As I mentioned before, I'm participating in Camp NaNoWriMo this month. Not going for the ultimate prize at 50K words, just trying to replace the words I lost when I cut the last several chapters of Hidden Souls in the editing process in May. So, I have a measly goal of 15K words.
So far, I'm almost up to 4K. Keeping mostly on track, falling behind every now and then, but not too bad. Word sprints are about the only thing keeping me up with my word counts, so I guess I can thank Twitter for something :)
Anyway, since I've written some more, I figured it's only fair to give you another teaser.
~*~
Brushing off her hands and knees, she moved to the door and wiggled the handle. Unsurprisingly, it was locked. Shaking her head, she pulled the screwdriver out of her sock gingerly pressed her ear to the door, and only heard the soft breathing and grunting of the guard who had been sitting there before. Her hand shaking, she slowly worked the screwdriver into the small hole on the lever knob, pulling the knob casing off the door. Smiling, she worked the screwdriver into the gap between the door and the trim of the handle, sliding it off and revealing the screws underneath.
~*~
My, my, what is 'she' up to? I admit, Sophia surprised me with this skill. I'm gonna have to go back and investigate just how she figured out how to remove a door handle where there are no visible screws. I also might end up trashing this scene, at least in part, because I'm not sure how it would make logistical sense--if she's really locked in the room, 1) is she going to be able to remove the door handle, especially with a guard just on the other side of the door, and 2) would that really help her?
Food for thought.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Monday, June 30, 2014
Pop Culture References
I was browsing the NaNo forums in preparation of starting to write tomorrow, and ran across a thread talking about which pop culture references you are and are not allowed to use in your novel (song lyrics are a no-no, just about everything else is fair game as long as you don't go into libel territory). One person commented about how (s)he does not use pop culture references in writing, because if the novel survives for 50 years, the novel might seem dated with those references.
So I thought about it. And my conclusion is that you can't avoid dating your novel. The Tomb, by F Paul Wilson, was written in 1984. It's sequel, Legacies, was published in 1998. There were so many references to technology that was commonplace in 1984 but wasn't around in 1998 (payphones, walkmans, etc), and visa versa, that Wilson opted to rerelease The Tomb after making heavy setting edits. These things weren't the focus of the book by any means--just helped get the reader into the setting, but dated the book.
Classics do it too. They are set in a specific time period, which is clear by the setting. It's part of the novel. Would Romeo and Juliet, complete with the language that they use to speak, make sense translated to modern times? Of course not. But the story remains true. Which is why it has been adapted and modernized, why West Side Story exists. Tangled tells the classic story of Rapunzel, a story that was written in the 16th century (and probably originated long before that). But it was modernized and made more acceptable for modern audiences, even if the setting (a kingdom without technology) wasn't changed much. At the time it was written down, it was something that might've actually happened down the block.
So to say that you aren't going to incorporate your culture of the time into your novel, which is set in modern day American (or wherever) is silly. The choices your characters make, the very people they are, depend on their surroundings. You cannot be a teenager or young adult in today's society and not be touched by computers, or celebrities, or what have you. You cannot ignore the tension between the religious right and the liberal left, or the constant debates over gay marriage and abortion that seem to plague the media. They don't have to be the foundation of your character's actions, but his or her upbringing will affect how they look at those of different race, gender, and sexuality. Or how he or she might react if the nation was attacked by Japan. Or how he or she talks and communicates with others (texting vs phones vs computers, etc).
If you write a good story, there's no reason not to believe that in 50 years, it still won't touch people's hearts. So avoiding references to the year that your novel is written is silly. Instead, focus on making sure that your story can touch people who may not understand the culture you describe.
So I thought about it. And my conclusion is that you can't avoid dating your novel. The Tomb, by F Paul Wilson, was written in 1984. It's sequel, Legacies, was published in 1998. There were so many references to technology that was commonplace in 1984 but wasn't around in 1998 (payphones, walkmans, etc), and visa versa, that Wilson opted to rerelease The Tomb after making heavy setting edits. These things weren't the focus of the book by any means--just helped get the reader into the setting, but dated the book.
Classics do it too. They are set in a specific time period, which is clear by the setting. It's part of the novel. Would Romeo and Juliet, complete with the language that they use to speak, make sense translated to modern times? Of course not. But the story remains true. Which is why it has been adapted and modernized, why West Side Story exists. Tangled tells the classic story of Rapunzel, a story that was written in the 16th century (and probably originated long before that). But it was modernized and made more acceptable for modern audiences, even if the setting (a kingdom without technology) wasn't changed much. At the time it was written down, it was something that might've actually happened down the block.
So to say that you aren't going to incorporate your culture of the time into your novel, which is set in modern day American (or wherever) is silly. The choices your characters make, the very people they are, depend on their surroundings. You cannot be a teenager or young adult in today's society and not be touched by computers, or celebrities, or what have you. You cannot ignore the tension between the religious right and the liberal left, or the constant debates over gay marriage and abortion that seem to plague the media. They don't have to be the foundation of your character's actions, but his or her upbringing will affect how they look at those of different race, gender, and sexuality. Or how he or she might react if the nation was attacked by Japan. Or how he or she talks and communicates with others (texting vs phones vs computers, etc).
If you write a good story, there's no reason not to believe that in 50 years, it still won't touch people's hearts. So avoiding references to the year that your novel is written is silly. Instead, focus on making sure that your story can touch people who may not understand the culture you describe.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
New Book and a Giveaway!
No, no, not mine. I'm here today to promote The Rose Master, by Valentine Cano. I know, I'm slacking with my own writing. This is what happens when you move and start a job and have to live without internet for a week, but can't seem to find the time to sit down and write during that time. I'm working on it, promise.
But back to The Rose Master! This fabulous book hits stores today, so while you're waiting for something from me, go and check it out! And scroll down to enter for a chance to win lots of prizes!
The day Anne Tinning turns seventeen, birds fall from the sky. But that's hardly the most upsetting news. She's being dismissed from the home she's served at since she was a child, and shipped off to become the newly hired parlor maid for a place she's never heard of. And when she sees the run-down, isolated house, she instantly knows why:
There's something wrong with Rosewood Manor.
Staffed with only three other servants, all gripped by icy silence and inexplicable bruises, and inhabited by a young master who is as cold as the place itself, the house is shrouded in neglect and thick with fear. Her questions are met with hushed whispers, and she soon finds herself alone in the empty halls, left to tidy and clean rooms no one visits.
As the feeling of being watched grows, she begins to realize there is something else in the house with them--some creature that stalks the frozen halls and claws at her door. A creature that seems intent on harming her.
When a fire leaves Anne trapped in the manor with its Master, she finally demands to know why. But as she forces the truth about what haunts the grounds from Lord Grey, she learns secrets she isn't prepared for. The creature is very real, and she's the only one who can help him stop it.
Now, Anne must either risk her life for the young man she's grown to admire, or abandon her post while she still can.
