Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 400 today 19.4k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Kate Rusby, Stephen King.
The good:
A strange feeling came over me. I realized that I would probably be following Lilith much longer than the length of this tunnel. I didn’t know what would happen when we reached Whitecloud but it was certain that my journey would not end there; and wherever the path led I was equally certain that Lilith would be with me. That was a happy thought. I could walk into a lion's den if I had someone like her at my side.
***********************************************
We made it to the end of the tunnel. I think it turned out to be a good idea to send them in. I also think it's time that my characters got to Whitecloud.
Whitecloud means switching gears. I've been planning to write this portion from a different POV. The setting also is going to change from forest to city. I imagine things are going to be rough at first.
I can't think about it tonight though. I've made it through a significant part of my plot. That's accomplishment enough for right now.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 530 today 18.664k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Kate Rusby, Stephen King.
The good:
Lilith took a seat next to me. I leaned against her shoulder. My eyes closed but still I listened to Fin’s songs. He knew so many and he never faltered in his singing. It annoyed me that he hadn’t sung for us before. Then I fell asleep.
***********************************************
I had intended to make this tunnel full of ghosts and zombies but so far nothing supernatural has arisen. Instead a character got claustrophobic and had a panic attack. It's weird how you can intend to take a plot in one direction and it just goes another.
If there's one thing that I've learned in my short writing ventures it's to not force things. If something isn't fitting don't squeeze and force it until it fits. Instead go where the story's leading itself. It always seems to work better.
Daily Word Count: 530 today 18.664k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Kate Rusby, Stephen King.
The good:
Lilith took a seat next to me. I leaned against her shoulder. My eyes closed but still I listened to Fin’s songs. He knew so many and he never faltered in his singing. It annoyed me that he hadn’t sung for us before. Then I fell asleep.
***********************************************
I had intended to make this tunnel full of ghosts and zombies but so far nothing supernatural has arisen. Instead a character got claustrophobic and had a panic attack. It's weird how you can intend to take a plot in one direction and it just goes another.
If there's one thing that I've learned in my short writing ventures it's to not force things. If something isn't fitting don't squeeze and force it until it fits. Instead go where the story's leading itself. It always seems to work better.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 500 today 18.1k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Kate Rusby, Stephen King.
The good:
I examined the ceiling and considered how many tons of earth sat over our heads. What was holding it up? Just a few feet of concrete? I shuddered and attempted to direct my thoughts to a different subject but they remained stubbornly fixed. I envisioned with horrible clarity a sudden cracking noise, a futile shout of warning from Lilith, then acres of earth pouring down on my head and pinning my body still. How long could someone live buried alive? Hours? Days? After more thoughts like this every noise became a terror; the harbinger of a suffocating death. The air already seemed to be too scarce. It felt as if someone was holding a cloth across my face.
***********************************************
Finally back in the swing of things. Tonight I told my wife, "I've got to write. It's a must." And like the wonderful person that she is, she totally understood.
Speaking of my wife, I often forget that she once had a panic attack. It was only a few weeks after I met her for the first time. We were hanging out in a crowded house on a rainy day. She started to feel like she couldn't breathe and pretty soon she was hyperventilating. It went on for hours and her parents had to come and pick her up. "Really embarrassing," is how she sums it up. Seven years later, it hasn't happened again. (This event actually was instrumental in us getting together but that's another story.)
The reason I bring this up is because I just made one of my characters have a panic attack. We'll see how it goes.
Daily Word Count: 500 today 18.1k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Kate Rusby, Stephen King.
The good:
I examined the ceiling and considered how many tons of earth sat over our heads. What was holding it up? Just a few feet of concrete? I shuddered and attempted to direct my thoughts to a different subject but they remained stubbornly fixed. I envisioned with horrible clarity a sudden cracking noise, a futile shout of warning from Lilith, then acres of earth pouring down on my head and pinning my body still. How long could someone live buried alive? Hours? Days? After more thoughts like this every noise became a terror; the harbinger of a suffocating death. The air already seemed to be too scarce. It felt as if someone was holding a cloth across my face.
***********************************************
Finally back in the swing of things. Tonight I told my wife, "I've got to write. It's a must." And like the wonderful person that she is, she totally understood.
Speaking of my wife, I often forget that she once had a panic attack. It was only a few weeks after I met her for the first time. We were hanging out in a crowded house on a rainy day. She started to feel like she couldn't breathe and pretty soon she was hyperventilating. It went on for hours and her parents had to come and pick her up. "Really embarrassing," is how she sums it up. Seven years later, it hasn't happened again. (This event actually was instrumental in us getting together but that's another story.)
