As I said in my last post, I wasn't sure how long this story would go....
BUT
I finished it! It was only supposed to be two or three chapters. It took on a life of its own. It ended up being TEN chapters. I was going to write an epilogue, but once the tenth chapter was written, I just didn't want an epilogue. It was going to go somewhere I didn't want. The tenth chapter worked so perfectly, I was nearly jumping up and down with joy. Remembered two parts from earlier chapters and worked them in to create really nice continuity. Just a wee bit past 10,000 words. Twenty days to complete. Neat!
It's going to be cooler tomorrow. Now that I've finished this 'birthday story,' I'm going to take out 'Blue' and start working on the next chapter. Hopefully, I'll be able to get at least one chapter done tomorrow. If the heat goes away. Just sitting most of the day drinking water and perspiring!
Working with friends on a trip for the end of the year. It will be quite exciting. It would be nice if I had a contract.... To help pay for the trip!
Life is hot.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Too Hot To Write
Tomorrow is going to be another scorcher. We've had so many this summer, it's insane. The new place has only a window air conditioner in the living room and I find I have troubles sleeping. I'm surviving. Could be one heck of a lot worse.
But I find I can't write. Sitting in front of the computer is warmish. I've got two screens and they like to shoot hot streams of air out at me. I stay on it for as short a time as I can. I took my handy dandy yellow pad to a restaurant the other day and still found it difficult to cool down. No type of air conditioning seems to be able to battle this kind of heat.
We're expecting the hottest day of the year, another record breaker, tomorrow. I am going to stay with my daughter for a few days. Her house is always freezing. I won't be able to write on my computer while I'm gone. I've got no ink in mine, of course, and so I can't print out my stories. I'm going to send them to myself and hit up the local library in the early morning, while it's only in the upper 80's, and print at least the one tale out. I am on the very last chapter. Not sure if I'm going to end it the way it is now. It feels rather abrupt. I'm gonna write my buddy after I post this and ask her opinion. After that, the epilogue and I'll be done. It's been a great tale and lots of fun to write.
Then, back to 'Blue.' It's gnawing at my innards. Wants to be written. I don't blame it. I'm hoping this respite will help me attack it with gusto.
Life is hot.
But I find I can't write. Sitting in front of the computer is warmish. I've got two screens and they like to shoot hot streams of air out at me. I stay on it for as short a time as I can. I took my handy dandy yellow pad to a restaurant the other day and still found it difficult to cool down. No type of air conditioning seems to be able to battle this kind of heat.
We're expecting the hottest day of the year, another record breaker, tomorrow. I am going to stay with my daughter for a few days. Her house is always freezing. I won't be able to write on my computer while I'm gone. I've got no ink in mine, of course, and so I can't print out my stories. I'm going to send them to myself and hit up the local library in the early morning, while it's only in the upper 80's, and print at least the one tale out. I am on the very last chapter. Not sure if I'm going to end it the way it is now. It feels rather abrupt. I'm gonna write my buddy after I post this and ask her opinion. After that, the epilogue and I'll be done. It's been a great tale and lots of fun to write.
Then, back to 'Blue.' It's gnawing at my innards. Wants to be written. I don't blame it. I'm hoping this respite will help me attack it with gusto.
Life is hot.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Running At The Mouth
Honestly, this new story was only supposed to be three to four chapters. Last night I realized I had to start chapter eight. And then tonight, as I finished ch. 8, I knew I needed chapter nine. But I swear - this is the last chapter before the epilogue! It's over eight thousand words!
Running at the mouth is something I do really well. My editor, bless her little heart, is quite adept at cutting my stuff. I'm learning, too. At least, I'm trying to.
Sometimes, I get 'territorial' with my words. A phrase makes me happy as I read it. A scene cannot possibly be struck. It's too good. It was too much fun writing. A new character rears his/her ugly head and I'm ready and willing to offer her/him a home. No! Stop! I can't add another character.
That's the blessing of having an editor. Or a writing buddy. Or a good critique group. They'll take me and shake me and tell me, no, you can't add another scene to that chapter. You can't add another character to that book. You can't add another word. Stop!
I'm learning to listen. I have to. They love me.
Life is fun. Happy Fourth to those impacted. *g*
PS - I swear I'll get back to reading my favorite blogs. But this story has me in its thrall. I must write.
Running at the mouth is something I do really well. My editor, bless her little heart, is quite adept at cutting my stuff. I'm learning, too. At least, I'm trying to.
Sometimes, I get 'territorial' with my words. A phrase makes me happy as I read it. A scene cannot possibly be struck. It's too good. It was too much fun writing. A new character rears his/her ugly head and I'm ready and willing to offer her/him a home. No! Stop! I can't add another character.
That's the blessing of having an editor. Or a writing buddy. Or a good critique group. They'll take me and shake me and tell me, no, you can't add another scene to that chapter. You can't add another character to that book. You can't add another word. Stop!
I'm learning to listen. I have to. They love me.
Life is fun. Happy Fourth to those impacted. *g*
PS - I swear I'll get back to reading my favorite blogs. But this story has me in its thrall. I must write.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The 'Other' Tale
I started another story about two weeks ago for a friend's birthday. I've been having a great time writing it. A little fluff is always fun. And doing it for a friend makes it even better. I finished the last chapter tonight. I've got the epilogue to write and then - that's it.
I feel kind of sad - knowing it's almost over. I've liked the characters. I know I could make it last longer, their are many things still to tell, but I set a limit and I'm keeping to it. Otherwise, I'll not get back to 'Blue.' And I really must finish 'Blue.'
I think, don't tell her, that I might write a sequel next year for her next birthday. That would be fun. Look at me. I'm smiling just thinking about it.
My writing buddy was truly surprised at the idea of a personally written story for a birthday present. As an author, what on earth better gift to give. I can't cook. She lives hundreds of miles away, so taking her out for a coffee or luncheon won't work. And I can't afford to buy her anything I'd really like to. So the book is perfect. The characters are ones she loves. I used her favorite birds, food, flowers and such in the story. It was truly personal and she was very, very happy.
Besides that, no matter what I write, I know I'm learning more about my craft. And that is a good thing.
Life is wondrous.
I feel kind of sad - knowing it's almost over. I've liked the characters. I know I could make it last longer, their are many things still to tell, but I set a limit and I'm keeping to it. Otherwise, I'll not get back to 'Blue.' And I really must finish 'Blue.'
I think, don't tell her, that I might write a sequel next year for her next birthday. That would be fun. Look at me. I'm smiling just thinking about it.
My writing buddy was truly surprised at the idea of a personally written story for a birthday present. As an author, what on earth better gift to give. I can't cook. She lives hundreds of miles away, so taking her out for a coffee or luncheon won't work. And I can't afford to buy her anything I'd really like to. So the book is perfect. The characters are ones she loves. I used her favorite birds, food, flowers and such in the story. It was truly personal and she was very, very happy.
Besides that, no matter what I write, I know I'm learning more about my craft. And that is a good thing.
Life is wondrous.
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