Tuesday, November 01, 2005

OK back to work

I have a novel to turn in for December so I have to get cracking.
I have the beginning. I know the end. But what the Heck is going to happen in the middle??
It's a mystery I can't wait to solve. For those who wonder how to write a book, I say, 'There are no rules - Just write.' (Well, rules of grammar, rules about syntax, & rules about spelling that I usually ignore. ) There are 'outliners' who write copious notes and outlines before they start, which I do sometimes, and there are 'seat of the pantsers' who write from a nebulous idea. There are scenists, who write scenes and stitch them together, and there are characterisers (notice all these words I just made up) who take a character and run with him/her and make up a story based on that character.
Well, I've done all of the above. I've started stories from scenes, from characters, from outlines, and from nebulous ideas that struck my fancy.
But I've never had to hand in a whole completed novel in one month.
So.....
I might not be as prolific a poster for a while but I will keep you informed of progress!
Today Nov. 1st
Goal: 3,000 words

5 comments:

Daisy Dexter Dobbs said...

I like your definitions, Sam. LOL While I’ve tried many times to be an organized and thorough outliner I’m afraid I just can’t do it. It doesn’t work for me. I definitely fit more comfortably in your seat of the pantsers or characterisers categories.

Congrats on your Cerridwen Press book, Angels on Crusade (love the title)! And you’re right, the cover really is stunning.

Wynn Bexton said...

May the Muse be with you, Gal...
I tend be an scene writer, ( I often write random scenes as they come to me and these spontaneous bits are generally the bright spots that need little editing). But usually have a pretty good outline figured out first, (beginning, middle and end anyway).

Karen Scott said...

Congrats on your upcoming release at Cerridwen Sam!

Sam said...

Thank you Daisy, Wayne, Wynn, and Karen!
Your kind comments keep me going (I was looking for an aliteration there but couldn't think of anything right off...Keep me connected? Keep me Calypso?)
Anyhow - THANK YOU!!!

Sam said...

Merci Merci Chey -
Am up to 5,933 words in two days. And yes, I can stop on a weird number like that, lol.