updates
Edit 5 begun!
Currently starting a proper EDIT 5 of my novel. Whereas the 4th edit was about paring back unnecessary elements and dialogue, plus removing dead end ideas, edit 5 is the opposite. It's all about adding to my writing. Over the years, I told myself I'd flesh out the missing detail and descriptions in my chapters, further down the track. Well, that time has come. And its proving a lot harder than I thought! It was easier to 'take away'.
Edit 4 underway
One more day before my 6 week break ends. Spent most days at home in my fantasy pad. Proud to have re-edited 27 of my 31 chapters in that time, some completing a 5th pass. No new writing, but I have 2025 ahead. Giving myself a deadline of May. We'll see how that goes LOL. Hope your year has been off to a productive start, too : )
2024Another chapter done
Completed my 'Arrival' chapter yesterday. Jason joins several main characters off-world. I'm guessing I only have 3 chapters and an epilogue remaining to complete my first draft - yay! Lots of fleshing out of various chapters to be done on my 2nd draft next year, though.
75k word count!
I've just reached a 75k word count for my 'Rim of Time' novel. Aiming now for about 85k - exciting!
About to 'arrive'
Have begun a new chapter, called 'Arrival, which follows on from the last. Jason has explored the ascended portal and now must pass through its gateway to arrive at the planet Gemini, which exists at the edge of our universe. What comes after is my next challenge; to navigate my imagination and create a planet and alien society where time barely exists. And what that can look and feel like. Here I go . . .
Excitement Builds
I'm currently writing and tweaking my new chapter, 'Within the Portal', which returns the reader to the Scottish Highlands. It's also the first time, in many chapters, where we find Jason united with the flamboyant Count and adventurous Peta. This chapter is the jumping off point for Jason to get to the planet Gemini at the edge of the universe. From hereon subsequent chapters will both escalate and resolve the overarching quest. Can't wait !
Progress Report
Well, this year, I've done a solid 2nd edit on the 29 chapters of my unfinished novel, excepting the first chapter which is a whole other beast, needing a sizeable overhaul. There's a handful of chapters that have undergone a 3rd edit. As a new fiction writer, it amazes me, that no matter how many times I re-read my writing, I find even more edits to do each time! Is it never-ending?
Coming to an 'End'
I've had several people suggest that I write the ending of my novel next, as it will help fill-in the remaining unwritten chapters that precede it. So, I've begun! It's interesting to return to my early 'ideas' notebook, reading what I imagined the ending would be. I've been pretty consistent to that plotting, yet also find myself hoping for a few surprises. Fingers crossed.
Finally Named . . .
Now, almost to the end of my novel, my off-world planet, generically called the 'Twin Suns' after its sky, finally has a name; GEMINI. My main character just named it in the chapter I completed. Phew.
My Annual Break
Traditionally, I take a 6 week break (from mid-December into January) from most of my work obligations, to concentrate on creative projects or just a big relax. In recent years, it’s been a great opportunity to get a couple of new chapters written for my novel. So far, I've managed to finish off a chapter that had vexed me for several months (phew) and have started on a brand new one - my 28th. That seems like a high chapter count, but they are relatively short, spanning between 800-3000 words.
70K Word Count
Recently, I hit a 70k word count for my novel - its only taken 5 years : ) . My goal is around 85k words. Plot-wise, I'm guessing I have 7 more chapters to write to complete the story arc. Getting there.
2023When no new writing comes - edit!
I decided to start on draft 2 of my novel - even though I haven't fully written draft one! It's been interesting to re-edit/proof the very early chapters and see how different they are to my more recent ones. I've definitely improved along the way and that's a great feeling.
Pitfalls of taking years to write your novel
A major motif in my novel is a recurring 'Smart Cab' of the future, that relies on AI and its ability to eradicate its unwanted passengers. With the recent explosion of advancement of AI in so many areas, I've reduced my secondary plot from existing in 200 years time to 100! I use another futuristic theme involving self-changing patterned fabric. Damned, if Adobe (yes, the software company) didn't just unveil its prototype pattern-changing real-world dress! Good grief, at this rate I'll be publishing a historical novel instead of spec-fiction.
