Post: Reply | Quote

Hello All Based on some discussions in another forum I am happy to meet here once a week or once a fortnight to discuss all things writerly. Everyone is welcome - the more input the better for all the aspiring writers at this board and remember that anything constructive you have to offer about the writing process is valid, so don't be shy to reveal your thoughts, anxieties, hits/misses, goals. The point of me briging together this new group is for motivational purposes. I sense too many of you out there are so keen to write and fulfill your dream to craft a novel or a short story but you are lacking in confidence somewhere or need some sort of kickstart. I understand that because I suffered the same mindset seven years ago. I went looking for and found the catalyst I needed and I haven't looked back. Now I'm not suggesting this forum will be your epiphany but I do think it's a safe, familiar and very user friendly place to begin to start thinking seriously about yourself as a writer and getting going into a fresh routine that will give you a manuscript in one year. Yes! 12 months. That's my plan for all of you. By November 2008 all of you who partipate should have a completed manuscript. It begins today....November 21, 2007. Start by creating a document that looks like this: Working Title: write in anything you please. Date: write in November 21, 2007 Completion date: write in November 21, 2008 No. of words: 130,000 (just a base) Daily Word Count Goal: 500 No. of words Today: No. of words Yesterday: No. of words to go: TOTAL WRITTEN: And then each day you will update what will now be your writing partner - the Daily Word Count. Set yourself a target. I think all of you can probably have a shot at 500 per day. After all by the time I've finished writing this note, I will have likely written 500 words. You will write a minimum of 5 days per week. That's 2500 words per week or 130,000 words in 52 weeks. Now you may write more words on a given day (well done) or you may write more days than five (great!). But so long as you stick to this equation I've set I'm guaranteeing you a very decent sized manuscript for a novel in one year from today. The more you write and the more often you write is up to you. Now this equation may not work for everyone. If you're daily word count is 250 then give yourself two years. Or if it's 250 but seven times a week, then simply adjust your goal date for completion. This is a very personal document and need not be shared with anyone. But it's a great motivator and I live by this for my writing life. For every book I have written, I have begun the process with one of these and then the document travels with me each day of the book's journey. Mine looks only marginally different with a much shorter writing span - usually around 70 working days but nothing gives me greater pleasure to see it all balance by the goal date. This is the main tool I use to motivate myself for writing. Now how shall we meet? Every other Tuesday for instance or do you need a weekly gathering? I'll wait to hear from all who wish to participate. It doesn't matter if you've already begun a novel or you are just starting. Just begin writing with a serious attitude from today. And remember, 500 words today, 500 words tomorrow, 500 words on Friday. etc. It's called discipline. Good luck!

Post: Reply | Quote

That was 623 words by the way

Post: Reply | Quote

You are a star F. Thanks for kick-starting this. I'll get started on the above. In the meantime, let me know if I can help with anything.

Post: Reply | Quote

Hi again!
I would suggest an initial frequency of weekly, to ensure that slackers like myself get a frequent kick or challnege until it becomes routine.
After a period of about 6 weeks, we might have several people that are in such a routine and who can possibly help any newer additions to the forum. At this stage we might be okay with a fortnightly schedule, unless someone feels that it does not work for them.
Fiona: Thanks again for the above. Just to pat myself on the shoulder, I went through the list and seem to have all that in place from before my slump. I also managed 2500 words between the last 2 days, just simply by using this forums push.
One query that might seem nerdy or ridiculous: In character definition, do you use mind maps?

Post: Reply | Quote

Fiona that is all good advice. I think I'll take it this is a great initiative and every buddy writer would be crazy to miss this opportunity.

Post: Reply | Quote

Thank you Fiona, count me in (aargh!!). Every other week would suit me but I also agree with Ax that weekly for the first few weeks to slap us into shape would be a good thing

Post: Reply | Quote

It must be a good idea - it started on my birthday

Post: Reply | Quote

Happy Birthday

Post: Reply | Quote

I'm in...

I've been writing reasonably consistently since Fiona gave me a kick up the whatsit about a month ago on another thread. 

i do around 250 words/day, and sometimes go higher.  So, my goal is to finish the manuscript in October 2009.  Given that I work full-time and am trying to do family things, this is the kindest date I could give myself.  If I somehow manage to finish earlier, I'll pat myself on the back.

I used to be a perfectionist about my writing, but I've learned not to be quite so precious about it and to constantly move the story forward without looking back.  Being picky about grammar and spelling is, for me, a great procrastination tool.  As are multiple other little excuses I have up my sleeve.  I decided I would worry about grammar and continuity when I've finished the first draft and go back over the story.

