Today marks a significant milestone in my writing journey with The Call of the Horn. After countless hours of drafting, revising, and exploring the intricate world of my story, I’ve reached 40,000 words. It’s a moment of both celebration and uncertainty—a perfect metaphor for the writing process itself.
The Landscape of 40,000 Words
Reaching 40,000 words feels like standing on a narrative precipice. I can see the terrain I’ve already covered: characters who have grown, plot threads that have been woven, and unexpected narrative turns that have surprised even me. Yet, the path ahead remains somewhat shrouded in creative mist.
How many more words will it take to bring this story to its conclusion? It’s the question that haunts every writer. Some days, I feel like I’m just hitting my stride, and the remaining story could easily stretch to 80,000 or even 100,000 words. Other days, I wonder if I’m closer to the end than I realize, with perhaps only 20,000 words separating me from typing “The End.”
Looking Forward: The Series Potential
As I contemplate the future of The Call of the Horn, I can’t help but dream about the potential series that might emerge. This first book feels like it could be the foundation of something larger—a world rich with possibilities, characters with unfinished arcs, and themes that could be explored across multiple volumes.
Right now, my focus remains on completing this first draft. But in those quiet moments between writing sessions, I find myself sketching out potential storylines for future books. What adventures await these characters? What larger conflicts might be brewing just beyond the current narrative horizon?
The Writer’s Journey Continues
40,000 words is both an achievement and a checkpoint. It represents months of dedication, countless cups of coffee, and the persistent belief that this story wants—needs—to be told. Whether the final manuscript ends up at 60,000 or 100,000 words, what matters most is the commitment to the craft and the joy of storytelling.
To all the writers out there navigating their own creative journeys: keep writing, keep believing, and embrace the uncertainty. Our stories will find their way.
*Stay tuned for more updates on *The Call of the Horn.
Ethan Bridges-Garcia 
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