Ok, so clearly I'm not the best at updating on a daily basis. Some days I find it hard enough to find time to write at all, let alone blog afterwards. But anyway, here's the deal:
My main character recently lost a loved one and is trying to assert her independence. From everyone. Ever. In life. However, she is also living with her band on a tour bus. Not exactly the easiest way to keep to yourself, right? Especially when one of your roomies is a prospective love interest.
So I'm currently working on demonstrating the fine line she walks in living so closely with so many people, while also trying to feel as though she has some control in her whirlwind of a life.
There are a few reasons this scene takes place in Busch Gardens. One, I've been there. Two, my characters are in Virginia. Three, Busch Gardens is a happy place, making it a great setting for uncomfortable topics mixed with a bit of humor. Plus, who doesn't want to go to Busch Gardens on their day off?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Day 8 - Sick :(
I was really sick on Day 8, so I didn't get more than a few words down. I did, however, go grocery shopping, as even the ill need to eat. Eventually. Still in Busch Gardens.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Days 6 and 7 - The Walls Close In
I managed to get in a bit of writing while waiting for a certain video website to let me watch another episode of Dollhouse. Unfortunately, most of this writing consisted of me staring at my white walls and wondering who on earth decided a room should be this color. Now, I'm sure someone out there probably really likes white walls. If that's you, I'm so happy for you. But it's not me. It's my personal opinion that white walls are meant to be padded, and the people in them should have shoes with velcro straps so they can't use their shoelaces for anything dangerous.
In spite of spending several hours worrying about whether the walls should be Jungle Green or Magic Mint (yes, those are the Crayola color names), I did get through a few hundred words. And it brings me to day 7's topic: finding a comfortable place to write.
We can't all just sit down and write wherever, whenever and however we choose. Sometimes, you need to find a place that inspires you without bringing on any distractions. I know that I have a lot of trouble focusing when I am using my laptop, as there are so many fun things I can use it for other than writing (ie: planning vacations I will never take, stalking people on facebook, and the ever popular games that my laptop has installed, not to mention the endless hours of "web-surfing" that often yield no results whatsoever). Today, being Day 7 (and also Labor Day), I took it upon myself to find a nice, comfortable, well-lit area that ISN'T my bed to write from. I grabbed my MetroCard, bought a delicious Pumpkim Spice Latte, and settled myself down against my favorite tree in Central Park. While I was mildly distracted by the adorable puppies romping through the park, especially the two playing right by me, I was able to get through a good chunk of the scene that takes place at Busch Gardens, and it only took me a few hours.
It was incredible to be out in the sunlight, and the weather was fabulous! I only wish I had a few more days off of work in this amazing weather to sit in the park with my coffee and write. Maybe after work tomorrow...
In spite of spending several hours worrying about whether the walls should be Jungle Green or Magic Mint (yes, those are the Crayola color names), I did get through a few hundred words. And it brings me to day 7's topic: finding a comfortable place to write.
We can't all just sit down and write wherever, whenever and however we choose. Sometimes, you need to find a place that inspires you without bringing on any distractions. I know that I have a lot of trouble focusing when I am using my laptop, as there are so many fun things I can use it for other than writing (ie: planning vacations I will never take, stalking people on facebook, and the ever popular games that my laptop has installed, not to mention the endless hours of "web-surfing" that often yield no results whatsoever). Today, being Day 7 (and also Labor Day), I took it upon myself to find a nice, comfortable, well-lit area that ISN'T my bed to write from. I grabbed my MetroCard, bought a delicious Pumpkim Spice Latte, and settled myself down against my favorite tree in Central Park. While I was mildly distracted by the adorable puppies romping through the park, especially the two playing right by me, I was able to get through a good chunk of the scene that takes place at Busch Gardens, and it only took me a few hours.
It was incredible to be out in the sunlight, and the weather was fabulous! I only wish I had a few more days off of work in this amazing weather to sit in the park with my coffee and write. Maybe after work tomorrow...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Day 5 - The Dilemma
One of the major things I've been struggling with in this novel is repeating myself. As I've said before, this novel is about musicians. Now we all know that musicians play shows. But a lot of times, musicians play the same set list over and over. So describing the same scene, with very few changes (including venue and audience) is really hard for me. I want to include detailed portions on each and every show that is played, because what kind of book about musicians is it if there is no music? But at the same time, I feel it would be tedious to read..."and tonight we played again, *insert revised description from the previous scene* and it was great."
