The astute amongst you have noticed (I know, because you’ve mentioned it) that I rather abruptly stopped blogging about the book a while ago. The *particularly* astute amongst you may have noticed that I said I’d talk about it more when it was less depressing. It’s not especially less depressing now, but at least I’ve found my way. I think. I hope.
There’ve been a variety of difficulties in writing this thing. One that was comparatively easy to recognize was that I’d introduced a character who made things too easy for the protagonist. I have to completely excise that character and revise all the scenes she was in. Unfortunately, she was introduced in the second chapter. She’s not in a lot of scenes, but her presence had a fair bit of impact which all needs to be taken out, so that’s pretty teeth-grinding.
More problematic, though, was the realization that I had something of a Six Characters in Search of a Plot scenario going on. This happened with the last book, too. The revisions took so long on the last book because I had to go back and put a plot in. It turned out really well, I think, and I’m happy with it, so let us hope the same thing happens here. But, having realized I was short a plot, I flung myself on Ted’s mercy yesterday and we brainstormed.
Today I took what I’d thought was the plot and reduced it to two paragraphs of backstory which will, yes, be very relevant in the book as it goes on, but which is a much better subplot than primary plot. I have a lot of stitching and backwork and rewriting to do, but with any luck I have a better idea of where I’m going now. Sigh. Anyway, I don’t know that I’ll be talking too much about writing for the next couple of weeks, because I need to *be* writing instead of talking about it.
In other news, I’ve pretty much finished putting my office (several pictures) together, though the cats have made it clear who the new sofa actually belongs to. We put the futon together and put art up in the library/guest room (also several pictures), and now if we can just get the extraneous beds out of the master bedroom, this here haus will be pretty well finished off. (Then we have to tackle the garden, and let me tell you, that photograph was taken in June, and the greenery is now thigh-deep back there. It’s *madness*.)
The cats are sitting by the computer desk staring at me accusingly, by which I take it it is long past dinnertime, and so now I go to feed them and myself. And probably to do some laundry. Because I know how to have fun. :)
ytd wordcount: 181,300
miles to Minas Tirith: 319
You know, once you get over this whole “writing the best story you can” phase and just start vomiting words onto the page as quickly as possible, you’ll be able to turn out your books a lot faster.
That’s probably exactly the problem, yep. :)
I’ve been informed in no uncertain terms that there are two kinds of objects in my residence: cat toys and cat food.
I really do give a lot of art as gifts, don’t I? Glad you liked the latest, sorry again it was so late! ^_^
Now that I have a passport and a job, I am going to start saving my pennies to come visit you someday. You even have a guest room!
*hugs*
I’m glad you’ve worked through it.
Yeah, those two cats OWN that sofa. The only reason you’ll be allowed on it is as a warm lap that skritches.
Your view is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You *must* have a sitting area out there, with comfy chairs facing out over the hill and a table for tea in the misty morning. A couple of lilacs. Mmm.
The view *is* amazing. ;) We have hopes of turning the back garden into a really functional beautiful place to use, but wow, right now it sure isn’t. :)
*hugs* I *hope* I’ve worked through it. *faceplant*
Well, if you need someone who knows nothing about it to be bounced off of, I’m told I’m good at that.
Well hooray for ‘less depressing’! May it continue to diminish. Meanwhile love the pictures, especially the cats – awwwwww! (atchoo!)
Nice office. As for the garden my son is training as a landsacape gardener, and he is making good designs. If you like I could ask him to do a plan or two? (get him now beforee he starts charging :-) )
You mentioned that once before, actually, and we might take you up on that! Is he going to come down and do all the grunt work of clearing it out? :)
Plans yes – but he’d have to see the garden. Grunt work, I doubt it at the moment.
Six Characters in Search of a Plot! *cracks up* I actually *get* that. Pirandello. Nice.
Good luck wrassling the book, and I am so so so jealous of the view.
I received my copy of Urban Shaman today, incidentally. I intend to start it tonight when I go to bed.