#p:cws:d2

[theouterdark]

Day 24 - NaNoWriMo 2022

The draft isn’t done, but the first 50,000 words are. Feeling good.

D

[theouterdark]

Day 10 - NaNoWriMo 2022

I thought I would have a more detailed post today, but I just finished my words for the day, so I’ll just leave you with the word count: 2,014.

They came alright but I’m definitely pantsing this section and expounding in areas I didn’t expect or outline. I don’t feel as confident in these words but there are gems of ideas to be mined and cut and polished.

Starting chapter six. This is where things get weird, so I’m excited. See you tomorrow.

D

[theouterdark]

Day 7 - NaNoWriMo 2022

START: 7:15 PM END: 9:30 PM DAILY WORD COUNT: 1,768 TOTAL WORD COUNT: 16,098

The power is back! Spent some time today running errands in the wake of being without electricity for two days, and having a mild mouse problem my uncle needed some help with. I got a later start than usual, but managed to get my words in without much fuss. I expect to get more work done in the coming days as my weekend plans will slow me down again. But it’s been good to get back in the saddle with a proper keyboard and not have to rely on my phone.

Also, finished another chapter! Four under my belt now for the second draft, and it just about wraps up this act. All the major characters have been introduced, but the final hooks need to come into play in chapter five. Going to have fun with this one.

One concern: One dimensional characters. I know a few of them will be fleshed out more in another pass, but it’s still a concern at this point. I actually feel like I’m overcompensating with lesser characters, making them a little more fleshed out because I knew they may feel hollow. But I need to spread the love evenly, I think.

One surprise: Finding tension and catharsis in the quiet moments, and through that, Blake’s voice.

One delight: Having fun writing the only American character in the book. And I’m enjoying the few small Ruby moments that happen early on too. She kind of skirts the main plotline in a slalom that I expect will have a hard collision with Blake’s path in the coming chapters.

D

[theouterdark]

Day 4 - NaNoWriMo 2022

START: 2:00 PM END: 3:30 PM DAILY WORD COUNT: 1,841 TOTAL WORD COUNT: 10,824

Words came easy when I brought myself to write them. My schedule is slipping so chances are I’ll end up writing more before bed, but those will count toward tomorrow’s batch. Crossed 10K! A fifth of the way through NaNo on Day 4 isn’t bad. I think I’ll be closer to 70K for this draft, and I think I can manage that this month, even with my other projects.

One concern: Orientation isn’t organic to me. The location is a bit of a maze. And the timeline is rough as well. I had no trouble pantsing my way through today, but it will need shoring up in the edit.

One surprise: Blake has more agency at this point than I expected, and Margaret is surprisingly fun to write. As is Ruby! She appeared at the end of the current chapter and I didn’t know what I’d get out of her, but I’m pleased and surprised.

One delight: When I finished my words for today I still had energy to work on another project.

D

[theouterdark]

Day 3 - NaNoWriMo 2022

START: 1:00 PM/11:00 PM END: 2:00 PM/11:30 PM DAILY WORD COUNT: 3,909 TOTAL WORD COUNT: 8,983

Chapters 1-3 are done, and 4 is started. A bulk of the characters have been introduced as well. Everything has been happening very mechanically. I’m allowing myself to write. Just doing it. It’s feeling good. I feel a lot like I did when I was working on the first draft of The Devil from the Outer Dark. It was like I kept the words in so long they just spilled out. Trying to maintain the whole Hemingway thing and keeping the well semi-full so it’s easier to come back to the next day.

Also, about 1K of my words today were really yesterday’s after I posted my update. Still got quite a bit done though. One concern: I’m really just sprinting through the beats. There’s no flavor yet. I’m going to have to punch this up in editing a lot.

One surprise: The free-flowing nature of the words is nice. I didn’t quite expect it to feel this way.

One delight: The cast is filling out nicely and the different personalities are fun. As I write some are informing themselves, and the chemistry is really interesting to see happen in real time.

See you tomorrow!

D

[theouterdark]

Day 2 - NaNoWriMo 2022

START: 4:00 PM END: 6:30 PM DAILY WORD COUNT: 2,139 TOTAL WORD COUNT:  5,074

I continued outlining today, and transitioned into drafting, which was my initial goal, so everything is on track. Feels good to be working on this story again, though I did start later in the day than I intended and did not put as many hours as I would like.

