Novel Writing Update #6

In my last writing update, I discussed the halfway point of my fantasy novel. This writing update is an amazing personal accomplishment as I have reached chapter 25 yesterday. I have written 75 words so far in the scene, but it’s going to go along the same lines as chapter 1, from draft #4. Oh yes, the past 24 written chapters were basically filling context to get me to where I began the novel last time. For the past six months, I had a rough time writing everyday and the constant doubt after hearing draft #4 had potential but needed a lot of reedits from my previous writing group.

So, I took my sweet time writing every scene and structuring every single chapter. (Reducing my words from 1,000 a day to 200 was a horrible transition). I asked myself constantly, “Why is this character doing what, why, where, etc?” In addition, knowing their place in the novel helps me navigate the plot sequence, which comes second to the characters.

I put my characters first. As I continued writing, if a decision came between moving the plot or revealing character, most of the time, I picked character which made scene transitions really amusing. I fell in love with my characters. They are all amazing and complex, but it’s so hard to show that in the writing at times. I’m working on it, though.

But writing the scene where I thought would be my beginning is incredible. I’m always learning something from writing this novel, and I know it’ll be worth once this whole thing is fully written out. I already plan to rewrite my first chapter (draft 5) into something else entirely, but I’m fighting myself so I can finish through again. Draft #5 is a crazy time and seeing the pieces start to make sense is the best feeling ever.

Also, I’m finding inspiration for The Legend of 9-Volt (working title), a story I’ve been trying to get off the ground for a year now. It originally started out as a short story, but it was too similar to Crescent Regent, and I had to change the plot but kept the core characters. I’m about 200 words into the Prologue, so it’s better than 0 words.

That’s all I have for you. Thanks to whoever’s silently supporting me. Stay surfing the web, people.