The End of June

Haven’t been writing much lately.. I have been doing a LOT of reading.  Wow. There is so much good stuff out there, and I’m fortunate enough to have a really good library system.  I’ve also started a course on Archetypes over at Writers Village.  The text for the course is The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes & Heroines, which at first glance, seems like a really neat resource to have.  I am really looking forward to the next class I’m taking, which is on scenes and sequels.  That starts July 11^th.

 

The writing I have done has been working on my notecards for my untitled WIP.  I’m aiming for 100000 words, and I have two major POVs and two minor POVs.  I’m about halfway through.  After that, the fun begins!  I can honestly say, this will be the first time I’ve attempted a novel with pre-planning work in place.  Usually I’ve just winged it, with little more than a fleshed out main character.  And I have yet to finish a novel yet. I believe that I need to change my ways, so I’m planning.  I worry that I spend too much time planning and not enough time writing.

 

Vacation next week and I’m actually not really looking forward to it.  Long story there, but it will be a little stressful.

writing and reading

I was a reader long before I was a writer.

And I think finally after all this time, the reader and writer in me are working together. I still read for pleasure, but the writer in me gets her word in as well. I am noticing what other writers do. The technique of craft--foreshadowing, worldbuilding, “show, don’t tell”. I know what they are, but to see them at work in a novel still surprises and amazes me. And I am learning how to pick those things out, and say “Ah hah! So that’s how it’s done! Cool.”

I love characters. Nothing showcases characters better than a series. I love me some series! Stardoc, Harry Dresden, Black Dagger Brotherhood, Crimson City. Yup, characters that evolve, and a world I learn more about with each book...gotta love it. Those are the kind of characters I hope to create with my own writing. I don’t know that I’m there yet, but I am starting to get close.