One concern: The balance of mystery/horror is hard to tune. I’m getting the sense that I need to drizzle a bit of each throughout to help sell this story. Blake seems to be lacking agency in the outline as well. Can’t have that.

One surprise: I was full of excitement and dread while transitioning into this draft, but the words actually came easier than expected. They may be hot garbage, but they’re hitting the beats I outlined without feeling forced.

One delight: My outline has each named character in a position of relevance/agency at some point. Still worried about bloat, but right now, it doesn’t seem like anyone is hanging around that shouldn’t be there.

D

[theouterdark]

Day 1 - NaNoWriMo 2022

START: 2:30 PM END: 6:00 PM DAILY WORD COUNT:  2,935 TOTAL WORD COUNT:  2,935

I stuck to outlining today. Listed potential scenes from the get go. My motivation endured the first hour but flagged later in the afternoon as distractions started cropping up. The first third of the outline is incredibly detailed. Toward the end of that section, it began to resemble stream of consciousness brainstorming though. I think this is good. I worked my way through some challenges that I’ve been vacillating on for years.

The middle is looking mushy, and aimless, if I’m honest. And the ending doesn’t seem earned yet. I think this is something that will become clearer once I draft more and flesh the characters out. Tomorrow I plan on trying to pad out those sections, then transition to drafting.

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Literally. Dreary day. In the book and out. If I’m honest, I’m feeling intimidated by this project. But I’m still excited, and still feel ready to tackle it.

One concern: I’m worried I still have too many characters. And this is after cutting the initial cast down from the first draft. I may have to make concessions here. I’m not going to be precious. Dead weight has to go.

One surprise: I figured out a character that has only been a blurry presence for a long time. They came into focus in the outline, and I’m looking forward to writing some scenes with them.

One delight: I am confident that rewriting Coldwater Sound is the right thing to do. Yeah, the first draft is already done. Yeah, I’m scrapping 95% of it in favor of something completely different. But it’s right. There are scraps from that manuscript that may find new life in future projects (Kenny Deegan, I already miss you). See you tomorrow!

D

[theouterdark]

Hello! In the light of Storyteller Saturday writeblr event, I'm sending some questions around & since I love your work, I wanted to ask you something too even if you don't participate. :P Sooo, you haven't told us much about Topiary Black. How is it going, first of all, and what are some of your plans for it at the moment. How is Coldwater Sound's 2nd draft going, you had mentioned you were thinking of two different versions of it. No pressure, this is only if you wish to talk about them. ^^

I’m somewhat restrained when it comes to revealing details about my WIPs while I’m drafting, and what I do share is only after deliberate consideration. That said, I’d love to answer your questions, but I want to touch on my reservations as well because I don’t think I’ve ever talked about it here.

Oversharing cripples my process and my work because:

A) My creative well empties

If I receive validation or catharsis from revealing information or excerpts before the work is truly done, my brain will trick me into thinking I’ve accomplished something, thereby:

B) I become unproductive

Which inherently is my natural state, which gives me unintended distance from the narrative, thereby:

C) The story wanders from my active memory

That’s mostly why I err toward ambiguity. But. Since I’m not actively working on these for a few more weeks, let’s jump in.

Status: Outlining

Topiary Black is progressing, if somewhat leisurely. I know most of the major beats, and some of the minor ones, but I’ve been indecisive on matters of setting and character. The main cast needs to be pruned, for starters (one of my weaknesses is adding far more characters than necessary in the initial draft, so I’m trying to save myself oodles of time by shedding some of the extra weight now).

I’m also having antagonist problems that I was cognizant of early-on but chose to ignore because problems like that are for Future Dylan. I think I’m zeroing in on something interesting though.

Occasionally, I’ll pen a scene when I can’t contain it anymore. But for the most part, there is too much on my plate with this project to begin writing in earnest.

As far as a timeline, my goal is to complete draft one by mid-late summer 2020. I think it’s doable, but I may postpone work until I get more of the worldbuilding firmed up.

I know that’s not much in the way of actual interesting information so here are some nuggets:

The bulk will be recounted in the first person by the member of The Aviary known as “Loon”

Also planning on using a frame story for her “present” timeline

It will tackle sexuality and identity far more than any of my previous works

Inspirations for Topiary Black include “The Library of Babel,” the Akashic records, Rabbits, Mr. Robot, and the art of Simon Stålenhag

It takes place in an alternate 1980s

I’m currently planning it to be one of three semi-connected projects, the other two being “The God Machine” and Deerfield Run, that will form a loosely-connected speculative fiction trilogy, but each will read as a standalone work

I think that’s about all I can reveal at the moment, let’s get on to the next WIP.