And I know that I don't have to include it all. I mean, Harry Potter goes to class every day, but does JK Rowling detail every single lesson? No. Only the ones that are important to the story arc. My concern is just that I don't want readers to sit there at the end and think What kind of musician doesn't play music?
Maybe the biggest issue is that I don't know how to figure out what conclusions the reader can or can't draw for himself or herself. I want to trust that they can insert scenes with their imagination, and that they know there is more to these characters than meets the page. But these are my characters, and I know them better than anyone else. Who is to say that everyone else will draw the same conclusions about them that I can?
And that is where it is helpful to have people who will HONESTLY critique your work. Friends, family, people in your target audience...anyone who will give you feedback...they should all read over your draft before you decide it's finished. Or at least, that's the way it works for me. I need someone to tell me whether or not I'm leaving too much to the audience to figure out, or if I'm oversharing. Of course, the ultimate decision is up to me, but having input definitely makes it much easier.
PS Has anyone ever filmed a music video?
And I know that I don't have to include it all. I mean, Harry Potter goes to class every day, but does JK Rowling detail every single lesson? No. Only the ones that are important to the story arc. My concern is just that I don't want readers to sit there at the end and think What kind of musician doesn't play music?
Maybe the biggest issue is that I don't know how to figure out what conclusions the reader can or can't draw for himself or herself. I want to trust that they can insert scenes with their imagination, and that they know there is more to these characters than meets the page. But these are my characters, and I know them better than anyone else. Who is to say that everyone else will draw the same conclusions about them that I can?
And that is where it is helpful to have people who will HONESTLY critique your work. Friends, family, people in your target audience...anyone who will give you feedback...they should all read over your draft before you decide it's finished. Or at least, that's the way it works for me. I need someone to tell me whether or not I'm leaving too much to the audience to figure out, or if I'm oversharing. Of course, the ultimate decision is up to me, but having input definitely makes it much easier.
PS Has anyone ever filmed a music video?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Day 4 - Sometimes You Just Need a Break
Yesterday, I didn't write because it was the Friday of Labor Day weekend, and I needed a bit of a break. I barely did anything yesterday, and am definitely feeling the lack of productivity. I'll just have to make up for it today!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Day 3 - The Interview Part 2
I finally finished the interview scene tonight. It was a lot longer than I expected, over 1500 words, but that tends to happen to me a lot. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a rambler. By the time I get through all my revisions, it will probably barely break 1k. But we'll get to that later :)
I am one of those writers who is always amazed by where the writing takes me. I don't outline, I just let the words flow, and they choose the direction. This has never let me down, although it changes things up quite a bit from my ideal plot synopsis that I start with.
Tonight was one of those nights. Yes, I wrote the interview scene, but it left me at a place that I didn't really intend to go when I started. Hopefully, it will be infinitely better than what I had planned, but if not, well, that's what rewrites are for, isn't it?
That's the beauty and curse of writing. Nothing is ever really finished. You could write a novel, make a billion changes, publish it, and still have the "what if's" and the "let me just change this" moments. And that is my profound thought for the day.
This weekend is going to be killer for my writing schedule. I have absolutely nothing (but laundry) to do, nowhere (but my wonderful apartment) to go, and no one (except Fatty, Skinny and my BFF) to see. Side Note: Fatty and Skinny are our cats. I didn't name them, but yes, it is an accurate portrayal.
Writing goal for the weekend = 5k. Think I can handle it? Stay tuned.
I am one of those writers who is always amazed by where the writing takes me. I don't outline, I just let the words flow, and they choose the direction. This has never let me down, although it changes things up quite a bit from my ideal plot synopsis that I start with.
Tonight was one of those nights. Yes, I wrote the interview scene, but it left me at a place that I didn't really intend to go when I started. Hopefully, it will be infinitely better than what I had planned, but if not, well, that's what rewrites are for, isn't it?
That's the beauty and curse of writing. Nothing is ever really finished. You could write a novel, make a billion changes, publish it, and still have the "what if's" and the "let me just change this" moments. And that is my profound thought for the day.
This weekend is going to be killer for my writing schedule. I have absolutely nothing (but laundry) to do, nowhere (but my wonderful apartment) to go, and no one (except Fatty, Skinny and my BFF) to see. Side Note: Fatty and Skinny are our cats. I didn't name them, but yes, it is an accurate portrayal.