REUTS - Goodreads
Valentina Cano is a student of classical singing who spends whatever free time she has either reading or writing. She also watches over a veritable army of pets, including her five, very spoiled, snakes. Her works have appeared in numerous publications and her poetry has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Web. She lives in Miami, Florida.
Website – Twitter – Facebook - Goodreads
And don't forget to check out her blog to see where she's hopping around on the blog tour, starting today!
Now, enter for a chance to win some awesome prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
But back to The Rose Master! This fabulous book hits stores today, so while you're waiting for something from me, go and check it out! And scroll down to enter for a chance to win lots of prizes!
The day Anne Tinning turns seventeen, birds fall from the sky. But that's hardly the most upsetting news. She's being dismissed from the home she's served at since she was a child, and shipped off to become the newly hired parlor maid for a place she's never heard of. And when she sees the run-down, isolated house, she instantly knows why:
There's something wrong with Rosewood Manor.
Staffed with only three other servants, all gripped by icy silence and inexplicable bruises, and inhabited by a young master who is as cold as the place itself, the house is shrouded in neglect and thick with fear. Her questions are met with hushed whispers, and she soon finds herself alone in the empty halls, left to tidy and clean rooms no one visits.
As the feeling of being watched grows, she begins to realize there is something else in the house with them--some creature that stalks the frozen halls and claws at her door. A creature that seems intent on harming her.
When a fire leaves Anne trapped in the manor with its Master, she finally demands to know why. But as she forces the truth about what haunts the grounds from Lord Grey, she learns secrets she isn't prepared for. The creature is very real, and she's the only one who can help him stop it.
Now, Anne must either risk her life for the young man she's grown to admire, or abandon her post while she still can.
REUTS - Goodreads
Website – Twitter – Facebook - Goodreads
And don't forget to check out her blog to see where she's hopping around on the blog tour, starting today!
Now, enter for a chance to win some awesome prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Cruising Along
Well, I think I got the climax of Hidden Souls re-written. I think. This is my third or fourth time working on it, so we'll see if it stands the test of time. Now I just have to link up to where I edited the rough draft with the climax and I'll be all set. My manuscript, including the bad ending, was sitting at 52K words, which makes me think that I should probably add in a subplot or two. But we'll see how it looks when I've tidied up the ending and added in some descriptions in other places.
Still debating whether or not to pursue publication, so I guess that would make a difference one way or the other.
I also found a place for Zach. I definitely think he'll be making a reappearance in Reclaimed Souls, but I tweaked him a bit and added him back in to Hidden Souls. So I can still have fun with him!
I got my schedule for the next year (July-June), and it turns out I have an easy July, and a moderately easy August, so maybe I'll join in Camp NaNo this year. At least for the word sprints and motivation to help me get parts of this book written. Or maybe to write Reclaimed Souls (possibly from scratch. We'll see).
As a thanks for sticking with me, I give you a very short teaser from the ending to Hidden Souls.
~*~
Sophia took a few slow, deep breaths and slowly pushed herself into a seated position. The ropes no longer bound her to the ground and she shakily rose to her feet, struggling to see anything in the room around her. "Hello?" She called out, tentatively moving her foot forward.
~*~
Sadly, any more than that and I'd give away some major plot points. Maybe next week, I'll give you another outtake. Or some background. Or something. I should probably get back to writing before I promise anything else :)
Still debating whether or not to pursue publication, so I guess that would make a difference one way or the other.
I also found a place for Zach. I definitely think he'll be making a reappearance in Reclaimed Souls, but I tweaked him a bit and added him back in to Hidden Souls. So I can still have fun with him!
I got my schedule for the next year (July-June), and it turns out I have an easy July, and a moderately easy August, so maybe I'll join in Camp NaNo this year. At least for the word sprints and motivation to help me get parts of this book written. Or maybe to write Reclaimed Souls (possibly from scratch. We'll see).
As a thanks for sticking with me, I give you a very short teaser from the ending to Hidden Souls.
~*~
Sophia took a few slow, deep breaths and slowly pushed herself into a seated position. The ropes no longer bound her to the ground and she shakily rose to her feet, struggling to see anything in the room around her. "Hello?" She called out, tentatively moving her foot forward.
~*~
Sadly, any more than that and I'd give away some major plot points. Maybe next week, I'll give you another outtake. Or some background. Or something. I should probably get back to writing before I promise anything else :)
Friday, May 23, 2014
Sophia's Dating Profile
NaNo posted a great writing prompt to their Facebook page this morning, so I thought I'd take advantage of it.
The prompt: Give us a bit of your favorite character's online dating profile.
Username: AreGhostsReal
A/S/L: 19/F/Somewhere between the living and the dead
Self-Summary: Just a girl trying to figure things out. If you have already managed that, please, clue me in.
What I'm doing with my life: Attending college, solving crimes, trying to figure out what happens after death. You know, the usual.
I'm really good at: Procrastinating. But also very good at getting things done on a deadline. It's a gift.
First things people usually notice about me: I seem to talk to myself a lot. Except I'm not really talking to myself. I'm talking to this guy who keeps haunting me. You try getting rid of a ghost who doesn't know how to move on.
Favorites: I'm a sucker for Shakespeare. Also accents. A British or French accent will really make me swoon. Combine the two and I'm in heaven. David Tennant in Hamlet? Oh yeah.
Six Things I Could Never Do Without: Sleep. Food. Quiet time in the library. Honesty. Sarcasm. Chats with Nana.
I spend a lot of time thinking about: Death and crossing over. What makes some people move on and others not?
On a typical Friday night, I am: Exploring old warehouses.
Most private thing I'm willing to admit: I'm pretty sure I once caused a car accident.
The prompt: Give us a bit of your favorite character's online dating profile.
Username: AreGhostsReal
A/S/L: 19/F/Somewhere between the living and the dead
Self-Summary: Just a girl trying to figure things out. If you have already managed that, please, clue me in.
What I'm doing with my life: Attending college, solving crimes, trying to figure out what happens after death. You know, the usual.
I'm really good at: Procrastinating. But also very good at getting things done on a deadline. It's a gift.
First things people usually notice about me: I seem to talk to myself a lot. Except I'm not really talking to myself. I'm talking to this guy who keeps haunting me. You try getting rid of a ghost who doesn't know how to move on.
Favorites: I'm a sucker for Shakespeare. Also accents. A British or French accent will really make me swoon. Combine the two and I'm in heaven. David Tennant in Hamlet? Oh yeah.
Six Things I Could Never Do Without: Sleep. Food. Quiet time in the library. Honesty. Sarcasm. Chats with Nana.
I spend a lot of time thinking about: Death and crossing over. What makes some people move on and others not?
On a typical Friday night, I am: Exploring old warehouses.
Most private thing I'm willing to admit: I'm pretty sure I once caused a car accident.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Just a Story
Today's prompt came from Twitter: "But it's only a story."
"The dragon roared and reared its ugly head. The prince jumped from the stone wall, stumbling on the rocky ground, just as the dragon's tail whipped against the tower behind him." Susan pointed out the crumbling tower on the page.
"Is the prince going to live, mommy?" Michael asked, looking up from the picture book.