The reason I bring this up is because I just made one of my characters have a panic attack. We'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Argument (or the story so far)
My story has been drastically evolving as I write. Certain characters have done one-eighties with their personalities and motivations. Backstory has been hinted at but never spelled out. Destinations have changed. I keep forgetting plot threads and details. Before I wrote another chapter I had to write this.
This is my story so far (including backstory that won't actually be in the book). I'm going to be referencing this as I go forward to make sure that things line up. I don't mind that I don't have any plot outlined beyond what I've already written. I just need to keep track of what I have.
I present it now for your inspection. Make of it what you will.
When the Two Empires fall the earth goes bad. Bombs and wars wipe out millions of people in moments. Whole countries turn to waste. Warlords rise up to dominate the land. A second dark age covers humanity and many believe that the end of all things is near. Then, two hundred years after the fall, Kay Everling casts down the warlords and establishes a new kingdom called Postworld that covers a thousand square miles. He founds two cities: One on the sea called New Camelot; there he sets his throne in Luna Castle, a structure so beautiful that it rivals the works of the Two Empires. On the other end of Postworld he builds Whitecloud on the very edge of The Waste to stand guard against the evil that still lingers beyond the borders.
The Everling line rules Postworld for two hundred years and there is peace. Nothing comes in from the outside world (called The Wastes) and no one goes out. But eventually the evil that destroyed the Two Empires returns. In a single night, a force known only as Nightmare Lucy kills ten thousand people in New Camelot, including every member of the royal family save Penelope, the youngest daughter. She escapes and flees into the forest. Her plan is to seek refuge in Whitecloud but she must cross many miles of forest to reach her destination.
Fin lives in the small farming community of Silverwater. One night - ninety days after Nightmare Lucy - his Grandmother sends him to Lilith the witch’s cottage in the forest to buy the Bitterstalk vegetable. When Fin reaches Lilith’s cottage the conversation between them reveals that their relationship may have some unknown history that Lilith is aware of but Fin only suspects.
As Fin returns home through the forest he encounters a wolf-like creature (called a Warg) chasing a girl. Almost without thinking he peruses them. After a struggle he kills the Warg with his rifle but not before it injures the girl badly. He returns the girl to Lilith’s cottage for medical treatment. Exhausted, he falls asleep in the cottage but not before Lilith tells him that the girl is Penelope Everling, the last surviving member of the royal family.
In the morning Lilith tells him that the same dark force which killed the royal family is also that which destroyed the Two Empires. This force is mustering power to bring about the final destruction of humanity. The final confrontation between good and evil is brewing. The last story has started. Lilith believes that, by saving The Princess, Fin is a key figure in this story; she claims that he is the hero. Fin has hitherto been disenchanted with the simple country life and longs for adventure and glory. He gladly accepts this news.
After conferring with Penelope, Lilith decides that they should take her the rest of the way to Whitecloud. Lilith mentions that she’s had visions of a boy named Jack Christian who lives in Whitecloud. Her visions tell her that Jack is a key in defeating the gathering evil.
They begin their journey through the forest to Whitecloud. Penelope is still somewhat injured from her encounter with the Warg and must ride in a cart that Lilith pulls. (Fin is impressed by the witch’s strength.) That night they hear strange music in the forest and flee their campfire. Looking back they see a tall faun in their camp. Penelope sees this faun again the following night but thinks that she’s dreaming.
On the journey, Lilith and Penelope quickly begin enjoy each other’s company but Fin is a somewhat awkward addition to their party. Lilith especially has a tendency to be short with him.
On the morning of the third day they come to a railroad track that Lilith calls the Diakost. She says that it is a relic from the Two Empires but that trains used to run on it nearly one hundred years past. She says that it will take them to Whitecloud.
They follow this track for one day until they reach an abandoned railway station with a road leading away from the track. Lilith has been here before. The road leads to the long-forsaken Nome Mine and Lilith recommends that they fill their canteens in the manor well. They desert the railroad track and, after passing through the gloomy mining fields, they come to the beautiful manor gardens. Oddly enough the gardens appear maintained. After an argument with Penelope, Lilith leaves Fin and Penelope in the garden to find the well. A strange magic almost immediately enchants Fin and Penelope and they fall asleep.
It is night when Penelope awakens. She is lying near the entrance to the mine. She hears knocking noises and sees strange lights in the abandoned shaft. Something draws her towards the mine mouth. She wants to stop but she can’t. She realizes that the mine wants to eat her. Lilith saves her at the last minute and commands the spirits that haunt the mine to retreat.
Lilith brings Penelope back to the railroad track where Fin is waiting for them. Penelope soon realizes that Fin also had an experience in the mine that has terrified him but he won’t speak of it; though it appears that Lilith knows what happened to him. The following morning Penelope overhears a conversation between Lilith and Fin where Lilith consoles him and apologizes for being so harsh towards him in the past. Even after the conversation, Fin is still harrowed by his experience in the mine.
