Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 350 tonight, 8.4k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Fireflight. Not much else.
The good:
“Foxes are sly animals,” Hattie said. “They have slippery minds that always go back and forth.”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I was looking forward to writing this chapter but so far it feels disconnected from the preceding chapter. It needs a lot of fleshing out. I hope I can get this one right. I think it's important.
***********************************************
I've been getting up super early and that means I've been going into my writing time super tired. I feel like I can hardly keep my eyes open. Not the best state to try and eek out some prose. I just got to plow ahead though. I can fix this junk later.
On another note, I posted an updated first chapter to the Online Writers Workshop. One positive review so far with some good feedback. That's always encouraging.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
My troll evolved into a flying monkey
In early starts of Happy, The End, the main villain was a troll. Except he had to do a lot of talking and writing troll dialogue can be tricky. (Trolls don't strike me as very verbose creatures, y'know. Tolkien could do a right wicked talking troll but that's Tolkien.) So I gave the troll a witch as a partner. We all know how witches love to gab so my problem was solved. Except I noticed now I couldn't just write "the troll emerged from the trees"; I had to go with: "the witch and the troll emerged from the trees." That's a bit more of mouthful.
But that aside, the witch was a lot of fun to write. I envisioned her as twisted Glinda The Good Witch of Oz. I like writing creepy witch dialogue. I like the fact that Fin has a sort of thing for her (what a weirdo). I really got into her character.
In the meantime the troll became a mute. I liked it better when he didn't talk. He didn't really have anything to do because there's more headgames going on in the first chapters than violence. Finally yesterday I noticed that the only thing I have him doing is throw tomatoes at Fin and choke him. The rest of the time he's just standing around. Talk about wasting a troll! He's outta here.
I decided to make him a large flying monkey. It makes more sense. The witch doesn't need a partner. LMF's are scarier than trolls. And the witch can leave a monkey at home if she wants (the troll was getting dragged around from scene to scene). And best of all, I don't have to write "I could hear the witch and troll in the distance" anymore.
It's weird how things change while you write.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 850 today, 8k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: The Life Aquatic, a tall lady I saw in the video store.
The good:
“It's so bright and pleasant today! Listen to that sparrow – look, there - he's as round as an opera singer. I didn't think I'd ever eat toast and jam again!”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: Still rambling in spots. I make the same points more than once. I'm going to need a red pen with a lot of ink.
***********************************************
I've finally come to a place where I feel like I can move to chapter 4. Maybe a few more edits on 3 but it's shaped up pretty well. This is always the hardest part. I just know that for the next few days I'm going to write 90% junk. I'm going to write pretentous junk sentances that I think are brilliant. My characters are going act bizarre. And I'm going to forget to add setting. That's how all my first drafts go. I like round two much better.
Daily Word Count: 850 today, 8k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: The Life Aquatic, a tall lady I saw in the video store.
The good:
“It's so bright and pleasant today! Listen to that sparrow – look, there - he's as round as an opera singer. I didn't think I'd ever eat toast and jam again!”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: Still rambling in spots. I make the same points more than once. I'm going to need a red pen with a lot of ink.
***********************************************
I've finally come to a place where I feel like I can move to chapter 4. Maybe a few more edits on 3 but it's shaped up pretty well. This is always the hardest part. I just know that for the next few days I'm going to write 90% junk. I'm going to write pretentous junk sentances that I think are brilliant. My characters are going act bizarre. And I'm going to forget to add setting. That's how all my first drafts go. I like round two much better.
Friday, October 27, 2006
A sample...
For anyone who's actually reading this (testing... testing... hellooo? is this thing on?) I'm going to stop the navel gazing for a moment and give you a decent sample to read. This is the current opening of the book. I'm in the midst of revising it so take with a jovian grain of salt.
********************************************
1.
“Why does the villain try to kill the hero, Fin?” Francis asked me. “I think it's because the hero rides a white horse and carries a red banner – the villain has to wear a black coat and eat children. That's just how the story goes. When the hero touches a star the villain touches a toad. Then, in the end, the hero sticks a sword in the villain's gut and kisses the princess. But maybe... Maybe, just once, the story would let the villain run that sword into the hero's heart. Take that darling princess for himself... And on that skinny hope he fights the hero. Am I right?”
