Hey Folks,
Wow. It’s really odd how, with this challenge, I go from chock full of self-confidence to being a scared little rabbit-like creature. (grin)
That made me think I should use the Journal for this month to record a series of topics on this experience. If you read them, no matter how accomplished you are, chances are you’ll learn something that will help in your own writing.
So here goes…
Topic: Day Two of the Challenge
Yesterday (Day One) everything worked perfectly. Truly a writer’s dream the way words rolled out through my fingers. Remember? I started writing at 4, posted the first scene by 5 and finished the story by 9. A snap, right?
Then this morning, I got up later than I had hoped. Then other things (mostly from the animals) conspired to interrupt the flow of what I was trying to do.
I managed to write only one opening scene early, and it was like pulling teeth with pliers while looking into a warped, broken mirror.
I finally recognized that first opening for what it was (I was boring myself to tears) and tossed it away. It’s not reflected in today’s numbers.
I also found myself looking forward, off and on, to getting back to the novel even though I know that probably won’t happen until this afternoon.
To get back on track, I took a few deep breaths and reminded myself the world won’t end if I don’t get a story written or if I don’t write on the novel until tomorrow or the next day.
It won’t end even if the novel start doesn’t pan out and I abandon it for another one later. No biggie, really.
Then I was finally able to sit down and write another opening. I was in the Hovel by then (no Internet access) so I kind of cheated. I wrote three scenes and part of a fourth (again, the words flying out through my fingers) before I finally brought the computer back to the house to post the first scene.
So I said all of that to say this: Remember to not allow your stories to become “important.” The pressure comes from your critical mind, and it will stop you cold.
Today, and Writing
Rolled out at 3. Facebook and email, and to the first scene of the day at 4:30.
Wrote an opening, but it just doesn’t feel right so I dropped it. Ideas are neither gold nor at a premium. But other folks are up and about now, so I’ll get started a little late.
6:40, to the Hovel and my idea file.
I wrote an opening that worked, and then 2 and a half more scenes. Around 8 I headed for the house so I could post the first scene to FB and my site and to spend a little time with my wife before she left for work.
After that I went back to check FB and email, then to begin putting together the combination collection and nonfiction book that will result from this insanity. (grin)
I posted the second scene to FB and the site at around 9:30, then back to the story around 9:45.
FINALLY posted the last scene (8) to FB and my site a little after 4 p.m. I’m pooped! But a pretty good writing day. (No writing on the novel though.)
Back tomorrow.
Of Interest
Please read “In Defense of Grammar Pedantry” at https://theconversation.com/in-defence-of-grammar-pedantry-78670/. My stance? If you are a writer or other professional user of words, you should be a pedant. Unapologetically. Should that pedantry consciously make its way into your fiction? No.
And check out “Promoting ‘Captain Underpants’ To Reluctant Readers Doesn’t Help Them” at http://thefederalist.com/2017/06/02/promoting-captain-underpants-reluctant-readers-doesnt-help/.
Fiction Words: 5335
Nonfiction Words: 620 (Journal)
So total words for the day: 5955
Writing of “The Storm” (Story 2 for June)
Day 1…… 5335 words. Total words to date…… 5335 (done)
Writing of June Novel
Day 1…… 2248 words. Total words to date…… 4925
Day 2…… XXXX words. Total words to date…… XXXXX
Total fiction words for the month……… 10260
Total fiction words for the year………… 303167
Total nonfiction words for the month… 1320
Total nonfiction words for the year…… 10260
Total words for the year (fiction and this blog)…… 394467
The Daily Journal blog streak……………………………………… 554 days
Calendar Year 2017 Novel Goal (15 novels)………………… 5 novels
Novels (since Oct 19, 2014)………………………………………… 25
Novellas (since Nov 1, 2015)……………………………………… 3
Short stories (since Apr 15, 2014)……………………………… 169