Stand by...

Putting the novel on hold for a bit while I work on the rewrite for a chapter book. Got the notes from my editor back in the middle of December and have finally been able to wrap my brain around them enough so I can start the edit. After literally battling my way through the third to last chapter of Leonard, it's actually a nice break to work on something different. Hope to be back at the novel by the end of next week.

First draft word count a/o today: 64591

Closer Still, Again

Man! This third to last chapter is taking me forever! Lot's of battle action that by its very nature cries out for careful description. It's a fine line though. Being overly descriptive can be as "unenjoyable" for the reader as not writing enough for them to sink their teeth into. I have to make it exciting yet be sure that I "leave out the parts readers tend to skip".


Oh well, I'm deciding to treat this chapter as a case of "slow and steady wins the race".


First draft word count a/o today: 64591

Closer Still

Reached a personally important but largely symbolic milestone by breaking 60k. I'm on the third to last chapter and steaming toward the finish. LOTS of action in these closing chapters as I build toward the climactic confrontation between my boy hero and the evil arch villain. From experience with my spec screenplays I know that while I find writing action to be challenging, it's also a lot of fun. When I get it right, penning a good action sequence is like watching your kid beat some challenge that could have gone either way -- you're filled with a mixture of pride, excitement, and relief. Onward!

First draft word count a/o today: 61125

Getting Closer

Knocked off two chapters and added a decent amount to the word count. I think breaking 60k will feel pretty good. I know I've got my work cut out for me when I start the rewrite. Seems that every time I open the file and start typing I discover things that I'll have to go back and fix. There are some major issues (like an entire King Arthur subplot that vanishes about halfway in -- it involves onions and captivity) and a lot of minor stuff. I have a page at the end of the draft where I keep notes on these future fixes.

First draft word count a/o today: 59239

Getting Close

Had a fairly productive last couple of days. Did some structural edits -- combined a couple of chapters for flow and did a little word cranking. A quick look tells me I've got five more chapters to go before I'm finished with the first draft. Charge!
I've also been re-watching the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (a Christmas time tradition here at stately Eschbacher manor). Talk about inspirational! Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are certifiable geniuses with the way they masterfully adapted such a monstrously complex work as LOTR. I'm so glad that Jackson and New Line worked out their differences -- two Hobbit films! Yahoo!

Anyway, I think it's safe to say that watching films that connect to your novels theme is a no-brainer way to get the creative juices flowing.

First Draft word count a/o today: 58,004

Holidaze

Well, I did have the goal of finishing the first draft of Leonard by the end of December but I didn't quite make it. I'm blaming the Holidays for my lack of progress -- the good kind of blame as in, I'm enjoying kicking back with the family and not overly concerned with writing a whole lot this time of year. The new year will see me attack the page with renewed vigor.

First Draft word count a/o today: 56,658

One Word

After slogging along miserably for a few days, I had a very productive start of the week. Although I don't believe in writer's block, there are some times as an author when it feels like you're trying to swim through mental molasses. You become strangely convinced that you just don't have enough energy or functioning brain cells to write. It's easy to procrastinate when this happens and I've found the only way out of that swamp is to force yourself to sit down and type one word -- any word. That simple act is like using a plunger after (insert crass plugged toilet metaphor here). Since you've written one word, it's no big deal to come up with another word that will go with it and so forth. Once you start typing, the logjam gradually loosens and the next thing you know, you've cranked out a quick 1500 words. Felt good.

First Draft word count a/o today: 56,197