"I don't know. What do you think?" Susan asked, holding the pages firmly between her fingers.
"The prince always wins. He's going to kill the stupid dragon and save the princess," Michael responded, nodding firmly.
Susan smiled and turned the page. "The prince's horse whinnied as he ran towards it, shying away as the dragon approached. Without pausing, the prince leapt onto his horse and galloped off, putting some distance between them and the dragon."
"Ugh, you're reading this story... again?" Melody asked from the door.
Susan looked up from the book. "It is your brother's favorite."
Melody pursed her lips. "But it's only a story. He knows it by heart now, and yet he keeps asking those same questions every time you read it."
Susan smiled and ruffled Michael's hair. "The story isn't about the beginning or ending. It's about the journey you take. And Michael has the imagination to fill in the blanks, to feel what the prince is feeling as he faces the dragon. Or to feel how angry the dragon is that the prince disturbed his sleep."
Michael nodded sagely as he pulled the book from Susan's grasp and began to turn the pages.
Melody rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Mom." She waved her hand and walked away, her nose pointed toward the ceiling.
Susan glanced at Michael and smiled. "She'll understand one day," she muttered as she brushed her finger over the page. The dragon's scales shimmered for a moment, and the page shook, as if the dragon was rumbling in appreciation of the touch.
"The dragon roared and reared its ugly head. The prince jumped from the stone wall, stumbling on the rocky ground, just as the dragon's tail whipped against the tower behind him." Susan pointed out the crumbling tower on the page.
"Is the prince going to live, mommy?" Michael asked, looking up from the picture book.
"I don't know. What do you think?" Susan asked, holding the pages firmly between her fingers.
"The prince always wins. He's going to kill the stupid dragon and save the princess," Michael responded, nodding firmly.
Susan smiled and turned the page. "The prince's horse whinnied as he ran towards it, shying away as the dragon approached. Without pausing, the prince leapt onto his horse and galloped off, putting some distance between them and the dragon."
"Ugh, you're reading this story... again?" Melody asked from the door.
Susan looked up from the book. "It is your brother's favorite."
Melody pursed her lips. "But it's only a story. He knows it by heart now, and yet he keeps asking those same questions every time you read it."
Susan smiled and ruffled Michael's hair. "The story isn't about the beginning or ending. It's about the journey you take. And Michael has the imagination to fill in the blanks, to feel what the prince is feeling as he faces the dragon. Or to feel how angry the dragon is that the prince disturbed his sleep."
Michael nodded sagely as he pulled the book from Susan's grasp and began to turn the pages.
Melody rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Mom." She waved her hand and walked away, her nose pointed toward the ceiling.
Susan glanced at Michael and smiled. "She'll understand one day," she muttered as she brushed her finger over the page. The dragon's scales shimmered for a moment, and the page shook, as if the dragon was rumbling in appreciation of the touch.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Six Sentence Sunday
Ah, this is the first time I've participated in Six-Sentence Sunday in a long time. This week's contribution is the start of the climax scene in Hidden Souls I started to rewrite this past week. I have no idea how they're going to stand up to my next round of editing, but they're a nice start for this epic rewrite that I have to do. Enjoy!
~*~
A high pitched squeal filled the air, echoing off the walls and growing intensity with each passing second. Sophia dropped to her knees, pressing her hands against her ears to stop the sound from ricocheting inside her skull. Through watery eyes, she saw the guards and Grace do the same. She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her head against her thighs, desperate for any distance from the sound. Just when she thought her head might explode from the intensity of the sound, it stopped, leaving a silence that was both relieving and frightening.
Sophia took a deep breath and slowly raised her head.
~*~
Sadly, it seems the official Six Sentence Sunday has stopped, so I have no links to provide for you. But in the meantime, check me out on Twitter: @CLFiction
On another note, I graduate today. A degree several years in the making! Come June, I'll be back into the real world with a real job, except, unlike the last time I had a real job, I'll actually be living in my own apartment and paying all my own bills. Completely living on my own. It'll be interesting. Wish me luck!
~*~
A high pitched squeal filled the air, echoing off the walls and growing intensity with each passing second. Sophia dropped to her knees, pressing her hands against her ears to stop the sound from ricocheting inside her skull. Through watery eyes, she saw the guards and Grace do the same. She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her head against her thighs, desperate for any distance from the sound. Just when she thought her head might explode from the intensity of the sound, it stopped, leaving a silence that was both relieving and frightening.
Sophia took a deep breath and slowly raised her head.
~*~
Sadly, it seems the official Six Sentence Sunday has stopped, so I have no links to provide for you. But in the meantime, check me out on Twitter: @CLFiction
On another note, I graduate today. A degree several years in the making! Come June, I'll be back into the real world with a real job, except, unlike the last time I had a real job, I'll actually be living in my own apartment and paying all my own bills. Completely living on my own. It'll be interesting. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Rewriting + Deleted Scene!
Rewriting is really hard. After much deliberation and torture on my part, I've decided to rewrite the last 50 pages of Hidden Souls. Part of this is because I took the plot in a different direction while writing flashbacks in Reclaimed Souls last November, and part of it comes from the fact that I never really liked the ending anyway.
And with rewriting comes writer's block. So that's where I'm stuck now. I also just need to get back in the groove of writing. Unfortunately, that's a little challenging when you have 5 projects in progress. Editing is not the fun part of this process, but it is the most vital.
But, I did find very interesting scene I wrote with a character named Zach. I completely forgot about Zach until I was flipping through the last bits of the print-out, trying to figure out where I took the ending initially. Clearly, he wasn't that important of a character if I don't remember him at all. Maybe I'll recycle him in book 2. For now, though, you get a deleted scene while I continue to work out how the heck I'm going to make the leap from what I have to what I want out of the ending. Wish me luck!
~*~
“There's got to be something here...” Sophia muttered, flipping through the pages of a rather large book.
“I didn't think anyone knew how to look things up in books now.”
Sophia jumped and glanced up at the intruder. He was tall, with blonde hair and a tan giving a slight glow to his skin. He was wearing a simple t-shirt with some intricate design and a pair of dark jeans. “I've found books to be slightly more reliable than the internet,” she responded.
He slid into the chair across the table from her. “But the internet contains much more up-to-date information.”
She shook her head. “Some books may be outdated, but that doesn't mean that the vast majority of the information on the internet is current.”
He reached over and lifted her book slowly so that he could see the cover. “History of Millsville. Reading up on our fine city's history, then?”
She shrugged and ran her finger down the page again. “I saw something downtown that peaked my interest, so I thought I'd do a little extra reading.”
He laughed softly. “A girl like you really shouldn't stay cooped up in the library like this.”
Sophia raised her eyebrow and set her pen down. “And what kind of girl am I?” she asked, the corner of her mouth going upwards slightly. She saw a glimmer out of the corner of her eye and turned to see Michael walking over.
The man didn't notice and shrugged at her question, leaning back in the chair and stretching his legs out under the table. “Pretty. Witty. Spunky.”
“Real original one, he is,” Michael deadpanned, staring at the intruder.