Writing goal for the weekend = 5k. Think I can handle it? Stay tuned.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Day 2 - The Interview
Ok, so the whole "going straight home and writing until dawn" thing didn't really work out that well. I went home (yes, I succeeded in that part) and called my sister at college to see how she's settling in. Her first college classes were today. It makes me feel old.
Anyway, so I made it home, and talked to my sister, and ate some pasta and promptly dozed off in my work clothes, waking up 2 hours later to realize I hadn't written a single word and it was almost time to call it a night.
My goal was 750 words and the completion of the interview scene, in which my main character is well, interviewed, on a radio show. Instead, I got half a scene and 512 words. Not bad for an hour's work.
I have been putting this scene off for weeks, mostly because everything I know about radio shows I learned from watching the movie How to Deal. And then today, it hit me. I am a fool.
You're probably thinking, "Well, yes, figured that out, can we keep moving, please?" but I am even more of a fool than you could know. My only brother, a music teacher, worked at his college radio station, and I believe he even ran his own show. For all I know, he singlehandedly kept the station afloat and worked 24 hours a day to keep music on the air. Of course, it wouldn't surprise me if it was a talk radio show either. But whatever he did, he did work there, and I'm sure he would be willing to make sure my description of the setting is accurate. For a small fee :)
I'm writing this, not because I want you to know that I can be a complete and total idiot sometimes, or because I like embarrassing myself (although with how often that happens, there is no proof that this statement is actually false), but because I want to encourage all the writers out there to use their resources. You don't have to know everything, and you don't have to harass strangers, calling their office and asking if something you wrote sounds like their life, their job, etc. Use your imagination, and then check with someone to see if you're missing something huge. And get to know the people around you. Not only are they probably incredibly amazing and supportive, but they also have a vast wealth of knowledge, and would most likely love to tell you about it. Just don't forget to mention them on your acknowledgements page ;)
Anyway, so I made it home, and talked to my sister, and ate some pasta and promptly dozed off in my work clothes, waking up 2 hours later to realize I hadn't written a single word and it was almost time to call it a night.
My goal was 750 words and the completion of the interview scene, in which my main character is well, interviewed, on a radio show. Instead, I got half a scene and 512 words. Not bad for an hour's work.
I have been putting this scene off for weeks, mostly because everything I know about radio shows I learned from watching the movie How to Deal. And then today, it hit me. I am a fool.
You're probably thinking, "Well, yes, figured that out, can we keep moving, please?" but I am even more of a fool than you could know. My only brother, a music teacher, worked at his college radio station, and I believe he even ran his own show. For all I know, he singlehandedly kept the station afloat and worked 24 hours a day to keep music on the air. Of course, it wouldn't surprise me if it was a talk radio show either. But whatever he did, he did work there, and I'm sure he would be willing to make sure my description of the setting is accurate. For a small fee :)
I'm writing this, not because I want you to know that I can be a complete and total idiot sometimes, or because I like embarrassing myself (although with how often that happens, there is no proof that this statement is actually false), but because I want to encourage all the writers out there to use their resources. You don't have to know everything, and you don't have to harass strangers, calling their office and asking if something you wrote sounds like their life, their job, etc. Use your imagination, and then check with someone to see if you're missing something huge. And get to know the people around you. Not only are they probably incredibly amazing and supportive, but they also have a vast wealth of knowledge, and would most likely love to tell you about it. Just don't forget to mention them on your acknowledgements page ;)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Day 1 - "Eat a Sandwich"
I got in 4 pages today, which isn't exactly a world record, but also isn't too bad, considering I didn't get home tonight until quarter to midnight. I had a networking event and then hung out with some friends until pretty late, and while I like to pretend that I live minutes away from Manhattan, the reality is that it takes a while to get home to Brooklyn. Not forever, but a solid half hour at least.
Anyway, I haven't been writing that much lately since my muse went on hiatus, so it was good to get back into the groove of it all. I'd left off in the middle of a card game - I know, pretty random - and it was waaaaaaaay more difficult than usual to figure out where to go from there. And then I remembered something that happened in real life, and I knew exactly where I was going.
I should preface this story with a little bit of background information about my novel. Some of the characters (most of the characters actually) are musicians, and are playing a bunch of shows. So it's only fitting that some of my concert going/musical experiences would wind up entering my first draft.