By now Penelope’s leg has healed and she can walk fine.
As they draw nearer to Whitecloud they find that the railroad track enters a dark tunnel. No one, especially Fin and Hattie, wish to enter the tunnel and Lilith suggests that they try and find an alternate route and meet up with the track on the other end. This sounds agreeable to everyone but a forest fire suddenly appears and blocks their path. While running from the fire Fin discovers that Penelope is a faster runner than he is. To escape the fire they seek refuge in the tunnel and decide that they must go through it after all. Before they start, Penelope thanks Fin for saving her from the Warg.
***
That's it for now. I haven't written any more. I'll update this again sometime.
This is my story so far (including backstory that won't actually be in the book). I'm going to be referencing this as I go forward to make sure that things line up. I don't mind that I don't have any plot outlined beyond what I've already written. I just need to keep track of what I have.
I present it now for your inspection. Make of it what you will.
Argument:
When the Two Empires fall the earth goes bad. Bombs and wars wipe out millions of people in moments. Whole countries turn to waste. Warlords rise up to dominate the land. A second dark age covers humanity and many believe that the end of all things is near. Then, two hundred years after the fall, Kay Everling casts down the warlords and establishes a new kingdom called Postworld that covers a thousand square miles. He founds two cities: One on the sea called New Camelot; there he sets his throne in Luna Castle, a structure so beautiful that it rivals the works of the Two Empires. On the other end of Postworld he builds Whitecloud on the very edge of The Waste to stand guard against the evil that still lingers beyond the borders.
The Everling line rules Postworld for two hundred years and there is peace. Nothing comes in from the outside world (called The Wastes) and no one goes out. But eventually the evil that destroyed the Two Empires returns. In a single night, a force known only as Nightmare Lucy kills ten thousand people in New Camelot, including every member of the royal family save Penelope, the youngest daughter. She escapes and flees into the forest. Her plan is to seek refuge in Whitecloud but she must cross many miles of forest to reach her destination.
Fin lives in the small farming community of Silverwater. One night - ninety days after Nightmare Lucy - his Grandmother sends him to Lilith the witch’s cottage in the forest to buy the Bitterstalk vegetable. When Fin reaches Lilith’s cottage the conversation between them reveals that their relationship may have some unknown history that Lilith is aware of but Fin only suspects.
As Fin returns home through the forest he encounters a wolf-like creature (called a Warg) chasing a girl. Almost without thinking he peruses them. After a struggle he kills the Warg with his rifle but not before it injures the girl badly. He returns the girl to Lilith’s cottage for medical treatment. Exhausted, he falls asleep in the cottage but not before Lilith tells him that the girl is Penelope Everling, the last surviving member of the royal family.
In the morning Lilith tells him that the same dark force which killed the royal family is also that which destroyed the Two Empires. This force is mustering power to bring about the final destruction of humanity. The final confrontation between good and evil is brewing. The last story has started. Lilith believes that, by saving The Princess, Fin is a key figure in this story; she claims that he is the hero. Fin has hitherto been disenchanted with the simple country life and longs for adventure and glory. He gladly accepts this news.
After conferring with Penelope, Lilith decides that they should take her the rest of the way to Whitecloud. Lilith mentions that she’s had visions of a boy named Jack Christian who lives in Whitecloud. Her visions tell her that Jack is a key in defeating the gathering evil.
They begin their journey through the forest to Whitecloud. Penelope is still somewhat injured from her encounter with the Warg and must ride in a cart that Lilith pulls. (Fin is impressed by the witch’s strength.) That night they hear strange music in the forest and flee their campfire. Looking back they see a tall faun in their camp. Penelope sees this faun again the following night but thinks that she’s dreaming.
On the journey, Lilith and Penelope quickly begin enjoy each other’s company but Fin is a somewhat awkward addition to their party. Lilith especially has a tendency to be short with him.
On the morning of the third day they come to a railroad track that Lilith calls the Diakost. She says that it is a relic from the Two Empires but that trains used to run on it nearly one hundred years past. She says that it will take them to Whitecloud.
They follow this track for one day until they reach an abandoned railway station with a road leading away from the track. Lilith has been here before. The road leads to the long-forsaken Nome Mine and Lilith recommends that they fill their canteens in the manor well. They desert the railroad track and, after passing through the gloomy mining fields, they come to the beautiful manor gardens. Oddly enough the gardens appear maintained. After an argument with Penelope, Lilith leaves Fin and Penelope in the garden to find the well. A strange magic almost immediately enchants Fin and Penelope and they fall asleep.
