.
I am one third the way through the first draft of Book 3. /:-)
It is taking an age, but I am getting there.
There is one advantage that I now have: I think I don’t make quite so many mistakes first time around as I used to. (This will be book number 10 on the published list, so I ought to have learned a thing or two!)
And at least with Book 3, I know where I have to end up. The huge problem is that I haven’t got a clue how many words it is going to take to get me there. I know what story I want to tell – but how many pages to tell it?
I have no idea how other authors cope with this. Some of them are so organised they even know how any chapters and what is going to happen in each chapter. I have tried that, only to find that the scene I thought I can dispose of in one chapter actually takes three, or the scene I thought would take ten pages can fit into five. How on earth does one know these things beforehand??
So I muddle onwards, ever onwards…
And how is the race going? Well yesterday was day 9, which means that I should have completed 18,000 words to be on track to finish the 30,000 words in 15 days.
And I have achieved…um…15,300. Oops. 2,700 behind and tomorrow I have a whole lot of family obligations.
My competition?
The last I heard from Helen yesterday was that she was in agony with back pain, and if that wasn’t enough, she had migraine as well. Never rains but it pours… And she was on 12,500 words. And no, I didn’t put a hex on her. I have the deepest sympathy for anyone with back pain.
And Carol, who started it all: her latest figures are for yesterday too, 12,825. Not bad, seeing as she had the flu this week! (No, I didn’t hex her, either.)
So we are all lagging behind intended totals…
.
.
Your way of writing has achieved great results in your published books so please continue with your method. I like the old saying: 'If it aint broke, don't try to fix it.'
As for Dan Brown; he is a good storyteller who is greatly aided by a massive publicity push. If only they would do a portion of that publicity for good aspiring authors who deserve more recognition.
Actually Carol and Helen's totals were for Thursday.
My way of writing is rather wasteful, sometimes, when I realise that I have to cut stuff. Usually because it's too dull or some of it just doesn't push the story forward.
I know writers who never have to change much between first and last drafts. Sigh.
I agree with everything you said there Peter. I didn't like the Da Vinci Code much anyway although I hear his recent book is good. But yes Glenda, if it ain't broke……
Sorry your competition has been having a rough time of it.
Is there some reason you have to stick to a certain number of words? It seems to me Karen Miller doesn't bother with adding more onto her writing. Or do different publishers make different demands?
I may be asking something I already have been told, but when is Book 2 being released?
Woot! Go you!
I'm still racing, Glenda. Just a lot slower.
Sounds like the tortoise and the hare.
Yesterday I wasn't even a tortoise. More like a rock: dead stop. But I did do stuff for the proof read of book 2.
I'm a very slow tortoise at the moment I'm afraid, Jo.
Well you maybe a coouple of tortoises, or even rocks, but I know you will get there in the end. I am full of encouragement for galley proofing book 2 anyway Glenda, I want it, I want it.
Actually I am visiting a friend today and taking book 1 with me. I don't think she has read any of your work Glenda.