The hardest part about writing historical fiction is that you are dependent on research for everything. I'm running into some snags with the BIAM because I'm fighting the urge to hit the Internet to find a date or to clarify a point, and I'm just writing around those holes, planning to fill them in on my second pass. Another problem I'm having is that I can't decide when to kill off this character I'm planning to kill. See, there are advantages to killing them sooner, but there are other advantages to killing them later. I am going to have to put this in the back of my brain and let it simmer for a while. There's no doubt in my mind that I'm going to have to go through and rearrange scenes once I decide where they're all going to go. Thank goodness for computers.
In the meanwhile, I had Scouts today and didn't have a lot of time to write, so I came in at 1,045. That's still above my goal, but I would have liked to squeak a few more words on there. Maybe if I can't sleep later tonight.
Several of you have commented that you love how it feels to just get in the groove. Some have said that they can feel the story coming together, and others have had to overcome some pretty fierce opposition to get to the computer. I have no doubt that we'll all have days that seek to keep us from creating -- the important thing is to keep forging ahead. Even if you only manage one sentence, that's one sentence in the right direction.
You guys are awesome -- and I'll see if I can't decide when to kill my person before I sit down to write tomorrow. It sure would make everything easier.
17 comments:
Did you see the movie "Stranger then Fiction"?
If so, you know why I am laughing so hard at the fact that you are trying to consider when to kill off a character.
I really needed that laugh! Thanks Tristi. :)
I can't post my stats just yet. I'm not done writing yet for 'today'. Kids in bed...no sick kids this night to comfort and care. Ummm I think it will be a late nighter for me. I will post my progress in the morning.
Good job all! I'm excited to be apart of a team that is trying so hard to accomplish personal goals. Thank you all for your encouragment and uplifting messages! It really helps. {Am I giving an Oscar's speech? Oh, and I'd like to thank the little people...}
Good night my dears ;)
I always put a ## in place of missing information. then, when I'm ready to do the research I do a 'find' on the document and jump from one ## to another. Way to go on hitting your goal. I'm halfway back to broke on mine :-) By the end of the weekend I hope to be caught up--I'm still writing more than I would have.
Day 4 totals:
40 minutes
691 words
3658 total
I actually had to write today - very little copy and paste.
It was time to put the sunrise back in. This chapter works much better without the weight of being the opening scene.
I admit it. I slept in yesterday, right through the 5:30AM alarm, right through my prime quiet writing time, and I enjoyed every precious second of that extra hour and a half in slumberland. Then when I got my day going, the non-fiction side of my brain took over as I contemplated the state of my house (and fear that a health inspector might randomly choose my house to visit) and considered the new blog website I wanted to create. I surrendered to my practical side for the better part of the day, found the majority of the floors in my house, and even got my new blog up and running. The best news is that while I had resigned myself to getting no writing done, I actually managed to crank out 1,000 words in the late night hours. It's amazing what happens when I take a little time to let those creative cells recharge!
If only we could do that with them major annoyances in our lives. Just kill them off now or at least have the satisfaction of knowing we'll do them in later. (NO, I'm not talking about people. I'm thinkin' of my van).
Wow, I had no idea you were doing a BIAM. What a cool chick you are. Great idea. Maybe I can join next time?
For next year's conference I think, instead of the fairy costume, you should put on a skirt, bring your pom poms, and cheer everyone on because you are the ultimate cheerleader!
I agree with awesome. Totally awesome!
Maybe I really should write a book. When I want to kill someone, I have to actually restrain myself, not just figure out the timing.
:D
day 3 done... and made my goals thus far (barely, but made them). I appriciate having the motivation to actually sit and write, even though i'm not so sure about what's coming out. My book is like two huge mounds of snow on either side with a small bit of "nothing" in between, (most of it already being done.) but with the BIAM challenge, i've hit that patch of ice and i'm not sure where the heck i'm going to land. Hopefully, somwhere on the edge of the other bank, so it'll hook up just fine. :) Meanwhile... here's to the feeling of slipping and sliding out of control! i only hope my "pacing" is in tack by the time i stop...
533 words today...
You could pick another character to kill off, and kill one now and one later.;-)
I love that movie -- mostly because it's so true!
Traci --
I'm in awe at the idea of finding floors. I haven't seen mine in so long :) Recharging is a great idea.
Don -- way to go, and I think you'll be a lot happier with putting the sun where you did.
Josi -- I really like the ## idea too and have found it really useful. I tend to use a %. :)
Jen -- it's very cathartic, trust me. :)
Katie,
You have given me much to think about. Kind of like the appetizer before the main course. Interesting . . . :)
My day 4 is coming to a close with very mixed results. I did manage 1200 words with my new project and just as importantly, I managed to cut over 8800 words on the audio version of my next book, Freefall. The bad news is that I still have to cut another 12066 words. I hope the heart of this novel can survive the red pen and delete button over the next few days!
Holy cow, Traci -- the thought of having to take out that many words fills me with horror. I feel for you!
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