It is night when Penelope awakens. She is lying near the entrance to the mine. She hears knocking noises and sees strange lights in the abandoned shaft. Something draws her towards the mine mouth. She wants to stop but she can’t. She realizes that the mine wants to eat her. Lilith saves her at the last minute and commands the spirits that haunt the mine to retreat.
Lilith brings Penelope back to the railroad track where Fin is waiting for them. Penelope soon realizes that Fin also had an experience in the mine that has terrified him but he won’t speak of it; though it appears that Lilith knows what happened to him. The following morning Penelope overhears a conversation between Lilith and Fin where Lilith consoles him and apologizes for being so harsh towards him in the past. Even after the conversation, Fin is still harrowed by his experience in the mine.
By now Penelope’s leg has healed and she can walk fine.
As they draw nearer to Whitecloud they find that the railroad track enters a dark tunnel. No one, especially Fin and Hattie, wish to enter the tunnel and Lilith suggests that they try and find an alternate route and meet up with the track on the other end. This sounds agreeable to everyone but a forest fire suddenly appears and blocks their path. While running from the fire Fin discovers that Penelope is a faster runner than he is. To escape the fire they seek refuge in the tunnel and decide that they must go through it after all. Before they start, Penelope thanks Fin for saving her from the Warg.
***
That's it for now. I haven't written any more. I'll update this again sometime.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Novel Stats (or the night of no inspiration)
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 200 today (Aiee!) 17.8k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Kate Rusby but not much else.
The good:
“We’re ready,” I said and took Fin’s hand in mine and reached for Lilith’s. “Lead on, Ms. Lilith.” Hand and hand like children, we ventured forward.
***********************************************
Bad night. I think my muse took the night off to play internet poker. Here's hoping that tomorrow is better.
Daily Word Count: 200 today (Aiee!) 17.8k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Kate Rusby but not much else.
The good:
“We’re ready,” I said and took Fin’s hand in mine and reached for Lilith’s. “Lead on, Ms. Lilith.” Hand and hand like children, we ventured forward.
***********************************************
Bad night. I think my muse took the night off to play internet poker. Here's hoping that tomorrow is better.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 420 today 17.8k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Steven King, Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
It seemed odd to sit down and eat just after such a harrowing ordeal but I found myself rather hungry. We sat in a small circle on the tracks, breaking our bread. My eyes continued to stray down the track to where everything vanished in a fist of darkness. It would be better to face that on a full stomach.
***********************************************
Today is definitely an in-between scene. I'm trying to make the most of it by focusing on developing Penelope. I'm really enjoying writing her. She's blossomed in my mind over the past few days. It's taken me a while to figure her out though. I originally wrote her as flirty and prissy. Wrong!
I don't know why I tried to write a character like that. I don't like those sort of girls. Why did I think it would be good to write a book about one? Things are much better now.
BTW, I just sent my characters into a tunnel full of (Zombies? Vampires?) that looks like this:
********
Here's a nice lyric:
And he has tried to swim the stream,
Oh woe betide the willow wand,
And woe betide the bush and briar,
For you broke beneath my true love's hand
When strength did fail and limbs did tire
And woe betide you Annan Waters
By night you are a gloomy river,
And over you I'll build a bridge
That never more true love can sever.
Daily Word Count: 420 today 17.8k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Steven King, Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
It seemed odd to sit down and eat just after such a harrowing ordeal but I found myself rather hungry. We sat in a small circle on the tracks, breaking our bread. My eyes continued to stray down the track to where everything vanished in a fist of darkness. It would be better to face that on a full stomach.
***********************************************
Today is definitely an in-between scene. I'm trying to make the most of it by focusing on developing Penelope. I'm really enjoying writing her. She's blossomed in my mind over the past few days. It's taken me a while to figure her out though. I originally wrote her as flirty and prissy. Wrong!
I don't know why I tried to write a character like that. I don't like those sort of girls. Why did I think it would be good to write a book about one? Things are much better now.
BTW, I just sent my characters into a tunnel full of (Zombies? Vampires?) that looks like this:
********
Here's a nice lyric:
And he has tried to swim the stream,
Oh woe betide the willow wand,
And woe betide the bush and briar,
For you broke beneath my true love's hand
When strength did fail and limbs did tire
And woe betide you Annan Waters
By night you are a gloomy river,
And over you I'll build a bridge
That never more true love can sever.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 500 today 17.8k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Steven King, Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
We began our final sprint down the ravine. The sky was dark as a thunderstorm. Blistering wind screamed over our heads. The air all around us rippled. Every inch of my body was drenched in sweat: it slicked my thighs and streamed down my face into my eyes and mouth. But the air was clear. I could breathe. My ankle was better. I ran as hard as I could. And I liked it.