Francis was a witch. I had first met her many years before when the magistrate hired her and a troll named Durge as the headmasters of my orphanage. I remember that day well.
The day our previous headmaster resigned (after we'd been caught stealing his prized bag of oranges) the magistrate had promised to “fix us for good”. I never dreamed that they'd go to such lengths. Still, my stomach thrilled at the possibility. No more fat old men with droopy eyes and dull low voices trying to “make us respectable” and quoting Bible verses at us. Here at last was a real challenge.
We never saw them arrive but one night a red light appeared in the windows of the headmaster's cottage. I sent Will to investigate and he returned twitching with the news he bore:
“I seen a troll, Boss Fin!” he cried “Ugly as The Devil and hu-uge! Didn't scare me though. An' I saw a fine lady with bloody-red lips wearin' ruffles on 'er arms! She smelled like roses. An' she talked to me from the window, Boss. I wasn't afraid. She asked after you, Boss. Said for you to come to the house, straight away.”
“I'd wait until morning” Peter told me. “Witches and trolls should not be trusted, 'specially at night.”
But I disregarded his advice. If an actual troll and witch were waiting for me in the cottage then I thought it best to have introductions right away.
As I made my way, I rehearsed the act I would present to my new headmasters. When the evening ended I wanted them to think two things: First, that I was a terrified idiot. Second, that they were in complete control of the orphanage.
The cottage was a thach-roofed little building that had flower boxes on each window filled with dead flowers. I made to knock on the door but found that it was ajar. I took a breath and stepped inside.
The only light in the room came from an assortment of candles arranged on a cupboard. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim and I stood in the doorway squinting like a fool.
I first saw the troll, slouching in the corner and I'll admit to a brief fright. He was an impressive figure with ugly scars gnawing at his skin. In spots it looked like he'd been axed as much as a tree trunk. He appeared to have lost his nose altogether. I vaguely noticed that he held a burlap sack in one hand but the sheer size of his hands drew the majority of my attention; they were almost twice the size of my face and looked like they could crush my skull easy as a grape.
"So this is the famous Phinneas!" came a cheerful voice, startling me.
Never in my life had a person's features inspired such drastic impressions in me. Even sitting in her chair, Francis was almost as tall as me. Her mouth was wide, sensual, and smiling so sweet that you could almost taste sugar. She had dark enormous eyes, almost like a cow. Her jaw was hard and sharp. She looked nothing like a woman – or rather she looked too much like a woman. Every inch of her was so fiercely beautiful and defined that the overall impression was inhuman. Just seeing her was the shock of viewing a monster and I had to keep from averting my eyes.
"Sit down, sit down," she said, placing her kitting aside and motioning to a chair.
I immediately knew she was bad. The troll was fair enough and I would've been fine with a green-skinned old hag covered in warts, but the witch was entirely wrong. Wrong, wrong and wrong.
She noticed my hesitation and giggled.
"Now, now, don't be afraid - I’m Francis the Good witch."
I quickly assumed my role of the idiot.
"H-he won't hurt me will he?" I stammered, widening my eyes and pointing at the troll.
“Oh poor boy,” Francis said, “Don't be afraid of Durge – he wouldn't harm a flea.”
I took my seat, never taking my eyes from the troll, trying to look as frightened as a baby.
“I like you, Miss Francis, but he looks mean.” I whispered in the most childish voice I could muster. I was only twelve and small for my age; my voice was still high enough to talk in simple, innocent tones without sounding ridiculous.
Francis squinted at me.
"I'm must say, Fin, I'm surprised. The magistrate couldn't warn us enough about you. Aren't you the reason that the previous five headmasters resigned? You seem to be such a sweet boy."
I merely bit my lip and stared at Durge. For effect, I tried to muster a few tears but had little success. I settled for a whimper.
“Do the children really call you 'Boss Fin'?” the witch said.
“What do you mean, Miss Francis Good-Witch?” I said, wagging my head in befuddlement.
Francis sighed. She took out a handkerchief and blew her nose then said: “Durge?”
Something hit the side of my face, nearly knocking me from my chair. I jumped to my feet swearing. I felt something wet slide down my neck and under my collar. I pawed at my cheek, pulled the thing off and found a smashed tomato in my hand.
