So sorry for no 2nd blog last week, and this one is a day late, mostly because I figured nobody was reading blogs yesterday...
So y'all know I've been trying to get writing again, yes? I've been very half-assed about it, but I really AM going to full on write in June, so I've spend the weekend developing character and backstory for my June effort. I don't fully outline, but I do need to do enough work to understand who is on the canvas and what drives them. I also like a bit of a timelie.
This is good. I am planning more than I usually do because I am feeling less confident, but I plan to give myself some leeway to stray, should better ideas appear.
June's Novel: Summer of Bones
This is the second in my Chatcolet series—this is a Young Adult series, each of which addresses a real teen issue, hopefully in a rounded way. The characters don't overlap (at least in my overall plan) and are just joined by broad location and tone. The first (Also Appearing) is about identity. This one is broadly about bullying and pranks (and how it can spin out of control).
So now I have a broad timeline that still needs some work.
I have my MC and her family (and a backstory for her family).
I have a cast of mean girls.
I have a group of boys (that is the reason the MC is targeted by the mean girls).
I have a frenemy.
I have a sympathetic quiet, reluctant person who will lend some guidance.
It just all needs to be a bit more concrete.
I even wrote a scene last night—not one that I'd USE but one to get to understand the relationship between my MC, Gabbi and her frenemy...
What about you? Who is joining me in writing a first draft in June? How much planning do you do? Are you ready?
18 comments:
I like to start with a rough outline as well. I only participated in NANOWRIMO once a few years ago. I did not work well under the pressure of time.
Anyway, I'm glad to read that you wrote a scene that you will not use in your story. I do that all the time and thought I was alone in that kind of craziness. Sometimes I will write a scene just to get to know a character. The bonus, of course, is that there have been times when a simple scene develops into a new story line.
Definitely going to get to the writing this summer. Moving and other stuff has thrown me for a loop. Not exactly sure what I'll be working on yet though, probably a few different projects. Maybe. :)
Good luck with your draft!
I did a few years ago, but not this year. Good luck, Hart!
Sounds like a winner for sure. I'm glad you're reconciled to writing again. You are the writiest person I know, so when you don't write, I say, TAKE HER TEMPERATURE, SOMEBODY PLEASE!
I'm writing this fast, hoping the ghost of Ernest Hemingway does not notice me -- he hates these write a novel in a month contests.
Whatever gets you to writing again is good. Have fun with it. And if it does not turn out well ... hope that Twilight Zone episode was wrong that had people living and re-living similar scenes over and over as the writer who was writing their story edited and re-edited! :-)
Hart!! I've missed you during my blogging hiatus. Sounds like my kind of read. Hit me up when you have a draft and I'll beta if you need that kind of feedback. :)
Some kind of plan is good, though. If I didn't have several seminars and a big project next month, I would join you.
I had planned on writing my first draft starting in June, but now I might need to totally revamp an ms that I planned querying soon. Seems my critique partner says it needs more work. Good Luck!
It seems like a lot of people have let writing fall away lately. Good luck with June. I don't do those months as that's not the way my brain works, although I cheer on those that do.
I'm so glad you're finding your writing muscles again. You'll do splendidly, Hart. Me, I've never participated, but then I'm trying to go like gangbusters on my screenplay, especially 'cause I might go to a writer's conference this summer that includes pitch sessions with screenplay agents. I may not make it, but the deadline is giving me more focus.
I just got my editing notes back from my mentor on Bright Angel on the first two chapters. I will be spending all of June working on that. I may join the gang as I love the BuNo - but never sure how to work the numbers as that is what motivates me. Maybe 10 pages a day - something like that.
Keep on keepin' on.
Glad you're writing. I'm in the midst of my WIP, RUN, so won't be joining you but good luck!
Yay for you! We plan much alike, gathering info about characters and making a timeline. Then put them all together and see what happens. I like it like that. I'm editing book one and planning book two in June. Have fun!
Yeah, I didn't think many people would be reading blogs on Monday since the weekend was so dead and then I got a decent response to my Monday post and was surprised.
When I write I usually just plan most of the stuff in my head. But that's when I write which has not been much at all lately. I've got my summer trip coming up so don't know how much writing I'll be doing. Maybe I should resort to the old fashioned pen and composition book approach.
You've got your cast of characters, your setting, and general timeline. Sounds like you're on the right track. Good luck with the writing!
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Instead of a frenemy why don't you have an enemiend.
In June I am going to be up to my neck in a blog tour/promotion... so no new writing for me, most likely. Not for awhile. So much to do.
Just wanted to say, you've totally got this. Before you know it you'll be slinging ink far and wide. Will be happy to hear how things are progressing, sounds like you've got a good plan!
xoxo
bru
Hi Hart .. good luck with the writing and filling out those character stories and lines in your new book ... at least you're organised and ready to go ... so good luck for June ... cheers Hilary
P.S. For the first time in a month, I vacuumed my place. Housekeeping is always the first to go in my priorities.
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