Sophia laughed softly. “Spunky, huh? Don't think anyone's called me that in years. I'm Sophia,” she said, extending her hand.
The man grinned and leaned forward, kissing her hand gently. “Enchante, madamoiselle. I'm Zach.”
“Seriously? He's laying it on a bit thick, don't you think?” Michael said, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the table.
“Nice to meet you, Zach,” Sophia said, blushing slightly and pulling her hand back.
“Is there anything I can help you find?” he asked, leaning over the table.
“Actually, I'm not really sure what I'm looking for, so I don't know how you can help,” she said apologetically.
“Yeah, you heard her... back off bud.” Michael leaned forward on the table toward Zach. Sophia turned slightly and raised her eyebrow at him, causing Zach to frown and look around in confusion.
“Something wrong?” he asked.
She turned back to him and smiled. “No, no... I just thought I saw someone in the corner. Trick of the light, I suppose.”
~*~
I didn't say it was a good deleted scene, mind you. Plus, you get it in its unedited form. Those always suck more. *nods*
And with rewriting comes writer's block. So that's where I'm stuck now. I also just need to get back in the groove of writing. Unfortunately, that's a little challenging when you have 5 projects in progress. Editing is not the fun part of this process, but it is the most vital.
But, I did find very interesting scene I wrote with a character named Zach. I completely forgot about Zach until I was flipping through the last bits of the print-out, trying to figure out where I took the ending initially. Clearly, he wasn't that important of a character if I don't remember him at all. Maybe I'll recycle him in book 2. For now, though, you get a deleted scene while I continue to work out how the heck I'm going to make the leap from what I have to what I want out of the ending. Wish me luck!
~*~
“There's got to be something here...” Sophia muttered, flipping through the pages of a rather large book.
“I didn't think anyone knew how to look things up in books now.”
Sophia jumped and glanced up at the intruder. He was tall, with blonde hair and a tan giving a slight glow to his skin. He was wearing a simple t-shirt with some intricate design and a pair of dark jeans. “I've found books to be slightly more reliable than the internet,” she responded.
He slid into the chair across the table from her. “But the internet contains much more up-to-date information.”
She shook her head. “Some books may be outdated, but that doesn't mean that the vast majority of the information on the internet is current.”
He reached over and lifted her book slowly so that he could see the cover. “History of Millsville. Reading up on our fine city's history, then?”
She shrugged and ran her finger down the page again. “I saw something downtown that peaked my interest, so I thought I'd do a little extra reading.”
He laughed softly. “A girl like you really shouldn't stay cooped up in the library like this.”
Sophia raised her eyebrow and set her pen down. “And what kind of girl am I?” she asked, the corner of her mouth going upwards slightly. She saw a glimmer out of the corner of her eye and turned to see Michael walking over.
The man didn't notice and shrugged at her question, leaning back in the chair and stretching his legs out under the table. “Pretty. Witty. Spunky.”
“Real original one, he is,” Michael deadpanned, staring at the intruder.
Sophia laughed softly. “Spunky, huh? Don't think anyone's called me that in years. I'm Sophia,” she said, extending her hand.
The man grinned and leaned forward, kissing her hand gently. “Enchante, madamoiselle. I'm Zach.”
“Seriously? He's laying it on a bit thick, don't you think?” Michael said, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the table.
“Nice to meet you, Zach,” Sophia said, blushing slightly and pulling her hand back.
“Is there anything I can help you find?” he asked, leaning over the table.
“Actually, I'm not really sure what I'm looking for, so I don't know how you can help,” she said apologetically.
“Yeah, you heard her... back off bud.” Michael leaned forward on the table toward Zach. Sophia turned slightly and raised her eyebrow at him, causing Zach to frown and look around in confusion.
“Something wrong?” he asked.
She turned back to him and smiled. “No, no... I just thought I saw someone in the corner. Trick of the light, I suppose.”
~*~
I didn't say it was a good deleted scene, mind you. Plus, you get it in its unedited form. Those always suck more. *nods*
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Teaser Tuesday
I'm working on the editing! Up to page 114 of 164 (of the original manuscript. I'm up to page 125 of 175 in the edited version). Unfortunately, I now hit a point where I'm going to be doing major rewrites, so not entirely looking forward to that. But it's still possible for me to be done by graduation. Especially if I have some productive days.
Here's today's teaser:
~*~
She took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eye. “What would you have me do, Michael? Sit around and watch as they make Grace sicker and sicker? As she gets more and more angry at me for not helping her? I can't just sit and do nothing.”
“That's exactly what you have to do. You can't get involved in this, it's far too dangerous for a girl like you,” Michael said, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“What's that supposed to mean? I was given these abilities for some reason, Michael. It would be wasteful not to do something with them,” she said as she tried to step around him again.
He moved and blocked her again. “So call the police with your suspicions. Let them handle it on their own. That's what they're trained to do.”
She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “I know that, but I'm in a unique place to help. I can't let that go to waste either.” Gathering her courage, she stepped around him once again.
~*~
Short, I know! But I don't want to give away too much of what's going on! Once I get the first draft revised, I'll post some of the chopped scenes. Something to look forward to!
Here's today's teaser:
~*~
She took a deep breath and looked him straight in the eye. “What would you have me do, Michael? Sit around and watch as they make Grace sicker and sicker? As she gets more and more angry at me for not helping her? I can't just sit and do nothing.”
“That's exactly what you have to do. You can't get involved in this, it's far too dangerous for a girl like you,” Michael said, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
“What's that supposed to mean? I was given these abilities for some reason, Michael. It would be wasteful not to do something with them,” she said as she tried to step around him again.
He moved and blocked her again. “So call the police with your suspicions. Let them handle it on their own. That's what they're trained to do.”
She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “I know that, but I'm in a unique place to help. I can't let that go to waste either.” Gathering her courage, she stepped around him once again.
~*~
Short, I know! But I don't want to give away too much of what's going on! Once I get the first draft revised, I'll post some of the chopped scenes. Something to look forward to!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
I'm Alive!
So clearly, I didn't finish NaNo. Things just got absolutely crazy at the end of the month with interviews and trying to get time on an actual computer to write, and I just lost my motivation. First time I've participated and haven't won. Sadness.
And then I disappeared for like 5 months. Sorry about that. I have a couple things in the works right now (one medical narrative submitted to a student publication, one in the works for our school's literary magazine, and potentially an actually entry into On the Premises), and am determined to get Hidden Souls second draft done by graduation. Determined. I've been putting it off for like 3 years now. Seriously, I need to get it done. And then we'll see about the publication route. I haven't entirely decided what I'm going to do yet.
News, though!
Amtrack is having a writing residency program, where people basically write while taking a really long train ride. I've been encouraged to apply, and it sounds kinda cool and generally fun. But, in order to do that, I had to break down and get a Twitter account. So, you can now find me @CLFiction. Hopefully that'll be updated more frequently than this blog. I'm working on it, I swear!
