My second day of novel writing did not go great. I wrote more than the first day, but I'm still not at the word count I should be. I do have the excuse of stomach flu the day before yesterday and recovering still yesterday, but I need to get moving on this. I've got 1,932 words. I should be at 3,334. That means I have to catch up 1,402 words, including the additional 1,667 new words I need today. Maybe I should get one of those meter thingers to put on my side bar...
My problem right now seems to be that I don't really want to do the character building that is necessary. I want the reader (if there ever will be a reader) to already understand the characters. I'm not sure how to give them experiences that explain their thoughts and actions, so you get to know them as they exist in my head. There's a really big event going to happen at the end of Kathy's work day, but I really need to get through her work day first, giving situations that let you know what makes her tick. And I just want to skip to the event...
If any of you want to help, can you give me a description about what it's like to work in retail? Maybe working in a clothing department of a store, or something like that? That might help, actually. And I'll name a side character after you if you help. :) Hmm... maybe I'll just come to the interwebs when I need help with what to do next. So if you can, PLEASE HELP!
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5 comments:
a) don't be too hard on yourself about not being up to word count, the sickness in this house has been rough & i still don't think we're up to par.
b) maybe while you're behind and you need to feel a little boost or motivation, just skip to the part you want to write and then at some point go back. is that illegal?
c)don't have much to offer for retail. closest i did there was one day of training at bath and body works. then kim quit for us both. ha. i was a waitress though, so i can help you all you want about sleezy greek owned restaurants. let me know if that'll help.
Best of luck Garrett. I think it's awesome you're writing, even if no one gets to read it. ;)
I'm mostly saying that so I get used to the idea that someone else may read it. I'd like to share it, it just feels a little like walking around naked. Maybe I need some booze before I let anyone read it! Ha!
Garrett, this is awesome. If I had the time, I would totally do this with you.
I think your wife s right. If this really is about just getting it all out and not editing and all that jazz, then just write about what you have in your brain. Let it spew. You can fill in the details later.
I have worked MANY a retail job and have plenty of stories to regale you with if you want. :) Just ask me what experience you want to know about, and I have probably had it.
And as for writing characters and story line and all that, I once took a writing class from OSC. That is Orson Scot Card. ORSON!! If you don't know who he is, then I will just have to flip my lid. haha. If you want to give me a call or something, we can talk. I have plenty of insight, and you can totally name a character after me....the plucky adorkable sidekick. hehe
I agree with Chelsea. Just let it out. Character development is for draft 2. At least that's what I tell myself.
And I totally relate about letting people read stuff and feeling naked. My nanowrimo novel this year is rather personal and I don't know if I could let someone else read it. Then they would know ME.
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