I’d never been built like the other willowy girls who populated Luna Castle. My legs were thick and my waist, no matter how I tried to smooth it, always bore a soft ripple of fat. “You’ve got a runner’s body,” my mother once told me, after catching me reproachfully examining my figure in a mirror. “Postland has too many swans, for my tastes. Penelope, you’re a deer.” So I ran. The other girls might look gorgeous in a bathing suit but I could lick them in any race. The courtly life didn’t allow for many such opportunities but it didn’t matter. I was a runner. And I could even beat a fire if it came to a race.
***********************************************
I feel like I'm finally getting a bead on Penelope's character. She's starting to turn into real person for me instead of a caricature.
Daily Word Count: 500 today 17.8k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Steven King, Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
We began our final sprint down the ravine. The sky was dark as a thunderstorm. Blistering wind screamed over our heads. The air all around us rippled. Every inch of my body was drenched in sweat: it slicked my thighs and streamed down my face into my eyes and mouth. But the air was clear. I could breathe. My ankle was better. I ran as hard as I could. And I liked it.
I’d never been built like the other willowy girls who populated Luna Castle. My legs were thick and my waist, no matter how I tried to smooth it, always bore a soft ripple of fat. “You’ve got a runner’s body,” my mother once told me, after catching me reproachfully examining my figure in a mirror. “Postland has too many swans, for my tastes. Penelope, you’re a deer.” So I ran. The other girls might look gorgeous in a bathing suit but I could lick them in any race. The courtly life didn’t allow for many such opportunities but it didn’t matter. I was a runner. And I could even beat a fire if it came to a race.
***********************************************
I feel like I'm finally getting a bead on Penelope's character. She's starting to turn into real person for me instead of a caricature.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Poetry anyone?
This is a poem I wrote almost two years ago. I'd been reading Robert Browning and was inspired to write an epic poem. It was supposed to tell a story but I quickly burned out never finished it. I still sort-of like it though.
Chimera
1.
See now the scar in rock
The ragged tear in cliff, my path
Fingers fumble, they clutch, they grasp
Arm’s sinews tick like the work of a clock
Air sucked like a child and breast so locked
And watch the inches drag away and pass
2.
Stubbled clouds stack the sky in slate
Throwing snow petals to pattern the soil
Now caught by wind and turned in a cauldron boil
And there the mountain spear and sky mate
“Come and see the cold light generates.”
Says your voice or only the distant thunder roll
3.
Chimera, did your hand?
Your forge form the precipice?
Or knife cut the crevice?
Or mill grind the rocks to sand?
Did the fingers that drew mountain from land
pull tight the wires of my wrist?
4.
Soul, no longer muse, for I have sworn
To cast him from the cliffs and see his fire fade
He who dug the pit will also low be laid
Hero, the earth has made me so and I will not scorn
the path that paws of beasts have yet only worn
“Come and see the life death made.”
5.
Guinevere, her kisses calmed, feet no longer tread
Her voice, a bell of mercy, in these silent hills
Her fingers smoothing frost from a pane so chilled
Dashing like a deer on our path, she led
Sudden as a laugh, sharing in my bed
With her waters and whispers, dry riverbeds filled
6.
Remembering the day we wed in the storm
Her hands, sharp as knives on my breast
In silk, thin and pale as frost, she dressed
In one kiss, destinies tangled like thorns
With words of ragged fire to her I swore
And as one we cleaved to the quest
7.
A lady, fair as a child
A girl, dark as doom
Her words choice as silk on the loom
Could one so tender be so wild?
Could one so hard be so mild?
Yet she that burned life was quenched by tomb.
8.
Guinevere, your crown once fine gold
now a band of stones, a dress of clotted earth
Princess, royal maid, now dust is your worth
Her face, her skin too pale to line old
Her fire blazed fast and at a spear bled quick and cold
She, once so blessed, in the end Chimera cursed.
9.
Chimera, did your sword paralyze?
That day of sudden battles and attacks
When strength waned and death waxed
Did you turn deaf at her cries?
At your command did she die?
Did your hand plunge the axe?
10.
Here now, I reach a place flat as the cliff sheer
This new land pulls me from dreams of her
In my path, a stream moves with waters clear and pure
The drops and slosh tap like soft chimes on my ear
When last did I see a drink so sweet and clear?
This is surely a trap, my thirst to lure
--------
Aaaand... I got bored. Sort of a cliffhanger poetry wise though.
Chimera
1.
See now the scar in rock
The ragged tear in cliff, my path
Fingers fumble, they clutch, they grasp
Arm’s sinews tick like the work of a clock
Air sucked like a child and breast so locked
And watch the inches drag away and pass
2.
