let him continue. He stood too close to Cilla for safety. Amara stepped forward, squared what little shoulders she had, and gave a tug of her head—a simultaneous no and scram!

If he didn’t move, she’d shove him, but he got the hint. Bother people too much and the market overseers banned you. If there was one thing the Alinean founders valued, it was good business.

Bonus points if you can figure out what I mean by ‘kalisse.’ I wish could share something more exciting, but almost everything past a certain point is just one giant spoiler.

… oh man. I can’t believe I’m done!