I occasionally worry about whether or not what I'm writing is publishable, but, in the end, i write because i like my story and my characters.  I'm writing the story I want to write; I'll do some research to see if the story is publishable and if there is a market for it but if not, at least I'll know I gave it my best shot.  And most likely, I'll try again with a different story.

In for a penny, in for a pound, I reckon.  Get in there and give it your best shot - you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

i like to think I'm my own best cheerleader.

good luck.

Cheers
Mdx

Post: Reply | Quote

Very very good. So welcome aboard the starting crew and happy birthday for yesterday lovely Trent. We owe this board to Trent by the way so can everyone give him a rousing hurrah! So, for the next couple of months we'll all do our best to meet weekly on Tuesday evenings okay? I will miss you when I'm touring but other than that we should be fine. Everyone get writing. Don't anyone beat yourself up about anything. We're working together but this is a very personal journey you're on. It's all about YOU and it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing, achieving, not achieving - all that matter is your manuscript at your pace. We will all help one another and that's where motivation will increase. No reading back this week. Everyone push forward - don't worry about spelling, grammar, structure. Think only about story and character. Character is plot. Get that right, everything else will follow. Trust me! All best, happy writing.

Post: Reply | Quote

Let me qualify by the way that this won't be 'live'. I'm not planning to go into the chat room because that gets messy with too many people. So the get together is essentially that everyone drops in on a Tuesday evening at some stage and posts their progress, or their questions, or any of their comments/thoughts based on producing their manuscript and of course offering any advice for others to benefit from what they're learning or from past experience. I will drop by sometime on Tuesday night (probably late as I have a talk to attend) as well to see what you're all up to and to understand how the first week has progressed. Hope all goes well. F

Post: Reply | Quote

I've been away and just seen this and would like to join in . I've been having problems finding writing time lately so this may help. As well as trying to edit a finished first draft I'm 64,000 (approx) words into a new novel which is going a bit slower than usual.

Post: Reply | Quote

Today's the day. Everyone log in and post your thoughts, ideas, progress. You don't have to get specific about your mss if you don't want to. No need anyway. This is about problem solving and motivation. I'll be dropping in tonight when I get back from a writer's event. Talk later. F

Post: Reply | Quote

Hi!
Progress report:

 

1.       I had 17700 words and change from my initial start before my slump.

 

2.       I have since started again since last week with a preferred target of 1000 words a day and a minimum of 500.

 

3.       Since then I have done 8263 and will break the 9000 today but was a bit slack with 0 on Sunday

 

4.       Current total: 26025 with 103975 to go on the 130k scale referrelative="t" opt="75" coordsize="21600,21600">

 

5.       Issues: I have to do a bit of a gap analysis soon because I am slowing down on two parallel plot lines with two of the main characters. I need to come up with an appropriate pile of trouble for both before reunion and I also have a battle to finish that I have ignored for too long.
Another issue is that I have a great magic concept but need to include some description of it without boring the reader.

 

6.       Short term objectives for the next few weeks: Keep Writing! Further iron out the plot in my notes with a clear definition of specific turning points. Further define some character traits that might be weak and focus on the main character’s evolution (Which is rather drastic and a bit of a tight-rope walk). Get a glossary!

 

So far I have to say that I am doing about 8263 times more than in the last year and this initiative/forum is a big help.
Any and all suggestions are welcome

 

Thanks all and Fiona in particular.  Let’s keep at it!  

 

Post: Reply | Quote

Hi All Progress Report: Haven't started writing the MS yet. As mentioned on another thread, after 12 years I made the decision to get back into creative writing last week. The problem: I don't have a story idea. What I do have is momentary flashes of scenes playing in my head - whether they are part of the same story or different ones I am yet to discover. What I have been doing is reading EVERYthing that comes across my path, I've started saving information that has sparked my interest, faces I find appealing for one reason or another, etc. So that's where I am. Hopefully it doesn't take too long for the lightbulb - but I am enjoying the process and just the THINKING that I am doing. Thanks again Fiona for this thread, looking forward to creating