And then I disappeared for like 5 months. Sorry about that. I have a couple things in the works right now (one medical narrative submitted to a student publication, one in the works for our school's literary magazine, and potentially an actually entry into On the Premises), and am determined to get Hidden Souls second draft done by graduation. Determined. I've been putting it off for like 3 years now. Seriously, I need to get it done. And then we'll see about the publication route. I haven't entirely decided what I'm going to do yet.
News, though!
Amtrack is having a writing residency program, where people basically write while taking a really long train ride. I've been encouraged to apply, and it sounds kinda cool and generally fun. But, in order to do that, I had to break down and get a Twitter account. So, you can now find me @CLFiction. Hopefully that'll be updated more frequently than this blog. I'm working on it, I swear!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
NaNo 2013: Day 20
Today's excerpt is an interesting one for me as a medical student. On one hand, I have to go with the plot. On the other, I feel that by writing this, I am furthering a misconception about the concept of brain death. As such, this excerpt will be followed at the end of the post with some information pertaining to said topic.
"And on today's broadcast, we bring you the unusual story that seems to have caught everyone attention. A local man, previously declared brain dead, is now sitting up and talking to his family. This is the latest in the string of incidents that many are calling miracles at St. Christopher's hospital downtown," the anchor reported.
Sophia raised her eyebrow and focused on the story as the picture changed to a scene in front of the hospital.
"The doctors told us he was dead, that his body was only functioning because of the tube down his throat. They took out the tube, and he stopped breathing, for a full five minutes. Then, all of a sudden, he's gasping and sitting up in bed," a younger woman explained, clutching a tissue in her hand.
NaNo Stats:
Days: 20
Words Today: 1721
Total Words: 24,175
Words Remaining: 25,825
Average Words/Day: 1209
Educational Information:
There are two ways in which physicians can declare someone dead. The first is the traditional cardiac death, when the heart stops beating. After all, if the heart isn't beating, blood isn't flowing through the body, and thus your tissues die. Technically speaking, the heart needs to have stopped for a certain period of time before death can be called, as people's hearts stop quite often and this can be reversed, either naturally (someone passes out because their heart stops for 2-3 seconds, then restarts), or by us (CPR, or a pacemaker/defibrillator).
However, the second way in which physicians can declare someone dead is by declaring them brain dead. It's actually a fairly involved process to declare someone brain dead, and requires several tests to be performed by two separate physicians. It is not something that is taken lightly. Basically, the person does not have any signs of consciousness (withdrawing from pain, for instance, or eyes that follow a target), nor can they have some basic reflexes, including the drive to breathe. The final test for someone who is brain dead is removing them from the ventilator that is by definition keeping their body functioning, and, ultimately, their heart stops beating. These people can have bodies that are kept alive by the ventilator and medications, but are dead. They are most often put back on the ventilator after 5 or so minutes, and donate their organs. These organs are generally the most likely to survive being transplanted, and are considered better than organs given by those who die from cardiac death.
Bottom line, brain death = death. It is not possible to recover from it, and people do not make miraculous recoveries from it. It is not akin to a coma, where someone is unresponsive, but still dead.
"And on today's broadcast, we bring you the unusual story that seems to have caught everyone attention. A local man, previously declared brain dead, is now sitting up and talking to his family. This is the latest in the string of incidents that many are calling miracles at St. Christopher's hospital downtown," the anchor reported.
Sophia raised her eyebrow and focused on the story as the picture changed to a scene in front of the hospital.
"The doctors told us he was dead, that his body was only functioning because of the tube down his throat. They took out the tube, and he stopped breathing, for a full five minutes. Then, all of a sudden, he's gasping and sitting up in bed," a younger woman explained, clutching a tissue in her hand.
NaNo Stats:
Days: 20
Words Today: 1721
Total Words: 24,175
Words Remaining: 25,825
Average Words/Day: 1209
Educational Information:
There are two ways in which physicians can declare someone dead. The first is the traditional cardiac death, when the heart stops beating. After all, if the heart isn't beating, blood isn't flowing through the body, and thus your tissues die. Technically speaking, the heart needs to have stopped for a certain period of time before death can be called, as people's hearts stop quite often and this can be reversed, either naturally (someone passes out because their heart stops for 2-3 seconds, then restarts), or by us (CPR, or a pacemaker/defibrillator).
However, the second way in which physicians can declare someone dead is by declaring them brain dead. It's actually a fairly involved process to declare someone brain dead, and requires several tests to be performed by two separate physicians. It is not something that is taken lightly. Basically, the person does not have any signs of consciousness (withdrawing from pain, for instance, or eyes that follow a target), nor can they have some basic reflexes, including the drive to breathe. The final test for someone who is brain dead is removing them from the ventilator that is by definition keeping their body functioning, and, ultimately, their heart stops beating. These people can have bodies that are kept alive by the ventilator and medications, but are dead. They are most often put back on the ventilator after 5 or so minutes, and donate their organs. These organs are generally the most likely to survive being transplanted, and are considered better than organs given by those who die from cardiac death.
Bottom line, brain death = death. It is not possible to recover from it, and people do not make miraculous recoveries from it. It is not akin to a coma, where someone is unresponsive, but still dead.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
NaNo 2013: Day 19
Sophia's getting more and more confused now. Things are happening and she's once again struggling to figure out what they all mean. But she'll get there eventually. I think within the next couple days, I'll be writing the reveal of the main plot. Should be interesting.
Excerpt for today:
She took a deep breath and turned to him. "I'm not sure I'm supposed to tell you this, but I've spoken to my Nana."
He raised his eyebrow. "And this is special because...?"
She blew out a frustrated breath. "She's been dead for five*** years. And as far as I can tell, she hasn't been walking the Earth like you during that time. She's been moved on."
He stared at her for a full minute, trying to process the information. "How were you able to do that?"
NaNo Stats:
Days: 19
Words Today: 2045
Total Words: 22,454
Words Remaining: 27,546
Average Words/Day: 1182
Excerpt for today:
She took a deep breath and turned to him. "I'm not sure I'm supposed to tell you this, but I've spoken to my Nana."
He raised his eyebrow. "And this is special because...?"
She blew out a frustrated breath. "She's been dead for five*** years. And as far as I can tell, she hasn't been walking the Earth like you during that time. She's been moved on."
He stared at her for a full minute, trying to process the information. "How were you able to do that?"
NaNo Stats:
Days: 19
Words Today: 2045
Total Words: 22,454
Words Remaining: 27,546
Average Words/Day: 1182
Monday, November 18, 2013
NaNo 2013: Day 18
Our new character, Neal, is making quite an impression. Sophia's taken a bit of a liking to him. Hopefully he doesn't do a 360 and betray her.
Today was fairly productive.
"Should I be nervous about getting in a car alone with you? After all, that ruins my escape route..." She fingered her phone in her pocket absently, smiling slightly as she walked with him to his car.
"Now why would I want to put someone as beautiful as you in any danger?" he smiled sweetly and opened the passenger door for her.
She blushed and slid into the car, rubbing her hands together to keep the blood flowing to the tips of her fingers. Despite Michael's many warnings, she could see nothing unusualor dangerous about Neal, and was honestly looking forward to the night ahead.
