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I Finished My First Book Manuscript

Well, I’ve done it. The manuscript for my first book, The Prince’s Guard, is finished.

I have been working on a manuscript for the better part of this year. I have no formal training or education in writing other than Year 12 English. Just an idea that wouldn’t leave me alone and, eventually, the decision to actually do something with it.

For a long time, I couldn’t, or wouldn’t admit that writing a book was something I wanted to do. It felt easier to keep it in my head than say it out loud. On 16 April 2026, I finally started treating it like a real goal. On 21st October, I finished the manuscript. About six and a half months of writing, rewriting and wondering what on earth I’d gotten myself into.

It’s been a rough but fun ride. Some days I’ve wanted to throw the towel in, or pull my hair out, although peri-menopause has that last one handled.

There have been stubborn scenes, plot problems, words that wouldn’t come and plenty of second-guessing. But there’s also been the fun of getting to know these characters and seeing a story that only existed in my head turn into an actual manuscript. Somewhere in amongst all the frustration, I kept going.

I’ve known since I started that I would write and publish it, no matter how good it was. That doesn’t mean I don’t care about the book or want to make it the best I can. I do. But it’s not about writing an award-winning fiction novel. It’s about completing something and putting it out there. Being able to learn to deal with the inevitable critics, learn and improve, rather than never trying because someone might not like it.

I was tossing up using a pen name. There’s something comforting about the thought of putting your work out into the world without putting quite so much of yourself out there with it. I’m still figuring out what that looks like for me.

I’ve been terrified of failing my whole life. That’s morphed into a fear of succeeding. Yes, that’s a thing.

As strange as it sounds, actually finishing means I can’t keep treating this as something I might do one day. It’s real now. The next step is letting other people read it, and that’s a whole different kind of terrifying.

The rough timeline

• Before April 2026: The idea was bouncing around in my head while I avoided admitting that writing a book was a real goal.
• 16 April 2026: I officially started working towards finishing it.
• 21 October 2026: The manuscript was complete. Somehow, I’d actually done it.

There’s still work ahead before publication. Finishing the manuscript isn’t the same as having a published book, but I’m not going to brush this part aside and immediately worry about the next thing.

I finished something I’d wanted to do for a long time. I’m proud of that. Nervous too, obviously, but proud.

Thank you to my husband and children for putting up with the weirdness, distraction and occasional grumpiness along the way. I know I haven’t always been easy to live with while my head’s been in this book. Thank you for the patience and love.

So, there it is. The Prince’s Guard has a complete manuscript. Now I get to figure out the next bit.

Until our next adventure

Chris