Status: Drafting

Oh boy, what a mess.

In short, draft two isn’t going. I touched on this in an earlier update post, but my current struggle with Coldwater Sound is not a fun one. I have two entirely different conceptions of how the novel should go, and in my heart, I know which one is gonna win.

And it’s the one that requires me to re-write the entire thing.

At its heart, it will remain the same. The characters and their relationships won’t differ wholly from the first draft, but the bulk, as it is, is far too convoluted. I’ll be trimming the core cast, cutting locations, and refocusing the plot on Blake the mystery of Penny’s disappearance.

That means losing a lot of stuff I like about the original, sadly. Such is the way of things. I may reconsider this by holding another reading of draft one.

Honestly, I’m far more focused on a different project that you didn’t ask about, but I’ll tell you about it anyway:

Status: Seeking Alpha Readers/Drafting

I haven’t done an official ask/announcement, but I’ve gained enough distance from The Devil from the Outer Dark to begin the Alpha Read. I know some of the changes I want to make, but I’d still like some reactions to build from. I want to keep it small, likely 3-5 readers, if anyone out there is interested.

It is technically a sequel to Coldwater Sound, but the first is not required reading. Just like The Murder of Roger Ackroyd isn’t required reading for Murder on the Orient Express. Blake is still the main character, there’s still a mystery for her to solve, and horror lurks around many a corner, but spoilers for Coldwater Sound are mild at best.

If you want to help me out or learn more about the project, shoot me a message here on my blog.

Tagging: @writingmyassoff, @erin-writes-stuff, @midnightstreetwanderings, @byjillianmaria, @bethwrotethis, @doux-ciel, @hilunawrites, @ghost-possum, @zmlorenz, @doubleviewfinder, @veronicadent, @els-writes, @dantedevereaux, @tlbodine, @hypotheticalwriterquestions, @hazeywrites, @reeseweston, @dor-rose-love, and @katabasiss. (Let me know if you’d like to be added or removed from future tags for any of these projects).

D

[theouterdark]

1,000 Followers: Appreciation

Well sometime in the last week or so— while I was busy exploring every paperback in my possession—I surpassed a thousand followers. Even though the last year has been fraught with setbacks and indecision, I sincerely want to express my joy to all of you. That I could reach anyone with my stories, even if you’ve seen only snippets, touches me deeply. Thank you.

I also know that I’ve gone somewhat radio-silent. This is not due to any bad occurrence, but simply owed to the fact that I’ve been...I hesitate to say busy...so...distracted.

Firstly, I moved from the west coast to the midwest in late February, on the cusp of COVID-19 running rampant, back in with my folks for a transition period to new horizons. Like many, my paying work trickled to a stop, so the timing could not have been better, but, for the most part, I’m stuck here now.

The internet here is atrocious. But this is not without its benefits.

Secondly, I’ve been thrust ever deeper into my creative works. Coldwater Sound is being drafted once again and I suspect will be completed in mid-May. Topiary Black is being outlined, drafting scheduled for late May and early June. And, another project has been circling my mind...one that has me excited and enthralled. I’m hesitant to say more about it now.

I’ve been dealing with social distancing the best way I know how: focusing on unrealities, and thanking every god of luck that I’m in a position to do that, instead of unemployed and homeless in southern Oregon.

So, thank you once again. During this period of working diligently on my projects, I’ll likely be a little less active than I’d like, and perhaps less than some of you would like, but, I haven’t gone anywhere.

If you have any questions about my WIPs or anything in general, feel free to reach out, include me in tag games, etc. I’ll be a little slow in rolling out my responses, but I’ll be here.

Shoutouts: @zmlorenz, @saccharinemornings, @erin-writes-stuff, @byjillianmaria, @midnightstreetwanderings, @dotr-rose-love, @sassypandacandy. Thanks for your support since I joined this community.

Is that all for now? I think. I think that will do.

Thanks, all of you.

