Closer Still, Again

Man! This third to last chapter is taking me forever! Lot's of battle action that by its very nature cries out for careful description. It's a fine line though. Being overly descriptive can be as "unenjoyable" for the reader as not writing enough for them to sink their teeth into. I have to make it exciting yet be sure that I "leave out the parts readers tend to skip".


Oh well, I'm deciding to treat this chapter as a case of "slow and steady wins the race".


First draft word count a/o today: 64591

Closer Still

Reached a personally important but largely symbolic milestone by breaking 60k. I'm on the third to last chapter and steaming toward the finish. LOTS of action in these closing chapters as I build toward the climactic confrontation between my boy hero and the evil arch villain. From experience with my spec screenplays I know that while I find writing action to be challenging, it's also a lot of fun. When I get it right, penning a good action sequence is like watching your kid beat some challenge that could have gone either way -- you're filled with a mixture of pride, excitement, and relief. Onward!

First draft word count a/o today: 61125

Getting Closer

Knocked off two chapters and added a decent amount to the word count. I think breaking 60k will feel pretty good. I know I've got my work cut out for me when I start the rewrite. Seems that every time I open the file and start typing I discover things that I'll have to go back and fix. There are some major issues (like an entire King Arthur subplot that vanishes about halfway in -- it involves onions and captivity) and a lot of minor stuff. I have a page at the end of the draft where I keep notes on these future fixes.

First draft word count a/o today: 59239

Getting Close

Had a fairly productive last couple of days. Did some structural edits -- combined a couple of chapters for flow and did a little word cranking. A quick look tells me I've got five more chapters to go before I'm finished with the first draft. Charge!
I've also been re-watching the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (a Christmas time tradition here at stately Eschbacher manor). Talk about inspirational! Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are certifiable geniuses with the way they masterfully adapted such a monstrously complex work as LOTR. I'm so glad that Jackson and New Line worked out their differences -- two Hobbit films! Yahoo!

Anyway, I think it's safe to say that watching films that connect to your novels theme is a no-brainer way to get the creative juices flowing.

First Draft word count a/o today: 58,004