“Is something the matter?” Francis asked.
I turned to the troll. He had opened the the burlap sack, which I now saw was full of tomatoes. As I watched he pulled another out and weighed it his palm.
“I think your troll hit me with a tomato, Miss Good Witch,” I said, trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice.
“Durge? Why he's fast asleep.” She giggled. “What an imagination you have! Now – back to our subject.”
She leaned towards me.
********************************************
Enough for now. Just posting it I'm seeing spots that I need to change.
********************************************
1.
“Why does the villain try to kill the hero, Fin?” Francis asked me. “I think it's because the hero rides a white horse and carries a red banner – the villain has to wear a black coat and eat children. That's just how the story goes. When the hero touches a star the villain touches a toad. Then, in the end, the hero sticks a sword in the villain's gut and kisses the princess. But maybe... Maybe, just once, the story would let the villain run that sword into the hero's heart. Take that darling princess for himself... And on that skinny hope he fights the hero. Am I right?”
Francis was a witch. I had first met her many years before when the magistrate hired her and a troll named Durge as the headmasters of my orphanage. I remember that day well.
The day our previous headmaster resigned (after we'd been caught stealing his prized bag of oranges) the magistrate had promised to “fix us for good”. I never dreamed that they'd go to such lengths. Still, my stomach thrilled at the possibility. No more fat old men with droopy eyes and dull low voices trying to “make us respectable” and quoting Bible verses at us. Here at last was a real challenge.
We never saw them arrive but one night a red light appeared in the windows of the headmaster's cottage. I sent Will to investigate and he returned twitching with the news he bore:
“I seen a troll, Boss Fin!” he cried “Ugly as The Devil and hu-uge! Didn't scare me though. An' I saw a fine lady with bloody-red lips wearin' ruffles on 'er arms! She smelled like roses. An' she talked to me from the window, Boss. I wasn't afraid. She asked after you, Boss. Said for you to come to the house, straight away.”
“I'd wait until morning” Peter told me. “Witches and trolls should not be trusted, 'specially at night.”
But I disregarded his advice. If an actual troll and witch were waiting for me in the cottage then I thought it best to have introductions right away.
As I made my way, I rehearsed the act I would present to my new headmasters. When the evening ended I wanted them to think two things: First, that I was a terrified idiot. Second, that they were in complete control of the orphanage.
The cottage was a thach-roofed little building that had flower boxes on each window filled with dead flowers. I made to knock on the door but found that it was ajar. I took a breath and stepped inside.
The only light in the room came from an assortment of candles arranged on a cupboard. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim and I stood in the doorway squinting like a fool.
I first saw the troll, slouching in the corner and I'll admit to a brief fright. He was an impressive figure with ugly scars gnawing at his skin. In spots it looked like he'd been axed as much as a tree trunk. He appeared to have lost his nose altogether. I vaguely noticed that he held a burlap sack in one hand but the sheer size of his hands drew the majority of my attention; they were almost twice the size of my face and looked like they could crush my skull easy as a grape.
"So this is the famous Phinneas!" came a cheerful voice, startling me.
Never in my life had a person's features inspired such drastic impressions in me. Even sitting in her chair, Francis was almost as tall as me. Her mouth was wide, sensual, and smiling so sweet that you could almost taste sugar. She had dark enormous eyes, almost like a cow. Her jaw was hard and sharp. She looked nothing like a woman – or rather she looked too much like a woman. Every inch of her was so fiercely beautiful and defined that the overall impression was inhuman. Just seeing her was the shock of viewing a monster and I had to keep from averting my eyes.
"Sit down, sit down," she said, placing her kitting aside and motioning to a chair.
I immediately knew she was bad. The troll was fair enough and I would've been fine with a green-skinned old hag covered in warts, but the witch was entirely wrong. Wrong, wrong and wrong.
She noticed my hesitation and giggled.
"Now, now, don't be afraid - I’m Francis the Good witch."
I quickly assumed my role of the idiot.
"H-he won't hurt me will he?" I stammered, widening my eyes and pointing at the troll.
“Oh poor boy,” Francis said, “Don't be afraid of Durge – he wouldn't harm a flea.”