Stubbled clouds stack the sky in slate
Throwing snow petals to pattern the soil
Now caught by wind and turned in a cauldron boil
And there the mountain spear and sky mate
“Come and see the cold light generates.”
Says your voice or only the distant thunder roll
3.
Chimera, did your hand?
Your forge form the precipice?
Or knife cut the crevice?
Or mill grind the rocks to sand?
Did the fingers that drew mountain from land
pull tight the wires of my wrist?
4.
Soul, no longer muse, for I have sworn
To cast him from the cliffs and see his fire fade
He who dug the pit will also low be laid
Hero, the earth has made me so and I will not scorn
the path that paws of beasts have yet only worn
“Come and see the life death made.”
5.
Guinevere, her kisses calmed, feet no longer tread
Her voice, a bell of mercy, in these silent hills
Her fingers smoothing frost from a pane so chilled
Dashing like a deer on our path, she led
Sudden as a laugh, sharing in my bed
With her waters and whispers, dry riverbeds filled
6.
Remembering the day we wed in the storm
Her hands, sharp as knives on my breast
In silk, thin and pale as frost, she dressed
In one kiss, destinies tangled like thorns
With words of ragged fire to her I swore
And as one we cleaved to the quest
7.
A lady, fair as a child
A girl, dark as doom
Her words choice as silk on the loom
Could one so tender be so wild?
Could one so hard be so mild?
Yet she that burned life was quenched by tomb.
8.
Guinevere, your crown once fine gold
now a band of stones, a dress of clotted earth
Princess, royal maid, now dust is your worth
Her face, her skin too pale to line old
Her fire blazed fast and at a spear bled quick and cold
She, once so blessed, in the end Chimera cursed.
9.
Chimera, did your sword paralyze?
That day of sudden battles and attacks
When strength waned and death waxed
Did you turn deaf at her cries?
At your command did she die?
Did your hand plunge the axe?
10.
Here now, I reach a place flat as the cliff sheer
This new land pulls me from dreams of her
In my path, a stream moves with waters clear and pure
The drops and slosh tap like soft chimes on my ear
When last did I see a drink so sweet and clear?
This is surely a trap, my thirst to lure
--------
Aaaand... I got bored. Sort of a cliffhanger poetry wise though.
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 500 today 17.8k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Steven King, Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
“Fin, when I was young... I had visions... of dark things. I couldn’t help it, they just came. But when I told my mother and the elders, they had only useless grownup things to say; it was just my imagination; I was just a child; there was nothing to be afraid of. That was even worse then the visions themselves. I knew I was alone with these scary pictures pouring into my head until it felt like my skull was going to crack. Fin, I will never say grownup things. You can tell me that you’ve seen scary monsters and I’ll stop and listen, ‘cause I’ve seen them too.”
***********************************************
I got the music bug and I wasted this weekend recording a song instead of writing. I was happy with how it turned out but my wife didn't like it and someone else commented that it sounded like The Phantom of the Opera or Gollum singing. Not sure how to take that. I had fun though.
By the way, how do you get your characters to go back underground right after they had a nasty time in a haunted mine? Start a fire, of course!
Daily Word Count: 500 today 17.8k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Steven King, Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
“Fin, when I was young... I had visions... of dark things. I couldn’t help it, they just came. But when I told my mother and the elders, they had only useless grownup things to say; it was just my imagination; I was just a child; there was nothing to be afraid of. That was even worse then the visions themselves. I knew I was alone with these scary pictures pouring into my head until it felt like my skull was going to crack. Fin, I will never say grownup things. You can tell me that you’ve seen scary monsters and I’ll stop and listen, ‘cause I’ve seen them too.”
***********************************************
I got the music bug and I wasted this weekend recording a song instead of writing. I was happy with how it turned out but my wife didn't like it and someone else commented that it sounded like The Phantom of the Opera or Gollum singing. Not sure how to take that. I had fun though.
By the way, how do you get your characters to go back underground right after they had a nasty time in a haunted mine? Start a fire, of course!
Monday, January 15, 2007
quick update...
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. My writing computer has been on the fritz and won't let me get into Blogger. I'm writing this from my non-writing computer.
Expect regular programming to commmence soon.
Expect regular programming to commmence soon.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 700 today 15.6k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Steven King, Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
The mine wanted to swallow me. It would to lick me into its gullet and pull me down the rusting tracks to be crushed and digested by stones and dirt. And it reeled me forward as if it had a hook in my neck.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: Nothing new to report here.
***********************************************
The haunted mine continues to bear fruit. A lot of character focusing happened in there for me. Suddenly I understand the witch and Fin a lot better. I still need to focus a tighter bead on Penelope (I changed her name from Hattie) but I'm feeling much better about everything.
Next up: Tunnel Zombies! (I'm serious.)
