In today’s Journal
* Quotes of the Day
* A really good day yesterday
* Of Interest
* The Numbers
Quotes of the Day
“We know the human brain is a device to keep the ears from grating on one another.” Peter De Vries
“I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning.” Peter De Vries
“We all learn by experience, but some of us have to go to summer school.” Peter De Vries
Oof. December 1 already. I had a really good day yesterday to close out November with over 84,000 words of publishable fiction.
I think this is also the first time I’ve ever gone over 10,000 words on a novel in only the first two days. And the thing is, I could’ve written at least one more session. I only stopped because it was 3 p.m., my usual quitting time. I won’t do that again. As long as the words keep coming, I’ll keep putting them on the page.
Also, please remember, this isn’t a “just get it down,” sloppy first draft. I’ve written every word, then read over it all (cycled through) correcting whatever pops out as me as I go. Then when I get to the white space, I start again, just writing whatever the characters give me. I cycle back through each chapter as I write it.
In only the first 10,000 words of this story, my characters have already thrown me three pretty severe curve balls, things I would NEVER have thought of if I was trying to control the story instead of letting the characters tell it as they’re living it.
What wonderful fun! To think, a few years ago I was one of those who thought writing was such drudgery.
Talk with you again soon.
Of Interest
See “Audiblegate 2: The Emperor’s New Clothes Policy” at https://www.thepassivevoice.com/audiblegate-2-the-emperors-new-clothes-policy/.
See “Knives Out! Every Writer Needs Sharper Tools” at https://killzoneblog.com/2020/12/knives-out-every-writerneeds-sharper-tools-2.html. I would add, and having learned something new, get out of your own way and let your creative subconscious create.
See “9 Literary Magazines Seeking Volunteer Readers…” at https://www.authorspublish.com/9-literary-magazines-seeking-volunteer-readers-why-youd-want-to-participate/.
See “Rattlesnake Ranch” at https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/rattlesnake-ranch. I live in St. David, about 8 miles south of Benson. This “ranch” is actually nearer the village of Dragoon, some 20 miles east of Benson. I’d never heard of it. I have no affinity for rattlers, but I might check this out sometime.
See “3 Proving Questions for Big Ideas” at https://mystorydoctor.com/david-farlands-writing-tips-3-proving-questions-for-big-ideas/.
The Numbers
The Journal…………………………………… 400 words
Writing of The Journey Home: Part 2 (novel)
Day 1…… 4955 words. Total words to date…… 4955
Day 1…… 5068 words. Total words to date…… 10023
Total nonfiction words for December……… 400
Total fiction words for November……… 89253
Total fiction words for the year………… 452531
Total nonfiction words for November… 19370
Total nonfiction words for the year…… 185210
Total words for the year (fiction and this blog)…… 637741
Calendar Year 2020 Novels to Date…………………… 7
Calendar Year 2020 Novellas to Date……………… X
Calendar Year 2020 Short Stories to Date… 13
Novels (since Oct 19, 2014)…………………………………… 52
Novellas (since Nov 1, 2015)………………………………… 8
Short stories (since Apr 15, 2014)………………… 214
Short story collections……………………………………………… 31