Today I need to take a step back and think about my novel. I am at a point where I think I need to outline. My characters are getting out of control on the page. Other writers will say to just keep writing. I have a little girl whose story needs telling as well as my lead character. I have scientists to develop and I’m not sure how much I can say about Professor Stephen Hawking.
Trying to give myself deadlines to try and get the words down, but I want them in a logical order. Some authors will just type, not worrying about grammar, just getting the words down. Some will just keep going with their first draft and not change anything until it is completed.
Other authors will happily write over 200 000 words easily and others like me, slow right down at about 25 000. Maybe this comes with experience.
Some will outline the whole story and plan – plotters. Whilst others like me will just write. Another Author who does this is Lee Child. This is known as pantsing or writing by the seat of your pants. I’m letting my characters guide the way at the moment and I haven’t worked out how it ends.
I don’t think I have enough material for a part two, however, I do still need to get my crime story, Rosie written.
I’m considering Camp nanowrimo in July, some motivation and support to try and get a set number of words on the page.
When I think about my book, I feel excited about it. I can imagine the characters and places. However, it is how you get the story on the page in a way that the reader then enjoys reading. Writing really is an art and takes a lot of work. It also involves a lot of research, I don’t know anything about time travel, other than ‘Back to the future’ and maybe ‘Futurama’.
Writing this I’m now wondering if I need to add more description. I can imagine everyone but can the reader? This is still a very early project, I’m hoping that I reach a minimum of 80 000 logical words by Christmas. I am nearly halfway, as long as I don’t keep reading back through and deleting bits.
Today one of my favourite poems, The love of a mother, was published at Spillwords.com. I’m hoping that people read it and enjoy it. I need to submit more of my work for publication, to websites and literary magazines but I feel I need more writing experience first.
So, my plan for today is to have another look at my book, write some more and progress further. It’s nice having Tuesday to myself but it is so easy to just put my feet up and do nothing. Facebook is best avoided when you have work that you really need to get completed.
I envy those who have writing rooms or garden rooms to write in. I sit in my kitchen or in my recliner. Often in the evening, I’m found typing in front of the soaps. Maybe I need to review this as maybe my environment affects my writing. Maybe I need to start doing the lottery, a new house with a garden room would really help me. However, I still need to be mum and be there for the children so this may not work.
Anyway, I’m now going to go and find my pen and notebook. Put the kettle on for a mug of tea and continue writing my novel. See how many more words I can get written today. Ideally, I would like to be at 40 000 words by the weekend, I can hope.
For more see, History of me and my writing
12 Comments
You Can Always Start Now
I’m thinking of doing Camp NaNo in July also. Have to get on the ball and decided ASAP. I use Microsoft OneNote to keep track of chapters, characters. It is like a huge binder with tabs and pages within the tab. It works for me.
Marian Wood
Ive never used One note. Scrivener confused me, I know how to use Word… but One note sounds good.
You Can Always Start Now
Give OneNote a try. Think of it as a binder with tabs and pages in each tab (section). One tab could be characters and each page a different person.
Marian Wood
I will have a look at it, thanks.
Marian Wood
Yes Camp Nano does help to keep motivated..
josypheen
Lol winning the lottery sounds like a great way to get a good writing room! 😉
I am similar. I often type from my sofa with the tele on for background noise (even if I’m not really watching it…)
Marian Wood
Would be lovely wouldn’t it, your own room to write in, especially a garden room… we can dream!
paigebainbridge
Good for you! What an exciting adventure you’re on — love the phrase “pantsing!” Nanowrimo sounds like a great thing too. And as for where you write, I suppose that doesnt’ matter as long as you have your behind in the chair and do it. 🙂 Maybe after your book comes out you can build a writing room! Keep up your good momentum. Best, Paige Bainbridge, http://www.paigebainbridge.com
Marian Wood
Thankyou Paige very much.
Darlene
I’m a panster as well. Everytime I think I should make a plan, it just doesn’t work. So I’ll keep panstering on. I always surprise myself when it all comes together, and it has, 7 times already.
Marian Wood
It’s nice in a way to not know the end, I will get a surprise. Right now something has happened at 40 000 words that I did not expect. It just sort of happened, ha ha. Thanks Darlene.
Darlene
I LOVE when that happens.