Daily Word Count: 700 today 15.6k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Steven King, Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
The mine wanted to swallow me. It would to lick me into its gullet and pull me down the rusting tracks to be crushed and digested by stones and dirt. And it reeled me forward as if it had a hook in my neck.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: Nothing new to report here.
***********************************************
The haunted mine continues to bear fruit. A lot of character focusing happened in there for me. Suddenly I understand the witch and Fin a lot better. I still need to focus a tighter bead on Penelope (I changed her name from Hattie) but I'm feeling much better about everything.
Next up: Tunnel Zombies! (I'm serious.)
Just FYI
After few complaints, I did some digging and discovered that only Blogger-registered users can comment on my blog. Whoops.
Commenting is now open to everyone except spammers, racists and the Irish.
Commenting is now open to everyone except spammers, racists and the Irish.
Visual Inspiration
Sometimes pictures make me want to get on the keyboard and start writing.Certain artists are especially good at this. I thought I'd share a few.
Maxfield Parrish
Sort-of a 'duh' here but his older, lesser-know work is a well of inspiration.
Above are a few images from the book "Dream Days". I remember finding this book in the library and pouring over the illustrations. Parrish went on to paint lavish, colorful landscapes later in his career that were hugely successful but I prefer his early illustrations.
Arthur Rackham
Creepy, old-school, pretty illustrations.
P.J. Lynch
The first modern illustrator here. Lynch's illustrations are like pearls. You can see how that he loves his characters in the way he paints them.
4.JPG)
Michael Whelan
I'm really only aquinted with his work from The Dark Tower series but it's enough to sell me. His images are just grounded enough in reality to make me look twice.
So those are some for me. Anyone care to share what inspires them visually?
Maxfield Parrish
Sort-of a 'duh' here but his older, lesser-know work is a well of inspiration.
Above are a few images from the book "Dream Days". I remember finding this book in the library and pouring over the illustrations. Parrish went on to paint lavish, colorful landscapes later in his career that were hugely successful but I prefer his early illustrations.
Arthur Rackham
Creepy, old-school, pretty illustrations.
P.J. Lynch
The first modern illustrator here. Lynch's illustrations are like pearls. You can see how that he loves his characters in the way he paints them.
Michael Whelan
I'm really only aquinted with his work from The Dark Tower series but it's enough to sell me. His images are just grounded enough in reality to make me look twice.
So those are some for me. Anyone care to share what inspires them visually?
Monday, January 08, 2007
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 830 today (much better!), 14.9k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
I thought that I could hear voices speaking but then I realized that I was chanting:
Slide down the earth’s spine
Here to cut, heave and slice
Come drain the earth’s veins
Where light smothers and wings flutter
And thoughts creep, and dreams sleep
Come drain the earth’s veins
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I've recently realized that whatever attraction was supposed to be happening between two characters is about as dry and fake as a sloppy writer could write it. Much fixing is needed.
***********************************************
I finished the "haunted mine" sequence. I was dubious about it because it seemed to come out of nowhere and I wasn't sure why it deserved to exist in the plot; but now that it's done I'm really glad I wrote it. I think it turned out nice. *Does a happy dance*
Daily Word Count: 830 today (much better!), 14.9k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
I thought that I could hear voices speaking but then I realized that I was chanting:
Slide down the earth’s spine
Here to cut, heave and slice
Come drain the earth’s veins
Where light smothers and wings flutter
And thoughts creep, and dreams sleep
Come drain the earth’s veins
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I've recently realized that whatever attraction was supposed to be happening between two characters is about as dry and fake as a sloppy writer could write it. Much fixing is needed.
***********************************************
I finished the "haunted mine" sequence. I was dubious about it because it seemed to come out of nowhere and I wasn't sure why it deserved to exist in the plot; but now that it's done I'm really glad I wrote it. I think it turned out nice. *Does a happy dance*
Saturday, January 06, 2007
I drew a picture
I've never drawn pictures of my characters before. But today I did. This is my princess. I'm currently writing from her point-of-view.
I just realized that she looks exactly like my little sister. Weird...
I just realized that she looks exactly like my little sister. Weird...
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 360 today (still, ugh), 12.3k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
"I won’t retreat until I see something more threatening than a short lawn."
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out the name of a tree. If that isn't a waste of time I don't know what is. I should've just called it a pine tree and got the name later.
***********************************************
Not much to report except that it's raining today and I love the rain. I could've had a much better wordcount tonight if I hadn't been fixated on the right name for that tree. Oh, Bugger!
Daily Word Count: 360 today (still, ugh), 12.3k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
"I won’t retreat until I see something more threatening than a short lawn."
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out the name of a tree. If that isn't a waste of time I don't know what is. I should've just called it a pine tree and got the name later.