I took my seat, never taking my eyes from the troll, trying to look as frightened as a baby.
“I like you, Miss Francis, but he looks mean.” I whispered in the most childish voice I could muster. I was only twelve and small for my age; my voice was still high enough to talk in simple, innocent tones without sounding ridiculous.
Francis squinted at me.
"I'm must say, Fin, I'm surprised. The magistrate couldn't warn us enough about you. Aren't you the reason that the previous five headmasters resigned? You seem to be such a sweet boy."
I merely bit my lip and stared at Durge. For effect, I tried to muster a few tears but had little success. I settled for a whimper.
“Do the children really call you 'Boss Fin'?” the witch said.
“What do you mean, Miss Francis Good-Witch?” I said, wagging my head in befuddlement.
Francis sighed. She took out a handkerchief and blew her nose then said: “Durge?”
Something hit the side of my face, nearly knocking me from my chair. I jumped to my feet swearing. I felt something wet slide down my neck and under my collar. I pawed at my cheek, pulled the thing off and found a smashed tomato in my hand.
“Is something the matter?” Francis asked.
I turned to the troll. He had opened the the burlap sack, which I now saw was full of tomatoes. As I watched he pulled another out and weighed it his palm.
“I think your troll hit me with a tomato, Miss Good Witch,” I said, trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice.
“Durge? Why he's fast asleep.” She giggled. “What an imagination you have! Now – back to our subject.”
She leaned towards me.
********************************************
Enough for now. Just posting it I'm seeing spots that I need to change.
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 400 today? (mostly scattered edits so it's hard to tell), 7.15k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: The Life Aquatic, a lady I saw in the video store.
The good:
Never in my life had a person's features inspired such drastic impressions in me. Even sitting in her chair, Francis was almost as tall as me. Her mouth was wide, sensual, and smiling so sweet that you could almost taste sugar. She had dark enormous eyes, almost like a cow. Her jaw was hard and sharp. She looked nothing like a woman – or rather she looked too much like a woman. Every inch of her was so fiercely beautiful and defined that the overall impression was inhuman. Just seeing her was the shock of viewing a monster and I had to keep from averting my eyes.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: Less words. Be more percise. Don't ramble so much.
***********************************************
Still in clean up mode of the first three chapters. I think I've got Fin back in focus but there's still work to do on him. He's a hard character for me. He's my protag' and my villian. He's also not very much like me. I'm finding that all my female characters fall into certain personality traits when I'm not paying attention. I had to go through and fix a bunch of personality inconsistancies with Hattie because of that. She needs work too but I understand her better now.
Pretty soon I'm going to have to start on chapter 4... *augh*
Daily Word Count: 400 today? (mostly scattered edits so it's hard to tell), 7.15k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: The Life Aquatic, a lady I saw in the video store.
The good:
Never in my life had a person's features inspired such drastic impressions in me. Even sitting in her chair, Francis was almost as tall as me. Her mouth was wide, sensual, and smiling so sweet that you could almost taste sugar. She had dark enormous eyes, almost like a cow. Her jaw was hard and sharp. She looked nothing like a woman – or rather she looked too much like a woman. Every inch of her was so fiercely beautiful and defined that the overall impression was inhuman. Just seeing her was the shock of viewing a monster and I had to keep from averting my eyes.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: Less words. Be more percise. Don't ramble so much.
***********************************************
Still in clean up mode of the first three chapters. I think I've got Fin back in focus but there's still work to do on him. He's a hard character for me. He's my protag' and my villian. He's also not very much like me. I'm finding that all my female characters fall into certain personality traits when I'm not paying attention. I had to go through and fix a bunch of personality inconsistancies with Hattie because of that. She needs work too but I understand her better now.
Pretty soon I'm going to have to start on chapter 4... *augh*
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 250 today, 7.15k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: The Life Aquatic.
The good:
As I ran it seemed that I had split into two distinct personalities. The first was a Fin with mind full of swords, death and also soft hands, flowers and kisses. Music played in his head – violins and deep throbbing drums that matched the rhythm of his footsteps and high above it all, the princess's voice sang her haunted song. He looked around at the trees, all wounded red with autumn, and felt exhilarated. The second Fin protested as loud as he could that this gallant dash was a mistake. We have no plan, he cried. Stop and figure something out! Just don't run out there without thinking about it!
