So, we're at the end of day 32 on the MYWYN challenge. When I last posted about this, on day 18, I was over 5,000 words behind. My total word count so far is 32,280. Yay, I caught up!
I had a major crisis of confidence this week. I wrote a long post detailing all the ins and outs but, as the post involves someone else and I haven't spoken to them about mentioning it on this blog, I've decided not to post it. I will say this though. The kind words and actions this week of one of our own have reminded me, as if I ever needed reminding, that the community I'm now part of, is a generous, supportive one that I'm proud to belong to. I also realised that, in spite of not being published, in spite of having a blog that's only two months old, in spite of not even finishing a novel (except one, but it's only 36,000 words long so it doesn't count) I am part of it and that rocks!
I don't know if there's any connection, but in the last couple of days my WiP, which I thought was going to idea heaven along with the last one, suddenly sprang to life again. I had been going to abandon it, but decided to trudge through, just for the experience of actually finishing something, when I realised what was wrong with it. It isn't an urban fantasy, it's an urban mystery. This was a bit of a shock, since the fantasy part was the kernel I started with, but suddenly it made perfect sense without it. Sometimes humans are just good or bad without supernatural interference. I know this means I'll have to do a major rewrite in the first five chapters, (well, four as I can drop chapter one completely), but that's okay. I'm back on the right path and I'm so happy!
On that chirpy note, I'll point you in the direction of Sally Jenkins, who's rounded up a couple of interesting looking competitions if you've got something that might be suitable. I actually thought about adding a bit to my finished short novel and entering it for the second one. Yeah, no. Good luck if you do though!
Congrats on your novel revelation! I think you're right -- sometimes if you stick with a WIP through the "thin" times, it will come back to life for you in an unexpected way. I love it when that happens.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are enjoying the journey. Yay for your progress. I don't think you've lost anything by having to rewrite a section because it's all part of the process of developing your story. It's the backstory that you never include in the finished piece. :O)
ReplyDeleteLinda - thanks for visiting. I think this may be the first time I've stuck it out, it was definitely worth it!
ReplyDeleteMadeleine - You're right about not losing anything. My whole first chapter can be saved as is, and with a name change can form the basis of something entirely new. After this one is finished of course :)
Isn't it great when the stars line up and the muse sings!
ReplyDeleteYou will get so much online support from other writers. Best of luck on your WIP.
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I'm so pleased to hear you have caught up. I'm planning a massive catch up session this weekend, though I'm so far behind I'm not sure I will actually catch up, but It's a writing weekend for me.
ReplyDeleteThe group is a great place isn't it. Writing is a pretty solitary practice so the fact that we now have such places available to talk and share makes it feel less isolating.
Glad to hear you've been making so much progress with your writing! :)
ReplyDeleteJo - Welcome, and I love the idea of the stars lining up :)
ReplyDeleteRebecca - You've had plenty on your plate recently so I wouldn't worry about 'catching up'. Just enjoy your writing weekend. I hope it's productive!
Golden Eagle - Thank you! Long may it continue :)
Sometimes even in slow writing times we're actually in the writing process, contemplating and working things out. Happy writing to you!
ReplyDeleteJoanne - thank you and welcome!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah. Thank you for your kind comment on my flash story. Sounds like you're in the midst of a challenge here. All the best with your WIP.
ReplyDeleteDenise<3
L'Aussie - You're very welcome, and thanks :)
ReplyDeleteYay for catching up! And sometimes you just need to push on through and keep going -- I've found that's the best way to deal with any doubts!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the blogging community ROCKS!
Well done for catching up. (I haven't - yet)
ReplyDeleteI'm completely fascinated by this 80K in 80 days thing! I could so use a kick in the butt like that. It's so hard in the summer with the kids not in their camp routine yet (I'm counting the minutes.) Don't laugh, but my goal this summer is 200 words a day! seems so paltry in comparison.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your write-a-thon! Just keep going! Even if what you think you're writing is crap, just keep writing. It's never as bad as you think.
ReplyDeleteTalli - Indeed it does!
ReplyDeletePatsy - You will - just channel the power of the sphere :)
Nina - I wouldn't laugh at all. An achievable goal is much more satisfying than some grand goal you'll never reach (and my kids are in school for 7 more weeks!) Good luck with the summer writing.
Phil - thank you and welcome. I like your blog, I hope you enjoy posting :)