Work continues on the Salvage project, and I’m starting to spend time thinking about structure for the Blue project — occasionally even the Sifa and Peter project.
Status
Status posts I’ve made over the years
January Status
Ramping up for the new year, now!
Several science fictions works are in progress as I gather ideas for work in other genres. Sifa and Peter, my original novel, remains on hold, as does the children’s series Zeddy and Bubba.
December Status
I have my first critique partner! So exciting!
My novel and children’s series continue on hold. I’m working on a revision of my science fiction short story, incorporating feedback from online and from my critique partner.
It’s been interesting learning how to add more emotion beats to my write and learning that sometimes the subtlety I shoot for — well, sometimes it’s just too subtle for the reader.
Writing Status for November
Writing Skill Development Takes Precedence
I’m not pushing to complete any of my works in progress at this point. Instead, I’ve switched gears to improving my writing skills. This involves incorporating feedback (thank you, Absolute Write Forums!) back into my stories and improving the way emotions are conveyed in my stories. I’m using not only my works in progress but also snippets from my writing journal. Stay posted for more before and after examples!
Being a Plotter
Entire arguments exist on the web about writing a book by the seat of your pants (pantsters) and writing by planning the structure in advance (plotter). What I’ve found is that capturing my dreams and ideas is great as a pantster, but to write well I need to be a plotter.
So, my major ideas are now organized into a MS Word table identifying concept, premise, and M.I.C.E. quotient. A few of these I’ve developed with a synopsis as well as major setup, conflict, climax, and resolution. One or two now have heavily developed character charts.
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Writing Status for October
Still reviewing my works in progress and developing better premises for my current list of ideas. Sifa and Peter is still on hold, as is Zeddy and Bubba. I’ve turned my attention to several science fiction ideas. One may work as a short story, and another fits an episodic novella concept quite well, at least at this point.
July Status and Ideas
Status? Well, I still haven’t met my goal of 10 hours a week writing.
But, I’ve reached my 50 post goal on Absolute Write, so I can now submit stories for critique! Wahoo!
Writing Status: S&P Progress
The first part, of three parts, of my novel about Sifa and Peter, is shaping up nicely. I feel like the section now builds the characters and builds up tensions for the upcoming conflicts in a decent way. I’m still struggling a bit with Laura’s story — how much to reveal about her personal tragedy in the first part. How much allusion versus specific detail should be included? How much should I unravel, or unveil, about her problems? After all, her story is not as prominent as Sifa’s, or Peter’s.
I may have finally found someone to review Peter’s work scene, someone who knows of the profession Peter has in the book. We’ll see!
Writing Status: Journal and S&P Revisions
I’ve spent more time in my journal than anything else this month. I’m just thankful to be writing something, and the journal has been valuable in a number of ways.
I’ve also tried a few self-assigned writing exercises, and I’m still eyeing the outline of S&P on my desk. I’d like to get the calendar of events in the novel straightened out.
It’s been fun editing for the whole participle phrase thing. Now, in addition to writing at least three more scenes, I’d like to expand my current dialogue with more action in light of this advice.
That’s probably enough work for the next month, although I’d love to fit in some scene overhauls and consider making some scenes more emotional with different word choices.
Childhood Sun, Sea, and Wind
Take either the short ferry from Port A. and drive down Mustang Island, or cross the Intracoastal Waterway from Corpus. Take Park Road 22 south down Padre Island, passing by beachfront parks and condos and Bob Hall Pier. Keep going until buildings disappear and sandy flat vegetation stretches out on either side. Keep going as the road ribbons onward. Keep going to the entrance to a little known national park, Padre Island National Seashore.
2016 Poker Run at Bird Island Basin
Pay your entrance fee, and keep a sharp watch out for the first turn westward, away from the Gulf and the pounding surf. A short drive, a cluster of cars, then you see colorful sails dancing like butterflies across the water. The sailboard rigs fill the water as they skim, race, flutter, flip, and tip.
Welcome to one of the best windsurfing spots in the world: Bird Island Basin.
Writing Status: Participles and Clauses
Things to correct that I’ve noticed about my writing (so far!):
- A possible overabundance of participles, participial phrases, and absolute phrases
- A lack of gerund phrases
- A lack of “when” and “while” and “where” clauses