To those who have decided to peripherally monitor this train to see of it goes off the rails, I feel obligated to inform you that I am not a same time every day writer. It comes when it comes and the schedule allows. I would love to be a same time every day AM writer. Alas, there are days when I am a PM writer, and even late night writer. (In fact, that is most days) Happy Scribing.
Nov. 29 – Day 29 – 581 Words
Besides having the exact count on a previous day, (Day 4/week 1) which is a little weird that I have had this happen twice now, there isn’t too much to say about the night’s writing. It was a late night, as I wrote well into the wee hours, but I did get in the writing day and I am happy about that.
Okay, I am not going to wig out about the numbers being the same again, :), but isn’t that weird? I don’t know, maybe weird is the wrong word. Perhaps ‘interesting’ is a better one. (Or maybe there is a better one that I don’t feel like mentally searching for right now :P) Anyway, though I do not believe in the number thing, or anything to do with it, I was curious enough to look then both up after it happened again. What I found was ‘interesting,’ but since I can lend no credence to the practice, I will file the information under ‘interesting’ and leave it at that.
With that said, another day atop the rails and my caboose is still in motion. Happy writing people.
Oh, I forgot to comment on it being the start of another writing week, following the successful completion of the 4th. Hmm…not much to say, really, just want to stay on the rails. :)
"Reginald, you don’t have to do this for me. I understand, I told you that. I am not hurt or anything.”
“I know, and I believe you. But it is not for you, it is for me. I think I need this. Now, why don’t you tell me what it was you were laughing about earlier.”
Nov. 30 – Day 30 – 636 Words
Tonight’s writing was shaping. What does that mean? Could mean anything to you, I suppose, but what I was talking about was shaping and contouring the story line for later events. :) I decided to add a later element to the story, which meant going back a few chapters to insert the ground work.
Why did I have to go back? Why didn’t I just insert it where I was? Because, my MC had passed by the spot where I wanted this item introduced, once already, and it was the perfect time for it. In my mind, to introduce it later, or even where I was writing today, would have brought on the question of where was this element at that particular moment in the past?
It also fell in line with the day’s writing as some of what I did today was along the same lines. I shaped some stuff for a future conversation Kris, my MC’s sister, wants to have with him. The other part of the day’s effort was moving the plot along. I introduced one of the major minor plot lines tonight, and I suspect that will be the bulk of writing for the next day or two. Happy writing people.
He had her by three years, but in some ways she was the older and wiser sibling. Though neither of them had children, the bigger surprise was that he didn’t. She knew Carol wanted them, but was unsure how he felt about it. She also knew that he was the more sensitive one between them about their interracial marriage.
Dec. 1 – Day 31 – 553 Words
Not a new writing week, but a new writing month. Um, yay? Anyway, if you have been riding the rails of this novel train with me, and have been paying at least a little attention, and are somewhat observant, (Wow, that is a lot of things to be, so I will just say it), then you may have noticed how close this day’s word count is to ~whispers~ the number 555. (Day 18 week 3) Don’t worry, I am okay, and the wooden stick remains in place for now.
On with the full disclosure. I didn’t freak out, but my mouth did open a little when I highlighted the day’s written selection and saw 555. Yes, you read that number correct. The count WAS originally 555 before I posted it. Rephrasing of the blurb cut it by two.
What does that mean? Well, some would say a repeating number should be acknowledged. There are some strong believers in that. But then, there are strong believers is dreams, the zodiac, and a million other things. I think I said this before, but I just think it means I have been consistent in my output on this endeavor, and I hope it continues.
- OR-
I should play the number 555 in pick three and see what happens. Not a numbers player myself, legal or otherwise, but I grew up around the otherwise, and the thought did occur to me that a serious numbers player could happen by my blog and decide to play my daily word count. To that I say this, if you benefit from it, you do realize you are legally obligated to give me half, don’t you? No? Not true? How about morally?
“Yea, Rob, but you said you don’t believe in the number thing, but now you are willing to take the profits from it?”
~LOOPHOLE~
“Your kind always has one.”
Oh, shut up.
But seriously, who am I to deny the kindness of a stranger who decides to help out a starving artist? How do I know or not that God Himself did not lead them to sow seed into my life?
“Oh, boy, is it getting thick in here. And I don’t think God would appreciate you involving him in your numbers racket. In fact--”
Okay, then, that wraps up the analysis of today’s effort.
“The Bible says--”
Happy writing people.
Is that what you call them? Sleepovers?”
“And what would you call them?” She asked, markedly.
“I would call them me being a rookie cop of legal drinking age, and leaving the bar and coming to your house for company and a nightcap.”
Dec. 2 – Day 32 – 548 Words
Forgot to mention yesterday that I began chapter 7, and with it, my first official murder scene of the book. Tonight’s effort was sketchy for a time, as the picture of where I wanted to go was there, but the path to take was a bit fuzzy. There are various avenues one can take to the same outcome address. Some of tonight’s effort was in contemplating an avenue, chucking it, contemplating it again, and then saying screw it, I will write what comes.
And that is what I did. I wrote what came and let the avenue choose itself. Then who is writing the book if I let the avenue choose itself? Those of you who write and have experienced it know what I mean. For those who don’t write or haven’t, let me explain a philosophy I have on creations.