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: My suspicions were confirmed on a re-read of the last chapter: I had totally lost Fin's character. He suddenly becomes this romantic hero when he's really more of a sly villian. I need to remember that this chapter is the most unconfortable, out-of-character and confused that Fin will ever be. He needs to be constantly resisting it. Hattie also needs work. She seems to alternate from noble to childish in her dialogue. I need to get a better bead on her.
***********************************************
Mostly cleanup of my first draft of this chapter today. Low word count but it's been productive. I've made some changes and it's feeling better but there's still work to be done. But I've got to get up at 5:30 tomorrow so it's off to bed now.
Daily Word Count: 250 today, 7.15k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: The Life Aquatic.
The good:
As I ran it seemed that I had split into two distinct personalities. The first was a Fin with mind full of swords, death and also soft hands, flowers and kisses. Music played in his head – violins and deep throbbing drums that matched the rhythm of his footsteps and high above it all, the princess's voice sang her haunted song. He looked around at the trees, all wounded red with autumn, and felt exhilarated. The second Fin protested as loud as he could that this gallant dash was a mistake. We have no plan, he cried. Stop and figure something out! Just don't run out there without thinking about it!
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: My suspicions were confirmed on a re-read of the last chapter: I had totally lost Fin's character. He suddenly becomes this romantic hero when he's really more of a sly villian. I need to remember that this chapter is the most unconfortable, out-of-character and confused that Fin will ever be. He needs to be constantly resisting it. Hattie also needs work. She seems to alternate from noble to childish in her dialogue. I need to get a better bead on her.
***********************************************
Mostly cleanup of my first draft of this chapter today. Low word count but it's been productive. I've made some changes and it's feeling better but there's still work to be done. But I've got to get up at 5:30 tomorrow so it's off to bed now.
On second thought...
After thinking about the last chapter a few major holes just hit me. Fin accepts the quest way too easily. He's all ready to stage a huge fight with the witch and the troll and then he just rolls over with an okay, you win attitude. I don't think his character would accept defeat so easily. He's backed into a corner in this chapter but he should be already forming another plan to kill the witch.
Ignore this, I'm just thinking out loud...
Ignore this, I'm just thinking out loud...
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 716 today, 6.9k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Not much tonight. Maybe a little of The Silver Chair.
The good:
“I can tell you three things for certain and then I will tell you no more. First, if you complete your quest, you will surely kill Johnny Cyclops. Second, only one person can guide you on your quest and he is Jack Christian of King's Vale. And finally, avoid the Singing Cannibal Gypsies; you'll thank me for that one.”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: Is Fin smart or simple? I feel like I lost his character in this last chapter. Hattie feels unfocused. Hopefully she finds more direction as I go. Where the heck is my setting? Does the forest have any scents? Is the air hot or cold, humid or brisk? What do to the trees even look like, for cryin' out loud? I can feel some serious setting coming in the second draft.
***********************************************
Finally I finshed the chapter! Yay! That's three. It could be a lot better but it could be massively worse. I feel like I managed to get the pertinant details out without too much expository dialogue. I think I answered the right questions and left some good ones to figure out along the way. (Why do I need to tell everything in the first place?) This chapter is quite rough and no-doubt is due for some serious revision but I feel like it's solid enough to work from.
Current mood:
Happy
Daily Word Count: 716 today, 6.9k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Not much tonight. Maybe a little of The Silver Chair.
The good:
“I can tell you three things for certain and then I will tell you no more. First, if you complete your quest, you will surely kill Johnny Cyclops. Second, only one person can guide you on your quest and he is Jack Christian of King's Vale. And finally, avoid the Singing Cannibal Gypsies; you'll thank me for that one.”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: Is Fin smart or simple? I feel like I lost his character in this last chapter. Hattie feels unfocused. Hopefully she finds more direction as I go. Where the heck is my setting? Does the forest have any scents? Is the air hot or cold, humid or brisk? What do to the trees even look like, for cryin' out loud? I can feel some serious setting coming in the second draft.