Anyway, the inspiration came from the time I went to the MTVu Awards a few years ago. A band I really liked was playing, and I had actually gotten tickets for free solely to go see them. During the performance, the lead singer fell silent at the end of a song and a hush fell over the crowd. Well, most of the crowd. A lone voice called out, "You need to eat a f***ing sandwich, buddy!"
It was precisely this sentiment that motivated my novel's progress today. The idea of someone suggesting that perhaps the singer was too skinny introduced a new character into my novel, the Italian mother of the narrator, who believes her calling is to fatten up every skinny boy she meets, especially those her daughter is interested in. It ended up opening a lot of opportunities up for the later portion of my novel, allowing her mother to eventually have the chance to meet the boy (and a bunch of her other friends) and provide the support her daughter needs to make the right decisions. So all in all, someone yelling "Eat a Sandwich" resulted in an Italian mama in the kitchen of my fantasy world.
I'm still working on getting the balance right of description and action, since there's quite a bit of content, and I don't really want it to turn into a fictional character's diary. Hitting the main points while glossing over the unimportant parts is still an issue for me, but I'm learning. Hopefully, tomorrow will be more productive, but I'm really just glad I finally picked it back up today.
Keep you posted!
Anyway, I haven't been writing that much lately since my muse went on hiatus, so it was good to get back into the groove of it all. I'd left off in the middle of a card game - I know, pretty random - and it was waaaaaaaay more difficult than usual to figure out where to go from there. And then I remembered something that happened in real life, and I knew exactly where I was going.
I should preface this story with a little bit of background information about my novel. Some of the characters (most of the characters actually) are musicians, and are playing a bunch of shows. So it's only fitting that some of my concert going/musical experiences would wind up entering my first draft.
Anyway, the inspiration came from the time I went to the MTVu Awards a few years ago. A band I really liked was playing, and I had actually gotten tickets for free solely to go see them. During the performance, the lead singer fell silent at the end of a song and a hush fell over the crowd. Well, most of the crowd. A lone voice called out, "You need to eat a f***ing sandwich, buddy!"
It was precisely this sentiment that motivated my novel's progress today. The idea of someone suggesting that perhaps the singer was too skinny introduced a new character into my novel, the Italian mother of the narrator, who believes her calling is to fatten up every skinny boy she meets, especially those her daughter is interested in. It ended up opening a lot of opportunities up for the later portion of my novel, allowing her mother to eventually have the chance to meet the boy (and a bunch of her other friends) and provide the support her daughter needs to make the right decisions. So all in all, someone yelling "Eat a Sandwich" resulted in an Italian mama in the kitchen of my fantasy world.
I'm still working on getting the balance right of description and action, since there's quite a bit of content, and I don't really want it to turn into a fictional character's diary. Hitting the main points while glossing over the unimportant parts is still an issue for me, but I'm learning. Hopefully, tomorrow will be more productive, but I'm really just glad I finally picked it back up today.
Keep you posted!
Monday, August 31, 2009
87 days - the project
After two years of working on my debut novel and still not finishing, my friends are starting to get a little frustrated. Not because they think my time is fruitless, or because I'm not working hard enough, but moreso because they want to finish reading it. On Sunday at dinner, my friend announced that she wanted to read the finished copy before she moved, and I laughed.
Why did I laugh, you may ask. I laughed because she is moving at the end of November! How the hell am I supposed to finish a novel that is only halfway done after two years in less than 3 months??? But because the ladies I had dinner with on Sunday are such supportive and wonderful friends, I am going to try. And you, gentle viewer, are coming along for the trip.
Yes, that's right. For the next few months, I am going to be blogging about my progress, giving insight into my creative process, and sharing my artistic journey. IE, I am going to be pissing and moaning when it's hard, and gushing over my fabulousness when it's not.
The whole project will officially start tomorrow, since it's getting pretty late here. See you then!
Why did I laugh, you may ask. I laughed because she is moving at the end of November! How the hell am I supposed to finish a novel that is only halfway done after two years in less than 3 months??? But because the ladies I had dinner with on Sunday are such supportive and wonderful friends, I am going to try. And you, gentle viewer, are coming along for the trip.
Yes, that's right. For the next few months, I am going to be blogging about my progress, giving insight into my creative process, and sharing my artistic journey. IE, I am going to be pissing and moaning when it's hard, and gushing over my fabulousness when it's not.
The whole project will officially start tomorrow, since it's getting pretty late here. See you then!
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