School

So here's the plan....

I don't have one.

It been a while since i've written any new words in my novel. I wrote a short story, and worked on my plot, but my novel seems to have lost all momentum. The plot is essentially the same as it was before, just minor changes with respect to logistics or character personalities that weren't 100% clear in the beginning (see What's new crazy lady? post).

I'm working on unit 4 of my 12 unit course. Funny thing... in this unit he says that a well laid out and planned novel will never have characters running away on you (didn't this just happen to me?). No arguing allowed, the author is Law. Maybe I really should stop for a while.

I've been thinking about trying to stop writing my novel for a bit. I sort of did that with the short story... which is really a teaser to a much larger story because I don't really know how to make a story that is still interesting but only 6000 - 7000 words long. (maybe I can make it a two part story...) I'm thinking that right now maybe I need something more. Some guidance to help me figure out what I'm missing. Isn't that what people do? Find mentors?

I had/ have one in my writing group. She's a wonderful writer, beautiful writing to describe amazing places. She's had a few things published, but not a novel. She doesn't make a living writing, just yet. I know she'll make it, but I'm from the generation that wants things done now. We're impatient. Perhaps I need a mentor that can get me there sooner.

Back to school then.

I'm working on Unit 4 this weekend, planning on handing it in (via email) to my tutor on Monday. From there we'll see how things go. I want to finish this novel. I know I can.

Powers that Be help me get there, because right now I'm floundering.

Dust

What's new crazy lady?

So you're probably wondering what's new? New year, new approach?

Did I come up with a great idea to add even more suspense to my already magnificent novel?…. (yeah I'm a little low on the self-esteem today, gimme a break)

In truth, I've done a lot of planning. I re-organized the last half of my novel to reflect the personalities that have grown while I was actually writing. It's funny, when you plan out your novel you think your characters will do certain things at certain points and that’s the end of it… but after you've written about them for a while, and their personalities are more etched in your mind, you realize that they wouldn't do A or B, they would do C. And that just messes things up for a while.

Anyone who writes is reading this going, "Yeah that’s a nice way of putting it, but where's the crazy?." Ok, I'll be honest. My characters revolted. They didn't want to do what I was telling them to do, and I've just recently finished my negotiations with them. They won on most points, and as a result I've had to change where I wanted them to go.... "There's the crazy!"

Besides the craziness of your characters coming to life, it helps a lot if you follow their lead. In the end you have a better story, one people can connect to. It's ok that I had to change the scene where they are: 'sneaking into the palace, stealing stuff to help them get away and are seen' into, 'sneaking past the palace to get away, trying not to be seen but are'. The end result is the same, they are seen and thus starts the chase portion of my story. (stupid picky characters)

Once I finish tightening my plot, I can get into writing it again. (please let that be soon)

I've also been working on the novel writing course I start last year. I stopped when I got into my story more, but since the negotiations, I've need a little break.

Well that is pretty much all I've got that's new. I'll keep you posted once I get back into the writing of the story.

Dust