---
title: "Writer’s Log, 31/12/13: Book Completed!"
date: 2013-12-31
author: "Richard MacManus"
categories:
  - name: "Books"
    url: "/category/books.md"
tags:
  - name: "Trackers"
    url: "/tag/trackers.md"
---

# Writer’s Log, 31/12/13: Book Completed!

Just in time for the new year, I have completed the final manuscript of my book about consumer health technology. Weighing in at 72,965 words, the writing and editing is done. Now I just need to get it published! But that is a task for the first part of 2014.

I’m feeling proud that I achieved my goal of writing a book in 2013. Even though it won’t truly feel like *my book* until it’s sitting on the shelves of [my local indie bookstore](http://indiebookstores.tumblr.com/post/64091289417/unity-books-wellington-new-zealand-my-favourite), Unity Books in Wellington, or on the virtual shelves of Amazon.com.

I embarked on this book writing journey in November 2012, when I began [the research phase](http://ricm.ac/2012/11/06/writers-log-61112/). In January 2013 I traveled to the US and UK to [conduct interviews](http://ricm.ac/2013/01/17/the-lone-paddler/). I [began writing](http://ricm.ac/2013/03/28/10000-words/) on 7 March, reaching my first 10,000 words by the end of that month. I went over the [50k word mark](http://ricm.ac/2013/08/22/over-50k-words/) in August and finished [the first draft](http://ricm.ac/2013/10/25/first-draft/) on 25 October. Today, 31 December 2013, the writing part is complete.

What’s ahead for me in 2014? Firstly, I will be working towards getting my book published. I’ll also begin the research phase for my second book. Yes, I’m doing it all again next year! I learned so much about writing a book in 2013, including that I enjoy this work immensely. Stay tuned for more news in the new year, both about book #1 and book #2.

Happy new year everyone!