***********************************************
Finally I finshed the chapter! Yay! That's three. It could be a lot better but it could be massively worse. I feel like I managed to get the pertinant details out without too much expository dialogue. I think I answered the right questions and left some good ones to figure out along the way. (Why do I need to tell everything in the first place?) This chapter is quite rough and no-doubt is due for some serious revision but I feel like it's solid enough to work from.
Current mood:
Happy
Monday, October 23, 2006
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: (ugh) 200 today, 6.2k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: That Hideous Strength, C.S. Lewis.
The good:
"Because the hero is righteous, virtuous; because he rides a white horse and carries a red banner – the villain has to wear a black coat and eat children. That's just how the story goes. When the hero touches a star the villain touches a toad. Then, in the end, the hero sticks a sword in the villain's gut and kisses the princess. Bloody, happy ever after, eh?"
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I feel like my characters aren't acting naturally. I shouldn't use so many vague fluff words - I need to be more concrete with my metaphors.
***********************************************
Sloooooow writing today. 200 words? 'Nuff said. Got a late start and not much time to write tonight. Here's hoping tomorrow is more productive.
Current mood:
Sleepy
Daily Word Count: (ugh) 200 today, 6.2k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: That Hideous Strength, C.S. Lewis.
The good:
"Because the hero is righteous, virtuous; because he rides a white horse and carries a red banner – the villain has to wear a black coat and eat children. That's just how the story goes. When the hero touches a star the villain touches a toad. Then, in the end, the hero sticks a sword in the villain's gut and kisses the princess. Bloody, happy ever after, eh?"
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I feel like my characters aren't acting naturally. I shouldn't use so many vague fluff words - I need to be more concrete with my metaphors.
***********************************************
Sloooooow writing today. 200 words? 'Nuff said. Got a late start and not much time to write tonight. Here's hoping tomorrow is more productive.
Current mood:
Sleepy
Coffee adict
I've been trying to quit coffee lately. I went cold-turky on Wednesday. Things were going okay until Saturday when I woke in a tired, grumpy mood and couldn't shake it. Sunday I felt like Ewan Mcgregor in Trainspotting. Levi Nunnink: A cauntionary tale.
I'll just tough it out, I thought. Then I tried to write. I lasted maybe five minutes. The inspiration well was not just dry - it had been buldozed, paved over and replaced by an office complex. The connections between my desire to write and the amount of coffee in my bloodstream are disturbing but I was too tired to contemplate at that point.
I broke down around 4:00 PM and feverishly guzzled two cups o' joe; one with cream the other black. Sweet Mary help me, I'm a weak man.
Now I'm chomping at the bit to crank out some more paragraphs. I'm looking forward to the next few scenes.
I'll just tough it out, I thought. Then I tried to write. I lasted maybe five minutes. The inspiration well was not just dry - it had been buldozed, paved over and replaced by an office complex. The connections between my desire to write and the amount of coffee in my bloodstream are disturbing but I was too tired to contemplate at that point.
I broke down around 4:00 PM and feverishly guzzled two cups o' joe; one with cream the other black. Sweet Mary help me, I'm a weak man.
Now I'm chomping at the bit to crank out some more paragraphs. I'm looking forward to the next few scenes.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Where to start?
Character?
Or setting?
It's becoming more and more apparent to me as I forge ahead on these first drafts of chapters that I'm more inspired by character than setting. I was reading one author's blog about how he'll look at pictures of flowers and forests to get inspired. There have been times when I've been driven to write, simply to send my characters into a haunted hotel or a fairy forest that I've been dreaming about. But mostly I'm inspired to write because of my characters: "This is when they realize that... or come to terms with this... or meet him..." Especially in my first drafts, the setting is very sparse. You could change the setting from a forest to a city with very little editing.
I can see this is something I'll need to work on. I don't just need to know who my characters are - I need to know where they are.
Current mood:
Tired
Or setting?
It's becoming more and more apparent to me as I forge ahead on these first drafts of chapters that I'm more inspired by character than setting. I was reading one author's blog about how he'll look at pictures of flowers and forests to get inspired. There have been times when I've been driven to write, simply to send my characters into a haunted hotel or a fairy forest that I've been dreaming about. But mostly I'm inspired to write because of my characters: "This is when they realize that... or come to terms with this... or meet him..." Especially in my first drafts, the setting is very sparse. You could change the setting from a forest to a city with very little editing.
