50015 words - a book update


With the increased time at home, I am keeping to a more regular writing schedule. Although I find my mind wanders easily, so a bit of a crap-shoot on the productivity front, but this week I did pass the 50,000-words mark.

Why does this number make me happy? Because its my light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel number.

The first 15,000 or so words of a manuscript tend to come a little easier for me. I'm fresh. I'm introducing characters and setting up the story. 

I'm usually in a positive frame of mind.


Then around the 15,000 to 30,000 word area, particularly with this book, things got murky. I started to question some of my plot decisions and got a bit mired down in the process. I think I ripped apart and re-wrote my outline for this book about five times around this point. 

I felt a little lost.

I burned your box

As I went through the 30,000 to 45,000 word portion of the manuscript, I definitely decided...

1) The story is a rambling mess that makes no sense.

2) Who thought that plot twist was a good idea?

3) Who thought writing a book was a good idea?

4) Why didn't I write under a pen name so no one would know who wrote this?

My writing sessions became more difficult and sometimes frustrating.

This was also the time I found myself easily distracted and wandering aimlessly through memes when I should have been writing.


But somewhere approaching the 50,000 word mark, I had (mostly) wrestled these questions to the ground and made my peace with what's on the page. I also reminded myself that this is just a first draft...and that the fate of the world is not hanging on my little work of fiction. So relax.


And now, with approximately 15,000 words to go, I'll begin the process of tying the story together and resolving all the unanswered questions. 

In this case; who did the murdering and why, what's going on with Carol Ann and Steven, and why is Mattie being so cagey lately? Then I'll send the first draft off to be edited. 

Which will begin a new phase of anxiety.

Although, anxiety seems to just be a component or our lives at the moment. Here's hoping it won't be too long before we're headed to the 50,000-word portion of our current situation. We could all use a little light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel right about now.



Hoping this finds you and yours well and safe 💙




Comments

Carol Ann's Corner

Carol Ann's Corner
Tips from our favorite shop keeper

Real or Reproduction

As you are hunting around for treasure at yard sales and flea markets, you will come across things that make you wonder if they are original or reproductions. It can be hard to tell.

These are a couple tip offs.

One, does it look a little worn? It should if its really antique or vintage. Even the best kept china got moved around in the cabinet, the doll's vinyl body and hair faded a bit, or the lunch box got a little rust around the hinges. If it looks shiny and new, chances are it is.

Two, are there a lot of them? If you are in a shop or flea market stall and there are ten of the items you've been looking for and haven't been able to find...they have probably been manufactured. Unless you are at a reputable dealer who specializes in that item, then you may have hit the jackpot for your particular collectible.

A good way to gauge if it is a reputable dealer is they will be happy to answer your questions about if the item is authentic or not, and how you can tell. A dealer with a passion and knowledge about that item, will enjoy explaining that all to you. A disreputable dealer, not so much.

Carol Ann Miller
Proprietor, Miller's Fine Antiques

Popular Posts