Whatever it is you are creating, a work of art, a novel, a sculpture and such, it is already created. “What? Where’s that wooden stick?!” No, no, hear me out. I believe that my novel is already written, and it is up to me to just sit and channel it as it comes, using whatever skill sets I have to efficiently document it.
As it comes from where, you ask? From where it is already written, of course. I know that sounds hoky or ‘out there’ to some, especially if you are a proponent of “Hard work creates results, period! There is no mystical element or book fairy, you just sit down and get the job done!”
I kind of agree with you on some points. I mean, I do have to sit and write the book. And no, I do not believe in a mystical book fairy. But, I do believe that I am just the vessel through which the book is channeled. I can’t explain it I suppose, and your point of view will probably win out in a court. Nonetheless, that is what I believe. Sadly, I also believe that the book if probably written better from where it is coming from, but I can only channel it a certain way because of what I can do.
As I become a better writer, with more experience under my belt for storytelling and prose, then I will channel the same thing, but translate it better to paper. Sound crazy? Yeah, that’s okay, I have kind of heard that a lot in my life. “You’re crazy Rob!” Over the years my response had become “Thank you. I accept your compliment.” Happy writing people.
Passing the threshold and Officer Bivens, hearing the warmness in his response, Reg smirked, shaking his head at the irony. Six months ago, the same uniform was part of a contingent and circumstances that had almost cost Reuben’s seven year old daughter her life.
Dec. 3 – Day 33 - 546 Words
Okay, so I was at my first murder scene in the book, and obvious by the blurb, my guy was shot. Tonight’s effort was plugging the book along, slow and steady wins the race, right? Honestly, I didn’t feel like writing tonight, but I rolled up my sleeves and dove in anyway. It wasn’t the first night I wrote through not feeling like it, and it will not be the last. Does the book suffer when a writer writes and he doesn’t feel like writing? That is a good question. My answer would be no. Why? Well, because I want you to buy the book when it is finished, that’s why.
No, but seriously, the reason I don’t think so is because of the rewrites. Any sloppy work is cleaned up and set right. Then there is the listen through that I do after completing the read through and rewrite. (Um, which is basically another rewrite) Using one of those synthesized voices, I listen to how the book sounds out loud, and, of course, correct what doesn’t meet well with my ear.
I think it is a good technique to employ, and helps me a great deal to get a feel for the flow of the writing, moreso than just reading it. The Microsoft David desktop guy works okay for me, but there are others that you can use if you don’t already do it and want to try it. Anyway, that’s it for now. Happy writing.
"You ever wonder what a person is thinking right before the trigger is pulled?” Sanchez asked the room.
“Yeah,” Rivers answered her, “Please, don’t shoot!”
Dec 4. – Day 34 – 534 Words
Okay, so, about tonight’s effort. First, if you have been coming by here since the beginning, you may have noticed some design changes to the site. Didn’t figure I needed to mention it, as it would be obvious on click. Also, I had to repost weeks 4 and 5, so if you were bookmarking, as opposed to following on Facebook or Twitter, then you may have had to adjust them for the new posts. Which kind of sucks, because now I have a bunch of tweets with dead links :(. Anyway, just wanted to mention that in passing and thank you for sticking with me.
Now, tonight’s effort. If I said I plugged the book along again, would you yawn at the screen? Alright, so I won’t say it. I will say, though, that I am still in chapter 7, with my characters discussing the crime scene, while standing over the dead body. The conversation and summation of what they have so far is almost over, and following that, I have a number of ways I can go next. Several things to introduce into the story as I continue to character develop and get into the meat of things. Well, wish I could say more, but I knew most days would be like this. (Warned you at the beginning, didn’t I?)
Oh, and if you haven’t noticed something else, then I will tell you. I have pretty much decided to drive through 500 scenery as this train moves along. A daily goal of 500 words, and take more if it comes, is the mark to shoot for. I am good there and have written two books the same way. Why change what works? The 650-1000 words I mentioned at the beginning may come as more of the book comes into focus, like it did with Irony 2. (found here) If not? I am a 500 man until the end, baby, and there is nothing wrong with that. Happy writing.
Rivers glared at her, as Reg took note of the exit wound brain matter blotching the pillow. Turning back to the team, he said, “Okay, so we got no forced entry, no struggle, nothing missing, and a possible vacationing wife.”
“Which may add up to the cat is away and the mice will play scenario,” Reuben said.
Dec. 5 – Day 35 – 603 Words
End of another writing week. For that, let’s go with two snaps up in a circle. Fort those familiar with that, if, in fact, it is correct in my memory, know of In Living Color. Anyway, I said the other day that what we seek to create is already created, and that we just channel it from that place of creation. If that is the case, then this day’s writing was channeled through a whole lot of sludge, muck and mire. Hard writing today as I had to force the words on the paper. I am okay with that and just glad that I stuck it through to 600 Words. Happy Writing.
“Alright, command decision, if anyone has a problem with it, tell them to come see me. Reuben? Rivers? This is your baby right now. Sanchez? I suggest you play along, no sense making them raise an eyebrow at you so early in your career. As for me? I am going home."