I spent time tonight talking out some of the parts of my story that are giving me trouble with a great friend. She had awesome ideas. I don't know if they will fit in with what I was thinking, but it was nice to talk about it and have some new eyes, or rather ears, on it. She asked me many of the same questions I have asked myself and I am still struggling to answer. I am not sure if I am just trying to force it or if there just isn't enough story there. It kinda made me sad to "pick on" my FMC, but without conflict there is no drama and without drama there is no story. I have ideas and things to happen and ways for them to be resolved, but when it comes down to the main WHY are they doing these things I just don't know. As long as they are all chasing the Maltese falcon it works, but if someone stops to ask why the problems start. Of course in the case of the Maltese falcon it was worth tons of money so lots of motivation, but my characters are cats chasing invisible things. I'm chasing a ghost mouse.ROW80 rundown:
1. Write 500 words per day on any project.
Monday: I didn't write anything.
Tuesday: 200 words on a started blog post that I decided I need more research for and probably about 150 or so in a notebook. Mostly just questions that need answering.
Wednesday: 521 on this blog, but I will be at a writers meeting tonight so will probably add to that.
2. Blog at least every Wednesday and Sunday.
Working on this and made it in just under the wire on Sunday.
3. Check out at least 10 posts from each new ROW80 linky before the next one comes out.
I was able to make it to 10 posts from the list. It was much less worrisome after I accepted that I just couldn't get to 20 and gave myself a break.
4. Use Twitter at least once per day.
I am surprised to realize that I didn't use Twitter at all Tuesday. I was so busy that I just didn't have time. Which is odd because we had to drive a while in the car and I could have done it there.
5. Post on my author Facebook page at least 3 times per week.
I still have more time for this one. I think I like doing it on Friday leaving some space between posts seems like the right thing to do. I was interested to note that an awesome lady noticed my post that I was sad that didn't get any interaction and left some of the funniest advice on writing I have seen in a while. For some reason the comments seem to be out of order, but what can you do it's Facebook.
6. Read 1 book per week.
Still not done, but making progress. I will need to kick my rear in gear if I want to meet this goal by the end of the year.
Image by pixabay
Well, so far the linky only has 5 entries, but there will be more soon.
ReplyDeleteYou have great, specific, writing-oriented goals! And it sounds like they're working out, for the most part.
Thanks for your encouragement and I do think it is working out, too.
DeleteYou'll work it out! Sometimes the why shows up in the story as your writing. When I was writing Don't Touch my killer was removing one cornea from his victims. I didn't know why at first, it was just his MO lol. Then the reason started coming to me as the story moved forward and my characters worked to catch the killer. Maybe it's working that way for your characters too ? :)
ReplyDeleteI hope so. Good example, it is nice to know that others are having the same issues and have solved them.
DeleteI totally love your story concept of the cats chasing the falcon! Good luck with finding the "WHY". I am sure after you do, everything else will fall neatly into place.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. I will keep chasing.
DeleteI wonder if the 'invisible things' really are visible, to the chasing cats...
ReplyDeleteI bought Kindle book, Rock Your Plot ($2.99) that helped me to understand my characters as I worked through planning the story. Every step built the understanding more deeply. It's not an especially long book, but it might help, if you'd like a guide.
You're making progress. Here's hoping you can build on it - the year is still young! +D
Ooo, I haven't heard of Rock Your Plot. I think I will check it out. Thanks.
DeleteSometimes it is those moments of conversation with outside sources that really wake the muse ! Best of luck this week! You got this :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazingly true statement. Thanks for your encouragement.
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