Episode 8 - When do you actually know a book is finished?

When do you actually know your book is finished - and when is “one more revision” just putting off the moment you let it go? This week on No One Cares You Wrote a Book, C.J. Kael and Chris Wards are joined by fantasy author Justin Beebe to talk first drafts, honest feedback and the fear of calling a manuscript done. Justin shares the journey behind his debut novel, The Pirate and the Augur, why his third completed manuscript became the one he wanted to publish first, and how a book club of strangers helped him see his story differently. There’s also a watermelon pirate ship. Naturally. We get into: • What a first draft actually needs to achieve • Finding your voice across multiple manuscripts • Building interconnected fantasy worlds without getting stuck • Working with beta readers and knowing which feedback to use • Accepting imperfections and letting readers into your world • Building an audience while juggling writing, work and parenting If you’re stuck revising the same chapters, this one’s for you. What’s hardest for you: finishing the first draft, taking feedback, or finally calling your book done? Tell us in the comments. Follow us on Instagram: Justin Beebe:   / justinbeebebooks   Chris Wards:   / chris.wards   C.J. Kael:   / authorcjk   Subscribe for more honest conversations about writing, publishing and trying to get people to care about the book you’ve spent years writing. #WritingPodcast #AmWriting #FantasyWriting