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

Holidaze

Well, I did have the goal of finishing the first draft of Leonard by the end of December but I didn't quite make it. I'm blaming the Holidays for my lack of progress -- the good kind of blame as in, I'm enjoying kicking back with the family and not overly concerned with writing a whole lot this time of year. The new year will see me attack the page with renewed vigor.

First Draft word count a/o today: 56,658

One Word

After slogging along miserably for a few days, I had a very productive start of the week. Although I don't believe in writer's block, there are some times as an author when it feels like you're trying to swim through mental molasses. You become strangely convinced that you just don't have enough energy or functioning brain cells to write. It's easy to procrastinate when this happens and I've found the only way out of that swamp is to force yourself to sit down and type one word -- any word. That simple act is like using a plunger after (insert crass plugged toilet metaphor here). Since you've written one word, it's no big deal to come up with another word that will go with it and so forth. Once you start typing, the logjam gradually loosens and the next thing you know, you've cranked out a quick 1500 words. Felt good.

First Draft word count a/o today: 56,197

And.....Begin

Cranked out my 1k for the day but it wasn't easy. I procrastinated throughout the day and ended up blitzing everything after dinner. I don't know what it is, but an "outside" deadline is a lot more inspiring than one I set for myself. That being said, my spider sense tells me that as long as I commit to writing everyday, I'll get the momentum going again.

Semi-related note: Heard from my fine editor Liz today. She had some great notes on a chapter book that we've been working on and I'm looking forward to tackling them after I crank out the Leonard first draft.

First draft word count a/o today: 54661