NaNo Stats:
Days: 18
Words Today: 2870
Total Words: 20,409
Words Remaining: 29,591
Average Words/Day: 1134
Today was fairly productive.
"Should I be nervous about getting in a car alone with you? After all, that ruins my escape route..." She fingered her phone in her pocket absently, smiling slightly as she walked with him to his car.
"Now why would I want to put someone as beautiful as you in any danger?" he smiled sweetly and opened the passenger door for her.
She blushed and slid into the car, rubbing her hands together to keep the blood flowing to the tips of her fingers. Despite Michael's many warnings, she could see nothing unusualor dangerous about Neal, and was honestly looking forward to the night ahead.
NaNo Stats:
Days: 18
Words Today: 2870
Total Words: 20,409
Words Remaining: 29,591
Average Words/Day: 1134
Sunday, November 17, 2013
NaNo 2103: Day 17
Keeping the progress going today. I had an interesting twist present itself. A new character. He seems rather interested in Sophia as well. Too bad I don't know much about him. I will have to figure it out as time goes on.
To share him with you now, here's today's excerpt.
Sophia leaned back and shook her head quickly. “Of course not, I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble at your job. But if you could maybe read the report, and let me know for sure, I’d be very grateful. No need for the report to even leave the station.”
He watched her for several seconds before he nodded. “Alright, I’ll do it for you. On one condition.”
She smiled and raised her eyebrow. “And what might that be?”
He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the back of the chair. “You go out to dinner with me. Tomorrow night. After I deliver the information, of course.”
NaNo Stats:
Days: 17
Words Today: 1953
Total Words: 17,539
Words Remaining: 32,461
Average Words/Day: 1032
To share him with you now, here's today's excerpt.
Sophia leaned back and shook her head quickly. “Of course not, I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble at your job. But if you could maybe read the report, and let me know for sure, I’d be very grateful. No need for the report to even leave the station.”
He watched her for several seconds before he nodded. “Alright, I’ll do it for you. On one condition.”
She smiled and raised her eyebrow. “And what might that be?”
He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the back of the chair. “You go out to dinner with me. Tomorrow night. After I deliver the information, of course.”
NaNo Stats:
Days: 17
Words Today: 1953
Total Words: 17,539
Words Remaining: 32,461
Average Words/Day: 1032
Saturday, November 16, 2013
NaNo 2013: Day 16
Despite having several hours to myself, it took me a really long time to get into the swing of writing. I really think the setting has a lot to do with it, because I tend to be a lot more productive when I'm back in my bedroom than when I'm sitting in the living room with some background noise.
I had to skip over a chapter today, which is almost a first, because I had so many ideas for the following chapter that I didn't want them to flee out of my head. Of course, now I"m going to have to go back and add in a whole chapter, which will be difficult from a formatting perspective, and I'll probably throw something off in the subsequent chapters, but whatever. That's what editing is for, right?
Here's today's excerpt:
Deedee shrugged. “It’s your dream. You can either wake up, or we can risk staying in the dream world and just leave this… place.”
Sophia took a deep breath and imagined being back in her bed. She opened her eyes and frowned at Michael. “I’m not entirely sure how to wake up. I’ve always just… woken up.”
Michael and Deedee exchanged glances, then Michael pulled out a gun, pointing it at Sophia’s heart.
Sophia held up her hands slowly and started to back away, only to bump into one of the large wooden crates being held in the warehouse. “What are you doing?”
Michael shrugged and cocked the gun. Sophia closed her eyes tightly, her heart pounding loudly. A loud bang sounded and Sophia bolted upright in bed. She felt down her body quickly to assess for injuries, then slowly let out a breath. Deedee woke up gracefully, and Michael materialized before her. She glared and slapped him.
“The hell were you doing pointing a gun at me?” Sophia demanded,folding her arms across her chest.
I half did that scene for comic relief, and half because I couldn't figure out another way to have Sophia wake up from a dream without it seeming like she was capable of doing everything on her first try.
NaNo Stats:
Days: 16
Words Today: 2568
Total Words: 15,586
Words Remaining: 34,414
Average Words/Day: 978
I had to skip over a chapter today, which is almost a first, because I had so many ideas for the following chapter that I didn't want them to flee out of my head. Of course, now I"m going to have to go back and add in a whole chapter, which will be difficult from a formatting perspective, and I'll probably throw something off in the subsequent chapters, but whatever. That's what editing is for, right?
Here's today's excerpt:
Deedee shrugged. “It’s your dream. You can either wake up, or we can risk staying in the dream world and just leave this… place.”
Sophia took a deep breath and imagined being back in her bed. She opened her eyes and frowned at Michael. “I’m not entirely sure how to wake up. I’ve always just… woken up.”
Michael and Deedee exchanged glances, then Michael pulled out a gun, pointing it at Sophia’s heart.
Sophia held up her hands slowly and started to back away, only to bump into one of the large wooden crates being held in the warehouse. “What are you doing?”
Michael shrugged and cocked the gun. Sophia closed her eyes tightly, her heart pounding loudly. A loud bang sounded and Sophia bolted upright in bed. She felt down her body quickly to assess for injuries, then slowly let out a breath. Deedee woke up gracefully, and Michael materialized before her. She glared and slapped him.
“The hell were you doing pointing a gun at me?” Sophia demanded,folding her arms across her chest.
I half did that scene for comic relief, and half because I couldn't figure out another way to have Sophia wake up from a dream without it seeming like she was capable of doing everything on her first try.
NaNo Stats:
Days: 16
Words Today: 2568
Total Words: 15,586
Words Remaining: 34,414
Average Words/Day: 978
Friday, November 15, 2013
NaNo 2013: Day 15
So I had an interview today. I'm not sure how it went. I have a feeling I won't match there. I hope I do, but I have a hunch I won't. Maybe if I start preparing myself now, I won't be devastated come March.
Anyway, I did manage to actually do my word count for today, though it was pretty hard with the kids upstairs running around, and getting a headache, and just overall feeling exhausted. And there's no fluffy couches at my mom's place to chill out on, which makes it really difficult to get into writing. You don't realize how much you rely on certain conditions until you're without them again. Next week's interview should be interesting, since I'll lose about 12 hours to driving, and won't be staying in a hotel, so I'll actually have to play friends with my host. We'll see how it goes.
Here's your excerpt for today. It relates directly to the events in Hidden Souls. I'm not entirely sure how much of this plot I'm going to keep, and how much I'm going to use it to revise HS. We'll see, I suppose.
Sophia heard footsteps coming from around the corner. Without thinking, she jumped behind one of the tall pallets of sand surrounding the outside wall of the warehouse. The lights swung back and forth, the bulbs covered with grime and shining a dull light on the rows of boxes. She could hardly make out her own hand, let alone anything else in the large room. Still, the sound of foot falls got louder as she started to make out a faint whisper. Straining to hear more, she leaned over to look around the pallet.
"We have done everything you've asked," a man said, his voice strained with tension.
