Wednesday 31 August 2011

I Should Probably Talk About Writing...

So yeah, I haven't really talked about my writing lately. Possibly because it's getting rather complicated. I'm progressing well with Lemons, my contemporary fiction novel, and I'm changing Guildhall over from an urban fantasy young adult novel, to steampunk. The steampunk genre suits a lot of my plot points better, and it's nice to think that my knowledge of Victorian Britain is being put to some practical use. I'm starting to outline plans for Ravensborough II. I also have a plot bunny for an adult urban fantasy series that I'm trying to resist, because I have way too many projects going on now as it is.

I'm writing first drafts, which I love. I plan my plot as I type, so I never really know where my story is going. I find out along the way. First draft involve large word counts, fast typing, and can be really tough on my hands. They're already cramping today, and I haven't even written anything, but I hope they hold up so I can get a good bit of work done. I have a ten day foster placement starting tomorrow, and three year old girls who talk a lot aren't conducive to hours of writing. Though I hope to manage an hour or two a day, anyway.

What about all of you? How is your writing going?

23 comments:

  1. Hey there fellow campaigner. I love that you plan your plot as you type. I am a panster as well -- don't plot anything, just let my characters lead the way.

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  2. How detailed is your outlining? I've tried to outline only one book for NaNo last year and it stopped dead when as I was writing a change I made killed the rest of the outline. But I'm going to try again this year when I change that story into a YA rather than a MG story. In the meantime I think I'm ready to begin my next (and I hope) final draft of WIP #1. Then I'm sending it to an editor.

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  3. Wow, it's great that you're full of plot ideas! I was having a hard time churning them out for a bit there, but I got struck by lightning over the weekend. I've just started an outline for an urban fantasy series. Best of luck with all your WIPs, and I hope you can store the plot bunny away until you have time to do it justice! :-)

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  4. I also let the plot develop as I go. I start with a general idea of what happens, but it seems I can't really get to know my characters until I write, cut, and rewrite a few times.

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  5. Good luck with your writing with the little one around=) Even a couple hours of writing is a huge win when taking care of kids. I'm sure you'll do great since your past posts indicate how much you loved having her around.

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  6. Good luck with the time management. The novel I was working on this month sort of veered entirely away from my plot so I need to revisit my notes to see where this new plot is going. Also, I'm gearing up for NaNoWriMo in November and need to flesh out that plot. (I love plotting.)

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  7. I <3 steampunk. I know there's a book brewing in my brain, involving countless steam trains ^_^

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  8. YAY for writing first drafts! I love that part, too. I hope you make great progress. And for your changing--Steampunk is definitely a hot category--good luck!

    I hope your foster visit goes smoothly.

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  9. Wow so many works in progress! I'm impressed that you can keep working on them concurrently. I can switch back and forth sometimes, but there's always a ramping up period that can slow me down. Hope you get a good day of writing in!

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  10. I love first drafts--they're my favorite part of the writing process. :)

    Good luck with your projects!

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  11. I tend to go off in different directions so really have to focus to get the most important thing done. Although you won't be able to type as much come tomorrow, your hands will be thanking you.

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  12. mmmm...steampunk.
    My writing is going pretty well. I just finished the WIP so now i have to beging revisions and edits. I hope they don't drive me crazy

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  13. Wow, that's a few projects you've got going on there! Best of luck with the placement, and I hope you manage to squeeze in some writing time.

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  14. eeep. Writing has fallen off the wayside for me. At least writing on manuscripts, lots of essays and paragraphs and reading notes for homework assignments. Have you looked into changing the angle of your wrists when you type or looking into gloves that have a USB plug attached so the gloves let your hands stay warm? I heard either of those help sometimes with keeping hands feeling less crummy after being on the computer all day.

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  15. I like reading about your writing, but I also like reading about your life! I hope the foster daughter will be lots of fun for you. She seems like a charmer! Wow, you have a lot of projects on your hands right now! My projects are on hold until I have room to work on them. Right now the biggest project is getting the house in order and organized. I can't think about writing until that is done!!

    heather

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  16. You know, my daughter is about to turn four, but she was wonderful this year in allowing me to write. I set up her own little desk area in my office and she helped me choose what activities she would bring in with her (she often chose some coloring books, paper, crayons, My Little Ponies and stickers...also dinosaurs). I brought her a snack, we got her desk set up and she would go to "work." I milked that for all it was worth. She wasn't mute, by any means, but she mostly talked to her toys. Otherwise, it's a cute age anyway!

    I also love first drafts far more than the rest of it.

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  17. Fellow campaigner here.

    I'm with Shannon. I love first drafts. There's nothing like the thrill of getting the raw idea down on paper (or computer) just because you NEED to get it out.

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  18. I am not writing much of late!!

    Hoping to start writing again with a bang from today!!!


    May god be with you, in your writing!!
    Another Author

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  19. Wow. You have a lot going on! Way to be.

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  20. So you would class yourself as a pantser then? That's what I am, though I have tried my hand at having everything planned out beforehand as well. The latter method works well in keeping my wordcount from getting too ridiculously overblown...but it also makes me a little bit bored. I love pantsing!

    I'm supposed to be revising at present, but all I can really think about is NaNoWriMo coming up, and the short story per week I've been writing this year. I'm doing a bit of revision, but it's slow-going.

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  21. Love the title of your WIP and that mug is divine! I've been a pantser trying to be a plotter. :O)

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  22. @Steph: USB gloves?!?! They sound awesome, may have to get some purely on point of principle.

    @Shannon: That might work! You are a lifesaver. Great, great idea :)

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