I can see this is something I'll need to work on. I don't just need to know who my characters are - I need to know where they are.
Current mood:
Tired
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 470 today, 6k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Loreena McKennit, Pandora.
The good:
Even now her presence inspired a strange feeling in me; like she was someone I'd known before but lost all recollection of except the vague memory of a clean scent and the briefest image of a gentle smile – like a dream feels in the morning.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I've got to watch the exposition. I want details to emerge naturally.
***********************************************
This chapter is coming along well enough. I finally figured out the motivation for "the quest" and how Johnny Cyclops fits into it all. I think it works. We'll see if I can write it now.
Daily Word Count: 470 today, 6k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Loreena McKennit, Pandora.
The good:
Even now her presence inspired a strange feeling in me; like she was someone I'd known before but lost all recollection of except the vague memory of a clean scent and the briefest image of a gentle smile – like a dream feels in the morning.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I've got to watch the exposition. I want details to emerge naturally.
***********************************************
This chapter is coming along well enough. I finally figured out the motivation for "the quest" and how Johnny Cyclops fits into it all. I think it works. We'll see if I can write it now.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 677 today, 5.3k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: James Iha Let it come down, Pandora.
The good:
"“I-I've -– phew -– I've got a stitch,"” I panted. "“Just a moment..."
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I have the sinking feeling that I'm using too many needless words. This first draft is going to have a lot of red pen.
***********************************************
This scene is working much better than yesterday. Instead of just standing around like yesterday, I made my characters go for a run. It's weird how much more urgency the scene has. I need to remember: when things slow down, put your characters in jeopardy. Tomorrow I need to write my dreaded "Council of Elrond" exposition scene. I'll have to remember this rule.
Daily Word Count: 677 today, 5.3k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: James Iha Let it come down, Pandora.
The good:
"“I-I've -– phew -– I've got a stitch,"” I panted. "“Just a moment..."
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I have the sinking feeling that I'm using too many needless words. This first draft is going to have a lot of red pen.
***********************************************
This scene is working much better than yesterday. Instead of just standing around like yesterday, I made my characters go for a run. It's weird how much more urgency the scene has. I need to remember: when things slow down, put your characters in jeopardy. Tomorrow I need to write my dreaded "Council of Elrond" exposition scene. I'll have to remember this rule.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 401, 4.5k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Soda Springs, Autumn
The good:
“Oh, Fin,” Francis cried and before I could do anything ran forward and caught me in a tight embrace. “Did you hear, Durge? He wants to kill us!”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: So far, this chapter seems really dull for such an important scene. I can feel a complete rewrite coming. I think I need to get more into what Fin is thinking and feeling.
***********************************************
This is the first time I've attempted to write this scene. As always, things are rough. Ahh the crappy-first-draft. Only a few paragraphs will survive.
Daily Word Count: 401, 4.5k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Soda Springs, Autumn
The good:
“Oh, Fin,” Francis cried and before I could do anything ran forward and caught me in a tight embrace. “Did you hear, Durge? He wants to kill us!”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: So far, this chapter seems really dull for such an important scene. I can feel a complete rewrite coming. I think I need to get more into what Fin is thinking and feeling.
***********************************************
This is the first time I've attempted to write this scene. As always, things are rough. Ahh the crappy-first-draft. Only a few paragraphs will survive.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Word Count: 4k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Spartian Fedelity, That Hideous Strength, Romeo & Juliet.
The good:
No more fat old men with droopy eyes and dull low voices trying to “make us respectable” and quoting Bible verses at us.
The bad:
“Of course, we have to follow through if he does not appear but if it comes to that we're finished anyway.”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: "I turned and saw", "I saw", "I looked and saw". Why do need to I point it out every time my POV character sees somthing?
Things to think up before next writing time: What exactly happens when Fin tries to save Hattie. What's the real motivation for "The Quest"? Where and how do Jack and Johnny Cyclops come into the picture?
***********************************************
I read the first two chapters last night and I really liked them. They felt good enough to show to someone but I don't think I will yet.
Word Count: 4k total (out of a likely 40-50k)
Inspirations: Spartian Fedelity, That Hideous Strength, Romeo & Juliet.
