Day 36/37: a new milestone

I passed the 20k-word mark tonight. Nearly 40 pages and so many layers developing. I'm enjoying this book so much, and my chief reader Ellen is, too, which is the biggest motivator of all.

Day 34, Page 34

This is not what I expected to happen, but I'm going with it, letting the story happen. I know where I want to go, but I'm taking some detours in order to get there.

Day 33: an unexpected twist

Oh, I love it when I can surprise myself! I did not plan on this little diversion, but I think I know how it could greatly improve the story. Definitely complicated things for the main character.

Now, if only I could get this kind of creative juice flowing before 3am.

Later...
Finally, typing in the middle of the day! Although, it would probably be more fitting if these characters were doing what they're doing in the middle of the night. Naughty things.

I am having so much fun right now watching my characters breathe life into themselves. Watching them develop through their actions is amazing. It's like I let them off their leash, and they've taken off without me. It's so exciting!

Day 32: a little break

Taking a break tonight from writing. I'm too tired to start now & I've been busy all day & evening. Good news is I walk/jogged 3.5 miles tonight at dusk. Felt marvelous!

Day 31: Word Count 13,648

I have completed over 1200 words this evening, and I am enjoying the goal I have created for myself. 27 pages in & I think I have something I would want to read.

There are little things I want to change, but I'm not ready to read everything I've written so far yet. I think I will do so when I reach or pass 15,000 words - an arbitrary number, really, and not necessarily a real goal, but I figure I should go over what I have so far just in case there are inconsistencies I need to nip in the bud.

New Character, New Direction - Day 30ish

I am trying to take advice from professional writers and write every day. Unfortunately, every "day" seems later an later, so the days are actually late, late night.

Tonight (this morning) I have written about 3 pages, bringing my total up to 24 (in 11-pt font). I am in the third chapter now, and have introduced a new character: a home health nurse named Kelly Cunningham. She is a single mother and awed by Rick's enthusiasm and heart, even though he can be an arrogant doctor at times.

Kelly is going to complicate the plot, and certainly provide an unwelcome problem for Rick. I can't wait to see how this pans out!

Plot: It Builds Character, Day 28

Moving the plot along now that I have a vehicle in which to do so. Another piece, not the all-important anchor piece that I found a few days ago, but a smaller, very important piece, appeared before me tonight, and I am steadily going forward. It feels so good to put this complex puzzle together, and I keep finding out new things about my characters as I move the plot along... It's quite exciting!

Character Development - Day 27

Spent part of today developing the character of Samuel, the father of Fredrick, and bringing Lane back into the fold as she is slowly becoming more cognizant of her surroundings and the sensations she is experiencing.

I've sent 18 pages to Ellen, who is reading this as I go, serving as my fan, my first editor, and my accountability meter, not to mention the inspiration for Lane's best friend Elle.

I am finding it difficult to focus when anyone is in the room, so I am thinking of moving to operations someplace quieter.

Huge Breakthrough - Day 27

I've found my connecting puzzle piece and can now move forward! I am so excited, I don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight.

Lost Count - Day 26?

I am making slow, somewhat unsteady progress on book 1, have finished (for the most part) an autobiographical episode, and have given up (or, at least put away) the crazy scenes I just "had" to write.

I've also employed a good friend to read and offer suggestions. So far, this has been very helpful. I continue to revise & edit while I write, so I am often stuck on a page for a few hours, but that's what it's all about, the process.

Day... 9? Is it?

I give up on anything consistent. I had the urge to start something more autobiographical today, and now I'm 3 pages into it and crying.