Since beginning this project, I utilized a productivity method designed to increase the quality of the writing. I have been writing everything by hand, then entering the hand-written story draft into a word processor.

This method has successfully allowed me to craft a better “first” draft of the story; essentially, the type written words have are being revised as they are being type written. This produces a better draft. There are entire sections of the handwritten drafts that read very differently from their type written counterparts, and invariably, the typewritten is the better of the two versions.

While this method has increased the quality of the writing, it has also nearly doubled the amount of time and labor I put into the story. This process, of hand-drafting, then entering feels ideal, in terms of producing quality writing. However, if I continue at this pace, I do not believe I will hit the word count goal which I set for myself in my project.

In order to meet this challenge, I have opted to forego handwriting the first draft, and instead, type this directly into the word processor. Though I have opted to make this choice in order to meet my deadline-goal, I intend to return to handwriting, then entering the documents. It is, for me, that ideal balance between quality and quantity.

Image Credit: Blank Page

I recently shared with a younger writer the need to make sure that everything in her mind regarding a story makes it’s way onto the page.  It’s too easy to assume that making a blanket statement such as “People need air to breathe” will automatically make the personal cost of breathing unclean air clear to readers.

This morning, in that wonderful zone between being half awake, and half asleep while luxuriating in the softness of my bed, I realized I had made a critical oversight in my story.  I will now have to apply my own advice.

This is a fantasy story.  I have introduced an element of fantasy and made it a central part of the protagonist’s challenge. Unfortunately, I forgot to incorporate this element for my other characters.  It’s always been in my mind, but it hasn’t made it’s way onto the page.

I will, therefore, be backtracking to add certain descriptive details so the reader will know this particular element applies to everyone in this world, not just the main character. I’ve already considered three different variations on how to incorporate this element, and feel this will enrich the world, as well as add credibility to this part of the protagonist’s challenge. It may not amount to more than a couple hundred words, bu I feel these are critical changes, or I wouldn’t do it.

Image Credit: Puzzle Pieces

 

 

Going into my senior project challenge, I knew the project would test me, would stress and stretch me. As I sit an type this right now, my eyes are drooping from exhaustion, and my stomach is clinched with anxiety. Writing. Writing must happen. Writing has been happening. I’m writing right now, but these words – they don’t count.

I’ve just spent the last five hours crafting an essay of over 1000 words. These words don’t count. The discussion posts I will complete before this day is over (which are due today) will not count, either.

It was not my goal to write 50,000 words this month. My goal was 25,000 words, but with all of the words which aren’t going to count, it may end up being 50,000 words.

I’m not behind, but if I don’t do the writing that counts today, I will be. The thing is, I’ve done nothing but write.

This is the point at which thoughts of setting my hair on fire, and running screaming down the street seem like a good way to release the tension clawing my gut. I doubt voluntary self-emolation will be a valid reason for not completing my assignments on time for my professors, but it might have them contacting the psych ward of the local county health department. Maybe I should just save myself some time, and skip the self-emolation and find a corner to drool in?

image: ifriendgamers

After entering today’s words, and calculating the total, I find I’m slightly behind where I need to be at this point. I added 1,333 words to the count, bringing the total number of words up to 5,725. This averages out to about 817 words per day; the target was 834 words per day.

The session felt both tedious and productive. I’ve stayed from my original outline, not to much, but I’m fairly certain when I go to edit this part of the finished product, I will end up cutting or rewriting much of what I’ve produced in the last few days. Knowing this makes me feel a little like I’ve wasted time and  effort. I have to remember that at this stage of the game, wasting words will help me find the right words to tell the story.

There is a lesson here; most of the stray from my outline is rooted in a lack of research regarding life aboard a 17th century pirate ship. I wrote something really good based on what I thought that kind of life would be like, rather than what it actually was like. What I needed to do was research first, then build my story around that research. I’m thinking now, I may be able to use the unresearched portion somewhere else, maybe even a different story.

I’m also thinking of engaging in a critical review of my outline, and identifying those areas which need a little more research. It is this combination of research regarding what is, and imaginative extrapolation from thst research which will bring the story to life in a believable way. It will give me the knowledge I need to make good creative choices. While this may add to the work load, I believe it will pay off in the long run.

On May 19th, I committed to writing 25,000 words towards completion of a long form creative fiction piece in thirty days time. It is an academic endeavor, engaged in for credit towards completion of my Bachelor’s of Arts degree.

The goal of 25,000 words breaks down to roughly 834 words per day. While I do have this quantity of words in mind, I hope there will also be a reasonable level of quality to the writing project.

Since the 19th, I have completed a total of three writing sessions, producing a total  of 4392 words. What I have noticed, as I’ve progressed through the story is the tone the writing has shifted ever so slightly. The first few pages feel tentative and unsure. The last pages seem to have lost that insecurity.

I realize I may be “reading into” the tone I’m picking up on when I re-read what I wrote only a few days ago. I wasn’t feeling too secure about the technique I employed at the time I was writing these words.  Is this something every other author experiences?

It feels similar to other books I’ve read in that as the plot thickens, interest in the story grows. As the author of these words, though, I cannot be unbiased towards them. As much as I would like to be on the outside looking at them objectively, I am not. I am carving a tunnel through a mountain with only a vague idea of where I want to come out on the other side. I can see the opening, and will know when I reach the end, but the actual twists and turns I will make in this effort are a mystery to me.

Photo Credit: TJBlackwell