Musings of a Passionate Protagonist

Well, then... this is the first time since the beginning of the year and my current writing challenges (ROW80 and InkingItOut) that I'm actually checking in. Why? Well, primarily because I've been forgetting to do so, but, also, because I've come to the conclusion that I bit off than I'm actually able to chew. It's for that reason that I'm going to re-evaluate my previous list of goals and edit it.

Writing

- Write DAILY (even if it's a couple of hundred words)

This week has gone better in this respect than the past couple of weeks. I'm moving on my word count for InkingItOut.



- Have rough draft for Return of Shadows completed by the end of Round 1

There is a great deal more to my current novel than I originally believed. Instead of focusing on the 'finishing', I'm planning to focus on the 'doing'. I may or may not finish the first draft by the end of this round, but that's not going to be my primary focus. Rather, I'm going to focus on the 'journey', rather than the 'destination'.

- PLAY with characters (at least) a couple of times a week

I've been doing more of this in an effort to get to know my female protagonist and antagonist better.

- Make a Sunday Fic Meme post each week

I haven't started this yet, but am planning to make one of these posts this evening.

Community

- Check in at least one time a week for ROW80 and inkingitout (Most likely on Sunday)
- Pop over to read/comment on (at least) 5 other check-ins
- Catch up on Twitter 30 min/day
- Catch up on FB 30 min/day

The writing takes precedence. All else will fall into place when 'it is time', but I am going to make a point to pop over to visit others tonight.

Personal

- Get up and move for (at least) 10 minutes a day
- Read (at least) 1 hour a day

I'm not getting rid of these entirely, but I'm just not going to formally keep track of them...

Beyond that, I'm still swimming - in a different body of water, it seems, but I'm still at it!

For the first time in a (seemingly) LONG time, I finished a book of fiction today.  YAY!  Granted, it was one that I've read before, but I've been wanting to continue on with the series that eventually evolved since I first read it, but didn't remember enough about the story line to continue on.  It has been most effective in assisting to fill the well.

Kristin Lamb - I believe it was - talked about the importance of reading... not just writing.  It was one of those concepts that I remember thinking, "yes, I know", but was not one that I really knew.  She mentioned how she reads one book of fiction, as well as one trade related text each week.  I'm honestly thinking of shooting for that as well.  At least where fiction is concerned...

This book (The Outlander) was one that the Plot Whisperer had used in her video series as an example at one point.  It was that mentioning that spurred me to read it again.  I'm glad I did.  Not just because it was one that I enjoyed (the first time, as well as recently) but it helped to illustrate the principles that I've been learning with regard to craft.  One of the greatest things was why it is suggested slowing things down - drawing things out - during the climax sequence.  It causes a reader to hurriedly flip through the pages to find out what happens next.

Beyond that, I've considered 1) tightening up the plot lines and sub-plot lines a bit and 2) actually playing with my characters a bit.  For starters, the main protagonists from this first novel, as well as the antagonists.  Experience reminds me this is a very good way to get to 1) get to know the characters a bit better and in a more 'relaxed' environment and 2) get a better handle on their individual voices.  It seems counter productive (at least to the IC), but in the end... it helps, I believe.

In addition to this... I'm continuing to consider my goals for this upcoming year - personally, spiritually, and "professionally".  A good deal to consider, but it's coming along.  I'm planning to have my "professional" ones - at the very least - ready in time for the beginning of inkingitout  on Sunday and ROW80 on Monday.

Progress being made.  In baby steps, but forward motion, none-the-less.

 I'm still alive and kicking on this end and still trudging along with my ROW80 goals.

After NaNo, I found myself riding high on a cloud.  December 1st saw me stepping out with PlotWriMo...  As a result, I began restructuring my plot from the ground up.  So much seemingly changed!  For the better, though.  As of today, my word count is sitting just under 58k.  My goal for ROW80 is to be at 75k by the end (December 22nd).  11 days to go with 1553 as my daily goal between now and then.  I proved with NaNo that is definitely do-able.  Still... there's a small voice inside wanting to kick my rear for it.  It's okay.  It's all part of the process, right?

I've been restructuring things plot-wise.  I actually created a giant storyboard yesterday...

See... I'm a very visual and hands on sort of person.  As much as I love the storyboard function of Scrivener, it just hasn't been working for me as well as I'd wanted.  So, I decided to actually make a storyboard of a giant whiteboard, sticky notes, and different colored pens.

Today, I sat down at my desk, played around a bit with my notes.  Beyond that, I didn't get much on that front done.  Still... that's okay.  Tomorrow is another day.  Everyone will be back to work and school.  I'll have a bit of running around to do in the morning, but when I come back, I'll definitely get some writing done.

Above all else... I need to remember that it's all a process, and I ought to enjoy it because I'll never write my 'first novel' again.

Take care all and WRITE ON!

[Edit:] I almost forgot to mention!  For those who are frequent visitors, you'll notice that I've changed my spot for posting my check-in.  This is my actual writing journal.  Figure it would make things much easier to keep all the chronicles of my journey in the same space.  I might actually check in more often too... *wink*  And you can use OpenID here to comment, if you feel so moved to do so.  Thanks for dropping by!