The good:
No more fat old men with droopy eyes and dull low voices trying to “make us respectable” and quoting Bible verses at us.
The bad:
“Of course, we have to follow through if he does not appear but if it comes to that we're finished anyway.”
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: "I turned and saw", "I saw", "I looked and saw". Why do need to I point it out every time my POV character sees somthing?
Things to think up before next writing time: What exactly happens when Fin tries to save Hattie. What's the real motivation for "The Quest"? Where and how do Jack and Johnny Cyclops come into the picture?
***********************************************
I read the first two chapters last night and I really liked them. They felt good enough to show to someone but I don't think I will yet.
Happy, the end.
The book is called Happy, the end. Don't form to much of an opinion about it because it'll probably change. Here's a list of rejected titles:
Sloutching towards Bethleham
Cool name, huh? Well I didn't make it up. That would be W.B. Yeats. It doesn't really relate to my plot so tried about fifty more-relevant variations of "Sloutching towards..." before I scraped the title.
Jack, Fin and Hattie
Is there anything cooler than naming your book after your main characters? Moving on...
Ever After
An excellent name, especially for a Romantic Comedy starring Drew Barrymore and a bunch of other books on Amazon.
So right now I'm on Happy, the end. Check back next week and I'll be calling it Sloutching towards Nantucket.
Sloutching towards Bethleham
Cool name, huh? Well I didn't make it up. That would be W.B. Yeats. It doesn't really relate to my plot so tried about fifty more-relevant variations of "Sloutching towards..." before I scraped the title.
Jack, Fin and Hattie
Is there anything cooler than naming your book after your main characters? Moving on...
Ever After
An excellent name, especially for a Romantic Comedy starring Drew Barrymore and a bunch of other books on Amazon.
So right now I'm on Happy, the end. Check back next week and I'll be calling it Sloutching towards Nantucket.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Outline
Fin is a twelve-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother on the far outskirts of the Postland kingdom. In his town, a few cars still run and you can still hear music on the radio. But when he accidentally rescues Hattie Everling, the last living princess, he is suddenly thrust into the position of hero and savior.
Hattie needs a hero and she finds one in Fin. The land is dying, she tells him. The King is dead. People are sick. Forests swallow up whole cities. Witches and Ghouls haunt the woods and highways. Behind it all, a mysterious villain named Johnny Cyclops is gathering dark forces for one final confrontation between good and evil. Only a desperate quest to find The Well Beyond the World can reverse the course and defeat Johnny Cyclops. The world is falling apart but there may be time for one last fairy tale.
At first Fin is delighted at this opportunity for adventure and glory. After all, who wouldn't want to be the hero of a fairy tale? But when the mysterious Jack Christian joins the duo as guide, Fin begins to wonder about the true destination of their quest. While Jack is good with a sword and knows how to get out of hot situations, Fin suspects that his intentions are less than noble. Even worse, Fin increasingly loves the princess but she's hardly interested and appears to favor Jack. As the quest continues Fin must face not only headless horsemen, savage ghosts and happy cannibal gypsies (don't ask) but the fact that he might be the true Villain of the story. The ending looms and it's looking more like a Greek Tragedy than happily ever after.
Hattie needs a hero and she finds one in Fin. The land is dying, she tells him. The King is dead. People are sick. Forests swallow up whole cities. Witches and Ghouls haunt the woods and highways. Behind it all, a mysterious villain named Johnny Cyclops is gathering dark forces for one final confrontation between good and evil. Only a desperate quest to find The Well Beyond the World can reverse the course and defeat Johnny Cyclops. The world is falling apart but there may be time for one last fairy tale.
At first Fin is delighted at this opportunity for adventure and glory. After all, who wouldn't want to be the hero of a fairy tale? But when the mysterious Jack Christian joins the duo as guide, Fin begins to wonder about the true destination of their quest. While Jack is good with a sword and knows how to get out of hot situations, Fin suspects that his intentions are less than noble. Even worse, Fin increasingly loves the princess but she's hardly interested and appears to favor Jack. As the quest continues Fin must face not only headless horsemen, savage ghosts and happy cannibal gypsies (don't ask) but the fact that he might be the true Villain of the story. The ending looms and it's looking more like a Greek Tragedy than happily ever after.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