D

[theouterdark]

CHAPTER I | The Man in the Bottle

The ticking of a pocket watch carried over the churning of an air pump and the huffing of carbide lamps; none of the fellows dared speak a word, lest the doctor fail to hear one stroke of the second hand as it marched toward the top of the hour, signifying twenty-five minutes below.

Tagging: @writingmyassoff, @erinisawriter, @leofailsatwriting, @bethwrotethis, @doux-ciel, @hilunawrites, @ghost-possum, @zmlorenz, @doubleviewfinder, @veronicadent, @els-writes, @dantedevereaux, @tlbodine, @hypotheticalwriterquestions, @hazeywrites, @reeseweston, @withered-rose-unbreakable-lotus, @katabasiss, @byjillianmaria, and @james-stark-the-writer. (Let me know if you’d like to be added or removed from tags future tags).

Back soon with more.

D

[theouterdark]

Tag: Last Line XVI

This is the first of many last line tags I have to catch up on, courtesy of @zmlorenz.

This is from the new draft of Coldwater Sound. More on that soon. Honest to blog.

Rules: Write the last sentence in your current WIP.

The colonnade of aspens enclosing the approach to Rosenford bent near to snapping.

Tagging: Tagging @zmlorenz back, @writingmyassoff, @sassypandacandy, and anyone who wants to participate.

Tag list: @writingmyassoff, @erinisawriter, @zmlorenz, @els-writes, @midnightstreetwanderings, @sassypandacandy, @bethwrotethis, @doux-ciel, @hilunawrites, @ghost-possum, @doubleviewfinder, @veronicadent, @dantedevereaux, @tlbodine, @hypotheticalwriterquestions, @hazeywrites, @reeseweston, @withered-rose-unbreakable-lotus, @dotr-rose-love, @katabasiss, @byjillianmaria, @james-stark-the-writer, and @therainsoakedwriter. Let me know if you’d like to be added or removed from the tag list.

See you soon with more.

D

[theouterdark]

Tag: WIP 777 #2

You tagged me an age and a half ago, @gottaenjoythelittlethingzz, but here’s my response. It’s from the new opening chapter to Coldwater Sound.

Rules: Go to your current WIP. Find the seventh line on the seventh page and copy and paste seven sentences below. Then, tag seven other writers to do the same.

Air didn’t come readily, but colour drained back into his face as he started vomiting water. A quart of it came up, amid the shuddering, coughing, and sputtering; his eyes were wide and red, and his black hair clung to his forehead, streaming beads of water down his cheeks like tears. When the last of it was clear, his bloodshot eyes searched wildly around until they fell on Anders, but even then they seemed to be focused on something else, farther away; his teeth chattered madly.

Tagging: @phantomswriting, @leofailsatwriting, @haunted-by-neptune, @dotr-rose-love, @agentorange-writes, @midnightstreetwanderings, and @sassypandacandy.

Enjoy! If you’ve already done it, change up the number. Maybe 10th page, 10th line, 10 sentences?

D

[theouterdark]

Tag: Last Line XV

Thanks for the tag, @zmlorenz. This one is from the current draft of Coldwater Sound, and I’ll tag you back in this one.

Rules: Write the last sentence in your current WIP.

The iron arch bridge extended over the tideland sweep of a wide estuary. To the east, a hundred-fifty hectares of wetlands and shattered moors spread through the divots of Mount Crannoch’s spine. Its swards were not full and green, but dark, yellow, and spotted like a mangy dog, entwining with sinuous creeks and stagnant pools, and at the edge of it all, where the land bunched into chaotic heaps and collided with the sea, Coldwater Sound brewed its discontent to violent ends.

Tagging: Anyone who wants to participate.

Tag list: @writingmyassoff, @erinisawriter, @zmlorenz, @els-writes, @midnightstreetwanderings, @sassypandacandy, @bethwrotethis, @doux-ciel, @hilunawrites, @ghost-possum, @doubleviewfinder, @veronicadent, @dantedevereaux, @tlbodine, @hypotheticalwriterquestions, @hazeywrites, @reeseweston, @withered-rose-unbreakable-lotus, @katabasiss, @byjillianmaria, @james-stark-the-writer, and @therainsoakedwriter. Hope y’all enjoyed this peek into the current draft.

See you soon with more.

D

[theouterdark]

Tag: WIP Theme

Thanks for the tag, @zmlorenz.