"Not everything, I'm afraid. You were to make sure that no one else knew she was here," a soft, feminine voice responded. "I understand that there was a girl here, that she was snooping around in the office upstairs."
NaNo Stats:
Days: 15
Words today: 1766
Total Words: 13,018
Words Remaining: 36,982
Average words per day: 868
On the bright side, the word count in Google Drive seems to match up fairly well with the NaNo validator, so maybe it won't be so difficult to hit my word count on the last day.
Anyway, I did manage to actually do my word count for today, though it was pretty hard with the kids upstairs running around, and getting a headache, and just overall feeling exhausted. And there's no fluffy couches at my mom's place to chill out on, which makes it really difficult to get into writing. You don't realize how much you rely on certain conditions until you're without them again. Next week's interview should be interesting, since I'll lose about 12 hours to driving, and won't be staying in a hotel, so I'll actually have to play friends with my host. We'll see how it goes.
Here's your excerpt for today. It relates directly to the events in Hidden Souls. I'm not entirely sure how much of this plot I'm going to keep, and how much I'm going to use it to revise HS. We'll see, I suppose.
Sophia heard footsteps coming from around the corner. Without thinking, she jumped behind one of the tall pallets of sand surrounding the outside wall of the warehouse. The lights swung back and forth, the bulbs covered with grime and shining a dull light on the rows of boxes. She could hardly make out her own hand, let alone anything else in the large room. Still, the sound of foot falls got louder as she started to make out a faint whisper. Straining to hear more, she leaned over to look around the pallet.
"We have done everything you've asked," a man said, his voice strained with tension.
"Not everything, I'm afraid. You were to make sure that no one else knew she was here," a soft, feminine voice responded. "I understand that there was a girl here, that she was snooping around in the office upstairs."
NaNo Stats:
Days: 15
Words today: 1766
Total Words: 13,018
Words Remaining: 36,982
Average words per day: 868
On the bright side, the word count in Google Drive seems to match up fairly well with the NaNo validator, so maybe it won't be so difficult to hit my word count on the last day.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
NaNo 2013: Days 13-14
So I didn't get much of a chance to write yesterday, because I spent half the day on a plane (as it turns out, I can read my book on Google Drive while offline, but they don't allow me to edit it. Which kinda defeats the purpose), and the other half spending time with my mom and sister. And I went to bed fairly early Colorado time, since I had to wake up before dawn on the east coast to catch my plane.
At any rate, I did a bit of catching up today. Not as much as I wanted, but some. It's going to be a real struggle to get this challenge won this year. I'm about halfway toward the goal so far, which means I essentially have to double my word count daily in order to catch up. And with traveling and interviews, that might be a bit of a challenge. We shall see.
Anyway, here's your excerpt for today:
Under the cover of the students rummaging through their bags and the folding desks moving back into place, she glanced at Michael, eyebrow quirked. “You know you’re not supposed to bother me during class.”
He shrugged unapologetically. “You’ve been avoiding Deedee for a full day now. You do have to talk to her at some point, you know. She is your roommate.”
She slung her book bag over her shoulder and shrugged. “Plenty of roommates get along just fine without talking.”
Michael rolled his eyes. “And you know very well that you are not one of those people.”
Uh oh. Looks like there's a bit of trouble in paradise.
NaNo Stats:
Days: 14
Words today: 1173
Total Words: 11,252
Words Remaining: 38,748
Average words per day: 803
At any rate, I did a bit of catching up today. Not as much as I wanted, but some. It's going to be a real struggle to get this challenge won this year. I'm about halfway toward the goal so far, which means I essentially have to double my word count daily in order to catch up. And with traveling and interviews, that might be a bit of a challenge. We shall see.
Anyway, here's your excerpt for today:
Under the cover of the students rummaging through their bags and the folding desks moving back into place, she glanced at Michael, eyebrow quirked. “You know you’re not supposed to bother me during class.”
He shrugged unapologetically. “You’ve been avoiding Deedee for a full day now. You do have to talk to her at some point, you know. She is your roommate.”
She slung her book bag over her shoulder and shrugged. “Plenty of roommates get along just fine without talking.”
Michael rolled his eyes. “And you know very well that you are not one of those people.”
Uh oh. Looks like there's a bit of trouble in paradise.
NaNo Stats:
Days: 14
Words today: 1173
Total Words: 11,252
Words Remaining: 38,748
Average words per day: 803
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
NaNo 2013: Day 12
I'm slowly catching up. I cranked out words today, but I can only do so much at a time before I run out of ideas. But I am keeping ahead of the daily goal, so hopefully within the next week or so, I'll manage to get all caught up and hopefully manage to win this year. It would suck to lose on the year that's supposed to be the easiest in med school.
So I mentioned that I hadn't finished editing Hidden Souls prior to starting this one. I haven't decided whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, but more and more things are coming out about Hidden Souls as I write this one. The motivation of the antagonist, primarily. Which is what I was struggling with in the editing. So maybe I'll have a nice plot to work back into Hidden Souls retroactively. Or maybe I'll decide both story lines suck and just trash the whole thing. Who knows.
Here's your teaser for today:
Sophia remained quiet for several moments, before glancing back at Michael. “What did you two talk about?”
Michael tilted his head. “Us two?”
Sophia shrugged, picking at her bedspread absently. “You and Deedee.” At his raised eyebrow, she spread her hands. “Clearly you were talking long enough for you to blurt out something about me being in trouble, and you were convincing enough for her to sprint over here, so I’m just curious what you were talking about initially.”
He chuckled softly. “You’re jealous.”
She glared at him and raised her chin defiantly. “I’m not jealous. I’m just… not used to this whole dynamic with someone else being able to talk to you.”
He tapped her chin with his knuckle and smiled. “Don’t worry. We weren’t talking about you. She was asking about my death. And I gave her the same runaround I gave you.”
She swatted at his hand. “You still haven’t told me how you died. Or your last name, for that matter.”
He shrugged. “Need to know basis, sweets. And right now, you don’t need to know.”
NaNo Stats:
Days: 12
Words today: 2547
Total Words: 10,079 (roughly even with day 6 now)
Words Remaining: 39,921
Average words per day: 839
Also, as an aside, I've been working in google docs for the past week or so, mostly so I could write at work without having to save documents to the hard drive and whatnot. I just copied everything I had into my OpenOffice document, and the word count came out roughly 300 words higher. That does not bode well for validation season.
So I mentioned that I hadn't finished editing Hidden Souls prior to starting this one. I haven't decided whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, but more and more things are coming out about Hidden Souls as I write this one. The motivation of the antagonist, primarily. Which is what I was struggling with in the editing. So maybe I'll have a nice plot to work back into Hidden Souls retroactively. Or maybe I'll decide both story lines suck and just trash the whole thing. Who knows.
Here's your teaser for today:
Sophia remained quiet for several moments, before glancing back at Michael. “What did you two talk about?”
Michael tilted his head. “Us two?”
Sophia shrugged, picking at her bedspread absently. “You and Deedee.” At his raised eyebrow, she spread her hands. “Clearly you were talking long enough for you to blurt out something about me being in trouble, and you were convincing enough for her to sprint over here, so I’m just curious what you were talking about initially.”
