This is a thread for anyone who's working on a novel -- from the first words to the final revision, from category romance to literary mainstream, from elves to hard-boiled detectives -- if you're writing it, we invite you to join us. This is a group where we can discuss our projects and goals, share tips and tricks, ask questions, and encourage and commiserate with our peers.
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Originally Posted by MommyHawk
I was looking for this thread all month and just found it! ahhh!
I need help - I'm trying to finish and have a horrible writer's block - not from lack of something to write about - I have the entire last 2 chapters done in my head - I just can't get myself to do it, even when I have the time to write!...what is this? does this happen to everyone at the end?
Oh, yes. I have so far failed to finish it twice, though I only have 1.5 chapters left to go (about 4k words). The first time I got there I realized what I'd outlined just wouldn't work. The second time (last week) I got halfway through chapter 28 and got sidetracked by my writing group. The first time through I actually did write down a smattering of conversation (3 or 4 lines at a time that I had in mind) and a couple partial scenes -- that's helpful because at least it's not totally blank.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sagesgirl
I haven't killed off anyone yet. I'm way too early in the game.
I'm only on page 70-something. I've added in a couple of scenes not in my outline; I think I may cut one or two that are there, since they're not especially titillating, but we'll see. The new scenes make the book a bit more interesting.
What, page 70 and nobody's died?
I'd killed at least half a dozen people by then. But then.... much different books and all. (Actually in mine, nobody dies between chapters 14 and 28, which is quite a long run.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by St. Margaret
Hey, I'm jumping in, too!
DH is a supportive man who has a special place waiting for him in heaven for rearranging his work schedule so I have time to write once again (DD stopped napping at 20 months, it seems).
Awwww what a sweetie! DH is actually really good to me, too. I get to go write with my writing buddies a couple times a month in addition to my weekly crit group meetings. I hear you on being a happier person.
My crit group had nice things to say about this week's chunk. After that I mentioned that I was thinking about keeping one of the minor characters I killed off last week, and everybody was against it! WTF. I re-wrote 3 chapters keeping him in and he was useful, kinda. But he's equal parts useful and annoying baggage. It's no wonder my protagonist is regretting letting him live.
it's got some editing - ok, TONS of editing - ahead, but I did it and I had to share my news with someone, anyone!!
now, do I print it out and read it/edit? Or just do in on the computer? It ended up being 698 pages (133K words) so it'll take a bit of paper...but then, to print it all out and see exactly how big it is...I think that would hit it home more than typing the words "THE END"...I think I need to feel the weight of what I did in my hands if you know what I mean
Hmmm -- I think you could go either way, depending on your preferences. I printed and hand-edited the first 5 chapters, but I've been editing the rest on the screen.
My crit group actually found me rather than the other way around. They/we run a writers' workshop at a science fiction convention, and if we come across someone promising we might invite them to do a trial run.
If you have any local writing friends you might ask around. If you know some local writers in your area, you might email and ask them, even if you don't know them well. Also, local writers' associations might have leads. Or local conventions related to your genre.
I know there are writers who write and revise alone, but I find it really useful to have extra eyes poring through. My group can read it with fresh eyes, not knowing where the story is going, which gives them a different perspective. I've found it instructive to have to think critically about everyone else's work, too.
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