***********************************************
Not much to report except that it's raining today and I love the rain. I could've had a much better wordcount tonight if I hadn't been fixated on the right name for that tree. Oh, Bugger!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Speaking of mines...
Anyone who lives in Grass Valley will know why but I thought I'd explain it to those who don't.
Twenty three years ago I was born in the little California town of Grass Valley and I haven't wanted to leave since. Grass Valley is a town founded during the California Gold Rush around The Empire Mine. The Mine isn't running anymore. Now it's a park.
When I was a kid I lived with that mine almost literally in my back yard. In the summer evenings me and my family would all go for walks down the trails and play. The huge hills and valleys always reminded me of castles.
Some of the trails
There's something very mysterious about a beautiful place that has been abandoned.
I remember the first time my Mom shelled out the money to get into the gardens. It was like a little glimpse of heaven for me. I've always loved pretty things and I remember feeling almost overwhelmed walking across the green, shady lawn; through the rose arbors; and past the fountains.
It's quiet inside the gardens and there's a lot of hidden lawns and walkways. I love that place.
Some shots of the gardens
It's a great place to go for inspiration or just to relax. I'm very grateful that I grew up with such a beautiful place so close.
If you're ever in Grass Valley and want a tour - let me know. I'm always up for it.
Twenty three years ago I was born in the little California town of Grass Valley and I haven't wanted to leave since. Grass Valley is a town founded during the California Gold Rush around The Empire Mine. The Mine isn't running anymore. Now it's a park.
When I was a kid I lived with that mine almost literally in my back yard. In the summer evenings me and my family would all go for walks down the trails and play. The huge hills and valleys always reminded me of castles.
Some of the trails
There's something very mysterious about a beautiful place that has been abandoned.
I remember the first time my Mom shelled out the money to get into the gardens. It was like a little glimpse of heaven for me. I've always loved pretty things and I remember feeling almost overwhelmed walking across the green, shady lawn; through the rose arbors; and past the fountains.
It's quiet inside the gardens and there's a lot of hidden lawns and walkways. I love that place.
Some shots of the gardens
It's a great place to go for inspiration or just to relax. I'm very grateful that I grew up with such a beautiful place so close.
If you're ever in Grass Valley and want a tour - let me know. I'm always up for it.
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 250 today (ugh), 12.950k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
On the side of one hill perched the black timber-skeleton of a strange old structure, looking so frail and precarious that a breath of wind might blow it to the ground.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I'm not sure how relevant this sequence is to the plot. Am I sending The Hobbits to Tom Bombadil when they should be going to Rivendell? I guess I'll find out.
***********************************************
My characters are just walking into the haunted mine. Yay!
Daily Word Count: 250 today (ugh), 12.950k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
On the side of one hill perched the black timber-skeleton of a strange old structure, looking so frail and precarious that a breath of wind might blow it to the ground.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I'm not sure how relevant this sequence is to the plot. Am I sending The Hobbits to Tom Bombadil when they should be going to Rivendell? I guess I'll find out.
***********************************************
My characters are just walking into the haunted mine. Yay!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Novel Stats
Metrics for HAPPY, THE END
Daily Word Count: 400 today, 12.692k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
“It’s a Train Station,” Lilith said.
As we came closer we saw that she was right: Just of the tracks stood a concrete platform, strewn with rotten leaves and pine needles. Four rusty benches sat towards the back; one had been wrenched from its footings and lay twisted in a heap. At one end there were the remains of a ticket booth.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I've been lazy this past week writing-wise. I need to get back in a groove.
***********************************************
Whew! The holidays are over and work has calmed down enough for me to return to my book. I've missed writing it. I've decided to let my characters get lost in the woods and stumble upon a haunted mine.
For some reason I love corny haunted stuff. Haunted houses, haunted hotels, and now haunted mines. There's something cool and oddly likable about it.
Daily Word Count: 400 today, 12.692k total (out of a likely 60-80k)
Inspirations: Rosie Thomas, Anberlin, Sufjan Stevens
The good:
“It’s a Train Station,” Lilith said.
As we came closer we saw that she was right: Just of the tracks stood a concrete platform, strewn with rotten leaves and pine needles. Four rusty benches sat towards the back; one had been wrenched from its footings and lay twisted in a heap. At one end there were the remains of a ticket booth.
Bad writing skill that needs to go away: I've been lazy this past week writing-wise. I need to get back in a groove.
***********************************************
Whew! The holidays are over and work has calmed down enough for me to return to my book. I've missed writing it. I've decided to let my characters get lost in the woods and stumble upon a haunted mine.
For some reason I love corny haunted stuff. Haunted houses, haunted hotels, and now haunted mines. There's something cool and oddly likable about it.
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