He chuckled softly. “You’re jealous.”
She glared at him and raised her chin defiantly. “I’m not jealous. I’m just… not used to this whole dynamic with someone else being able to talk to you.”
He tapped her chin with his knuckle and smiled. “Don’t worry. We weren’t talking about you. She was asking about my death. And I gave her the same runaround I gave you.”
She swatted at his hand. “You still haven’t told me how you died. Or your last name, for that matter.”
He shrugged. “Need to know basis, sweets. And right now, you don’t need to know.”
NaNo Stats:
Days: 12
Words today: 2547
Total Words: 10,079 (roughly even with day 6 now)
Words Remaining: 39,921
Average words per day: 839
Also, as an aside, I've been working in google docs for the past week or so, mostly so I could write at work without having to save documents to the hard drive and whatnot. I just copied everything I had into my OpenOffice document, and the word count came out roughly 300 words higher. That does not bode well for validation season.
Monday, November 11, 2013
NaNo 2013: Days... 5-11
Yes. I fail. I know. Last week was just crazy busy. An interview, followed by 4 days of schedule changing shifts. And trying to catch up on sleep. And coming down with a cold. So when I finally finished my rotation on Saturday, I just wanted to zonk out. In fact, I was so exhausted on Friday night that I didn't even eat dinner before I fell asleep around 7. Then I had to be back at work at 7 on Saturday morning to work a 12 hour shift.
On the bright side, I did have a pretty good clinical week. I was called the best medical student in the hospital. Which wasn't a terribly impressive feat, given that it was at like 10 at night, and I'm pretty sure I was the only fourth year working in the hospital. But, I did contribute to saving a man's life, so I guess I deserved it. So, priorities what they were, writing fell to the wayside last week. And then with this cold, thanks to a precious kid I saw in the ED the other night, I just wanted to lay in bed and catch up on whatever I could find on Netflix.
But, I'm back. I managed to sit down and actually crank something out tonight. Not sure how much of it makes sense, but it's a start. I think I'll probably crank out another 1000 words or so before going to bed, assuming I don't fall asleep trying to write them. But I'm still super behind, so it'll be a fun week. On the bright side, I'm almost entirely packed for my trip on Wednesday, and I'll be spending a fair amount of time on airplanes and in airports, so hopefully I'll be able to crank out some serious wordage then. You know, when I don't actually have internet access. One can only hope. This is, of course, assuming that I can access Google Drive offline, or can find some alternative for writing on my iPad. It's really not designed for this type of thing, you know.
Anywho, here's your teaser for today:
A low hum sounded in the distance, and she blinked rapidly, instinctively knowing that something was coming toward her in the dark. Balling her hands into fists, she crouched low and continued to survey the scene. A soft laugh echoed through the room, which grew slowly, steadily more bright, like the pre-dawn sky.
“Who’s there?” she demanded, her voice sounding hoarse and unused.
“Come now, don’t you remember me?” a distorted voice called out.
Sophia looked around for the source of the voice, but the space was empty. Walls began to form around her, trapping her in an enclosed area with no hope of escape. “Where am I?”
NaNo Stats:
Days: 11
Words today: 1754
Total Words: 7432
Words Remaining: 42,468
Average words per day: 684
On the bright side, I did have a pretty good clinical week. I was called the best medical student in the hospital. Which wasn't a terribly impressive feat, given that it was at like 10 at night, and I'm pretty sure I was the only fourth year working in the hospital. But, I did contribute to saving a man's life, so I guess I deserved it. So, priorities what they were, writing fell to the wayside last week. And then with this cold, thanks to a precious kid I saw in the ED the other night, I just wanted to lay in bed and catch up on whatever I could find on Netflix.
But, I'm back. I managed to sit down and actually crank something out tonight. Not sure how much of it makes sense, but it's a start. I think I'll probably crank out another 1000 words or so before going to bed, assuming I don't fall asleep trying to write them. But I'm still super behind, so it'll be a fun week. On the bright side, I'm almost entirely packed for my trip on Wednesday, and I'll be spending a fair amount of time on airplanes and in airports, so hopefully I'll be able to crank out some serious wordage then. You know, when I don't actually have internet access. One can only hope. This is, of course, assuming that I can access Google Drive offline, or can find some alternative for writing on my iPad. It's really not designed for this type of thing, you know.
Anywho, here's your teaser for today:
A low hum sounded in the distance, and she blinked rapidly, instinctively knowing that something was coming toward her in the dark. Balling her hands into fists, she crouched low and continued to survey the scene. A soft laugh echoed through the room, which grew slowly, steadily more bright, like the pre-dawn sky.
“Who’s there?” she demanded, her voice sounding hoarse and unused.
“Come now, don’t you remember me?” a distorted voice called out.
Sophia looked around for the source of the voice, but the space was empty. Walls began to form around her, trapping her in an enclosed area with no hope of escape. “Where am I?”
NaNo Stats:
Days: 11
Words today: 1754
Total Words: 7432
Words Remaining: 42,468
Average words per day: 684
Monday, November 4, 2013
NaNo 2013: Days 3-4
My excuse for not posting yesterday is I didn't do a whole lot of writing. No real excuse for that part, but it was enough reason not to justify a whole new blog post.
Anyway, I'm really starting to like Deedee as a character. She's fascinating me. I've mostly got her having discussions with Sophia, and much of those will likely be cut whenever I get around to editing this beast. I'm still slightly behind, but I did do an impressive amount of words today, so I think I can catch up fairly quickly. Especially since I'll be travelling a good portion of this month and will thus have a lot of down time. Anyway, excerpt for today:
She clenched her fists at her side and continued to stare at the ceiling. “Of course I'm hurt!” she said, a little louder than she intended. Clearing her throat, she dropped her voice back down to a whisper. “I barely understand what is happening to me, and the one person I thought I could turn to no matter what was actually trying to subdue me, to push me out of the way for her own gains.”
Short one today, but I don't want to give away major plot points quite yet.
Stats:
Days: 4
Words today: 2411
Total Words: 5778
Words Remaining: 44,222
Average words per day: 1444
Anyway, I'm really starting to like Deedee as a character. She's fascinating me. I've mostly got her having discussions with Sophia, and much of those will likely be cut whenever I get around to editing this beast. I'm still slightly behind, but I did do an impressive amount of words today, so I think I can catch up fairly quickly. Especially since I'll be travelling a good portion of this month and will thus have a lot of down time. Anyway, excerpt for today:
She clenched her fists at her side and continued to stare at the ceiling. “Of course I'm hurt!” she said, a little louder than she intended. Clearing her throat, she dropped her voice back down to a whisper. “I barely understand what is happening to me, and the one person I thought I could turn to no matter what was actually trying to subdue me, to push me out of the way for her own gains.”
Short one today, but I don't want to give away major plot points quite yet.
Stats:
Days: 4
Words today: 2411
Total Words: 5778
Words Remaining: 44,222
Average words per day: 1444
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