Tentative Little Dances

I am one of the scary points for me.
So far in my story I feel I have two really big scenes, both of which are just conversations, but still vital scenes for the story... whatever that ends up being.
I'm right at the beginning of the first big scene and as I write I find myself
skirting around and stalling and hesitating and adding lots of little details to avoid diving into the meat of the thing... the meat being something I have not quite decided on yet. When I'm unsure, but unblocked I have a good time following the characters around, discovering what they discover as I write. But at this point its important that I add some structure or oomph to the goings on and I'm terrified. Okay, maybe terrified is too big a word, but I'm nervous and I know I must keep writing, but I'm not sure how to handle an "important" moment in the story.
Boo hoo. My biggest fears are the million cliche pits I've set up for myself to fall into and worse that I have nothing, not even a cliche to make the story more compelling.

Current Word Count: 5469

Fits & Starts

There are times during this writing process that the words flow and before I know it I have several paragraphs and whole new scene in front of me on the screen of my laptop. Then there are times when I stare blanking for long periods at the last line I've just written and am at a loss for how to continue. I start, stop, erase, get up for some water, think about going for a hike, worry about money, wonder what's on The View today, type a sentence I hate then go do the dishes or start a load of laundry.

I have not yet identified the rhythm of my writing ebb and flow, but by the time this novel has been written I will have a very good idea.

Because the commitment is 50,000 word in 30 days, I think it will be necessary to extend the deadline to include all 30 days instead of cutting it to 24 days and trying to get it done by June 30th. I am waiting until Sunday evening and would like to check in with my writing competitor sis before making it official, but 3333 words a day for six day in a row seem out of my grasp at this point.

For now the story continues...

Current word count: 4238

On the Third Day

Well... my word count is not what I would like it to be, but for the first time I feel as if I am onto something with the story. What that "something" is remains to be seen, but I can see a bit further down the street that I could on days one and two.
I used one of the inspirations that come with the novel writing kit to justify a sort of goofy, somewhat implausible event in the story. Ha! Take that skeptical brain of mine!
Just to make me feel that, even though I am 7097 words behind scheduled at the moment, I am moving forward I will post a brief excerpt here.

I search the room and see several beautiful flower arrangements at the booth tables. Platters of small cakes, sandwiches and fruit are lined up at the other end of the bar. Candles. An uneasy feeling starts in my shoulders and knees and works its way towards the center of me. I hear my name with a question mark behind it and freeze. The voice is familiar in that sinking feeling sort of way and I squint my eyes in its direction. A body is moving toward me from one of the booths.

Current word count: 2902

Day Two Gloom

As I feared, I have run head long into several psychological road blocks as a result of taking up this challenge. Moods, tiredness, anxiety, trouble sleeping. This has not stopped me, but has added a bit of toughness to the challenge.
In addition we are experiencing June Gloom here in LA - an unusual amount of cloud coverage and grey-ness fill the skies giving the eerie effect of a long blank day without end. I have chosen to steep in my own tea and use it to keep writing.
Yesterday we were suppose to find inspiration in the style of writer we admire.
I choose Christopher Isherwood. Though emulating his style has proved to be a bit difficult, it has given new direction to my story. I also visiting Book Soup for the first time since moving to LA and found it very charming.
Onward...

Current word count: 1901

Chapter 1 Done

The secret fantasticness of just letting my mind spill out through my fingers has once again taken me by surprise. As I have relished over the topic, plot and possible characters I knew that if I just sat down and started writing what came to mind, something with value would appear, and I am happy to say that this time proves to be no different. I just finished my first chapter and just over 2000 words, not the 3300 word mark for the day, but I feel good about it and believe that I it will increase as my plot thickens. Bro, stop trying, turn you head off and just write! Its all there, in that big beautiful head of yours, just let it come out. And Tim, you are so right, thanls!
Current Word Count- 2066

A Whimpering Start

Day 1 has come and gone and I did not reach the intended word count goal.
I remain, however, undaunted. I know it will be a struggle for both my sister and I to make up for the missed week and I am determined not to let the chase defuse the enthusiasm.
I had an unusually busy day yesterday and was forced to spend much of my time away from the laptop, so I forgive myself whole heartily.
Today the duties are much lighter and I guarantee my progress will be notably increased.
I am uncertain of the tone of my work so far.
I am uncertain of the outcome of the story.
But I have a character, a city and a very strange building.
Now for a plot... or at least a really good limerick.

Word count so far: 665.

Let the games Begin !

Ti's I, the sibling on the other end of this rivalry and the instigator of the idea by gift. After receiving, Darren's excitement filled email last night, I was not sure if I was going to be able to properly contribute to this project, and yet a small vibration sang to me as the rain came pouring down outside, and I knew that if my amazing brother was willing to "put the shoulder to the wheel and push along" (like that?) then "damn it" so should I. As the day has worn on I have found myself more and more excited about this opportunity of unbridled creation. Not having to worry about something as simple as punctuation, or editing of any kind, has made this more appealing and relived a massive amount of stress that momentarily builds at the thought of writing a book, not to mention in 30 days. So props to my bro, for taking this challenge and asking me along for the ride. I will do my best to keep up to the word counts and anecdotal inspiration.
I have a few hours before I can begin tonight, but tonight, being I will !!!!!!!!!!!
Debs
Curret Word Count: 0

A Week Late and Ready For Action

My li'l sis, Deb, gave me a novel writing kit for Christmas last year. The kit is a fraddy-cat-writer-friendly program for writing the first draft of a 50,000 word novel in one month. I had planned on beginning the program earlier in the year, but due to being laid off and other personal challenges I was delayed. A couple of days ago I picked up the program again and gave it a gander and after some thought felt it would be best to start the program immediately, even though it was already a week into June. "I can do it," I told myself. "What is unemployment for but ventures such as these?"

So, here I am. My boyfriend Doug and my good friend Tim have agreed to be my cheerleaders/watchdogs and my sister Deb has agreed to take up the challenge with me and write her own novel. We will be engaged in a friendly sibling rivalry.

In this blog I will document my progress, detail my struggles and undoubtedly spend most of my writing time complaining about any shortcomings or blockages.

I am going to attempt to write 3333 words a day through June 13 in order to make up for lost time. If this proves to be too difficult, I will adjust my words per day from the recommended 1700 to 2090 and spread the difference across the entire month.
I am no good at math so if anyone finds inaccuracy in my numbers feel free to leave a comment on this post.

I appreciate everyone's support and apologize in advance for any untoward behavoirs in which I might engage between now and June 30th.

Consider yourself warned.