Post: Reply | Quote

Okay, so hello Dispelling, let's talk about your 'problem' first. It's not a problem - it's simply timing. The right idea hasn't gelled in your mind. I didn't start my first book until I was 40. I realise no story had come into my head until then. To oil the wheels a bit, although I didn't do this, I just leapt straight in...but give it a go because it's worth it, how about working on a concept? Think about a magic. Don't worry about characters, story, setting, era ... just a single item of magic. It doesn't even have to be something you'll use so it could be as simple or as complex as you choose. And then start working it out.....what its rules are, the type of person that can wield it and why, what can stop it, what can nurture it, why it might be an advantage to have. What are its disadvantages. All of these questions need to be answered. But work it out, not on paper but as dialogue. Have two or perhaps three people discussing it. Perhaps one person possesses this magic and is explaining it. Or maybe someone is trying to learn about it and the person who has the magic is trying to keep it a secret. Just see what happens. This is simply an exercise. See how you go. Good luck. Inkwell - fantastic! What progress - a huge burst of energy and achievement. Now you may not keep it up at such a level but I love the idea of a minimum as much as a word count target. This is terrifc because it gives you room to move. I am very proud of you. Now be wary of just sticking in a 'pile of trouble' for the sake of it because readers are cluey and will sense when the author is feeling anxious and contriving conflict for conflict's sake. Try and allow the obstacle to emerge. Keep writing and see what happens. As for the magic - why not think about the exercise I've just been talking with Dispelling about. Why not have a go at presenting this magical concept through dialogue. Keep it really punchy. Very short sentences and minimise yourself to just 500 words to wrap it up? See how you go. It may not work but it will certainly force you to crystallise the concept into a brief scene rather than risking boring the reader. Readers love magic but they mostly like a story always on the move so you will risk tedium if you suddenly stop and start downloading a pile of information. Keep in mind that while you think it's amazing and fabulous, your readers are likely to be more interested in the characters and what's happening to them. They will be intrigued by your magic but only how it affects the characters or the world. So don't be tempted to dwell too long on the fascination you're experiencing and instead be a reader. Put yourself into the readers' shoes and imagine it from their perspective and the minimum they need to understand the magic and then push on with the story. Do your glossary! You won't regret it! Have a terrific week of writing. Talk to you both and anyone else interested next week. Fx

Post: Reply | Quote

Thank you Fiona!
I'll try the dialogue about the magic. I have so far taken to a description of it that I was going to try and slowly but surely incorporate as it becomes necessary. Given the successful leaps it made in a dialogue I had with my other half, I believe an exchange between characters might juts push it along. It is already in place and well defined but the communication to the discerning reader is indeed at the core of my concerns.
Conflict: I actually created that particular conflict to create a degree of confusion but I will consider another option to compare the feel of it. It appears to be punchy and interesting but you gave me something to think about.
Glossary: Indeed needed…
Thanks a million for your time and input.

Post: Reply | Quote

This will probably get me lynched but I found myself facing a dilemma. I have two ideas, both of which have equal merit for different reasons. They can't be woven together to make a single story and I doubt it would be a good idea to try and write both at once. I managed to settle on one (lucky there wasn't more than two, otherwise that coin would have been useless) but have found another problem. I hate every single word that I write. I'm pushing on and have managed 15000 words so far (I have an awful lot of time on my hands). Today though I find myself with verbal constipation. Since this thread is what convinced me to have a decent crack at it I thought to myself, post a reply here and maybe the sensation of typing will get things moving again. One good thing to come out of this: With the set word goal I'm finding that I spend less time thinking about what I'm supposed to do with the thing once I'm done with it. Any moment I don't spend inspecting it for all of the reasons it's unpublishable is a moment I'm spending getting in some practice so that maybe I'll one day manage to tap something out that's not unpublishable. So brilliant suggestion, Fiona, thanks.

Post: Reply | Quote

My pleasure, Marelle. Can I assure you that most of the books I write make me cringe ever so slightly. I always think they're crappy and that I'm some sort of pretender to the 'real writers'. The fact is we are are always highly critical of ourselves and readers at large are incredibly generous. What they want is an absorbing story with characters to care about. Get that right and everything else will sort of fall into place around it. Writing technique will continue to improve as you continue to write and some strong editing will really assist in showing up weaknesses, reassuring you of strengths and showing you that your words are valid. 15,000 words is a fabulous start. So push ahead now. The other story will wait for you although I do warn it will nag and nag and nag. But that's a good thing because it will motivate you to finish the first one you settled on. Don't read back. Don't even think about today's words once they're written. Move away from the computer and do other things. Tomorrow's word count comes around awfully fast. Don't dwell - just look up soon and realise you've got 50,000 words, then 80,000, then 120,000 and then bingo! Good luck. F

Post: Reply | Quote

I forgot to come in yesterday lol. Since I posted I've added 1000 words to my work in progress and attempted a synopsis for the one I've finished. The exercise you've suggested is a great idea - it's something I tend to do in my head with any confusing aspects of a story I'm writing.