Rules: Bold the themes that appear in your WIP (& italicize those that are loosely covered)

WIP: Coldwater Sound

addiction | beauty | betrayal | change vs. tradition | chaos vs. order | circle of life | coming of age | communication | convention vs. rebellion | corruption | courage | crime and law | dangers of ignorance | darkness and light | death | desire to escape | dreams | displacement | empowerment | facing darkness | facing reality | faith vs. doubt | fall from grace | fame and fortune | family | fate | fear | fear of failure | free will | friendship | fulfilment | good vs. bad | government | greed | guilt and forgiveness | hard work | heroism | hierarchy | honesty | hope | identity crisis | immortality | independence | individual vs. society | inner vs. outer strength | innocence | injustice | isolation | knowledge vs. ignorance | life | loneliness | lost love | LOVE | man vs. nature | manipulation | materialism | motherhood | nature | nature vs. nurture | oppression | optimism | peer pressure | poverty | power | power of words | prejudice | pride | progress | quest | racism | rebirth | relationships | religion | responsibility | revenge | sacrifice | secrets | self-awareness | self-preservation | self-reliance | sexuality | social class structure | survival | technology | temptation and destruction | time | totalitarianism | weakness | vanity | war | wealth | wisdom of experience | youth

Tagging: @writingmyassoff, @erinisawriter, @kindofwriter, @gottaenjoythelittlethingzz, @mercurialscoundrel, @sassypandacandy.

No pressure!

D

[theouterdark]

CHAPTER II | Welcome to Stanley

“All we do is the best we can,” he said, with little conviction, but I must have been unable to hide my discomfort, for he stepped back into my cabin, and his indifference turned to outward concern. “Are you unwell?”

“It’s a bit stodgy in here.”

“Traveller’s sickness, I’ve seen its like before. A strong cup of tea would d-do you well. I’ll ring the attendant.” When he stepped inside, a strong odour pummeled my nostrils. It seemed as though he’d steeped his jacket in too much alpine-scented cologne.

“I’d just as rather go to the dining car myself, thank you.”

“As you wish. But step lightly. If you need to call on me, ring the attendant and ask for Dr Greysmith, that’s me. And you are called?”

“Livingston.”

Tagging: @writingmyassoff, @erinisawriter, @leofailsatwriting, @bethwrotethis, @doux-ciel, @hilunawrites, @ghost-possum, @zmlorenz, @doubleviewfinder, @veronicadent, @els-writes, @dantedevereaux, @tlbodine, @hypotheticalwriterquestions, @hazeywrites, @reeseweston, @withered-rose-unbreakable-lotus, @katabasiss, @byjillianmaria, and @james-stark-the-writer. (Let me know if you’d like to be added or removed from tags future tags).

Back soon with more.

D

[theouterdark]

Tag: Last Line XIII

Thanks for your patience, @writingmyassoff, @zmlorenz, @erinisawriter, @gottaenjoythelittlethingzz, and @leofailsatwriting, I owe y’all a last line (or more) so here’s an excerpt instead.

The following is from the second draft of Coldwater Sound. I decided to ignore the rules and put up an excerpt.

Rules: Write the last sentence in your current WIP and tag as many people as there are wordsyou’d like.

“Lyle and I are going for a walk after breakfast if you’d care to join us, Ms Livingston. The garden here is massive. Oh how lovely it would be to have a conversation partner. Mr Dean really has done wonders with this little place.”

“Walk? Even in the rain?”

Mr Bradley lowered his paper. A general stirring washed over everyone at the table.

“What rain?” asked Mr Bradley.

“It’s raining,” I said, and then, less sure, “isn’t it?”

“Nonsense.” Mr Bradley stood to part the drapes. “It’s crystal clear.”

“I could’ve sworn I’d heard thunder last night,” I said. “And I had the most terrible dream.”

“I didn’t hear any thunder.”

“Nor did I,” said Mr Milgrim.

“What did you dream about? I imagine a young thing like you must have the most racing dreams,” said Mrs Bradley.

“Funny now I can’t remember, is it always like that for you?”

“Not me, no! I remember them all. Write them down in my bedside journal, too, don’t I Lyle?”

Mr Bradley grunted.

Tagging: @writingmyassoff, @erinisawriter, @zmlorenz, @sassypandacandy, @kibberswrites, @chivalin, @leofailsatwriting, @gottaenjoythelittlethingzz. Tagging all of you back, and some others.

Feel free to participate, if you’d like.

D