"Red Sands" Week Twelve

[kristen999]

Where I talk about stop-start-stop-start.



I've been stitching together chapter fifteen in tiny increments. There are a lot more smaller scenes and each one had me staring at the screen a lot. Last night all I wrote were 200 words in one sitting. It was like pulling teeth.

It's not that I don't know what I want to write; it's like standing outside while it's snowing and trying to catch all the falling flakes. I'm avoiding info dumps while being very conscious of what is said, if I've covering my bases.

I think I have little more than half the chapter written, on pace with my goal.

In the next week I hope to complete chapter fifteen and flesh out the conclusion before sitting down to write it.

Comments

[stella-pegasi.livejournal.com]

I joined LJ sometime after you began this quest writing Red Sands. I take it this is a novel? If so, how exciting. I, too. have been working on a novel, sci fi but not SGA. It's a lot harder than it looks and I keep writing SGA stories and not writing on the novel. Need to balance my life a bit better. :D

Whether you are writing a novel or simply a long story, can't wait 'till it's done and we get to read it or see you at a book signing!

Debbie

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I wish it was the novel I've been putting aside for I don't a few years now. I get trapped in fanficland and I really need to run from it, but RL is tough and I can’t a lot of enjoyment writing fic. It’s as you said, finding the balance.

“Red Sands" is quite a monster for me. I began it last year and had to stop, so my dedication to getting it complete has taken a lot of my time, including lack of reading which I feel bad about, but will reverse once it is done. It will be the size or longer than a published SGA novel once it is over.

Good for you on writing both!!

[tridget.livejournal.com]

The posts by you and coolbreeze1 have inspired me to pull my notes together and get back to work on a longer story that I started last year. I have a much better feel for the process now. It also seems like setting small goals each week is a good way to keep on top of what you want to get done.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Small goals work really well and it can keep you on track instead of wandering away :D

[titan5.livejournal.com]

I think you're doing an awesome job. I've been having the same problem lately - sitting for a long time to come up with a few hundred words. And I'll have the scene in my mind, but can't find the right words that aren't too cliche or too abrupt or too wordy or too something else. I like your analogy of trying to catch the snowflakes - perfect description really.

The difference is I keep wandering off and you've been sticking with it. You're updates have been an inspiration lately and made me keep at it a few times when I would have quit otherwise. And have I mentioned lately how anxious I am to read this thing? Keep it up, kiddo!!! Your fan club is rooting for you.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I'm excited that you're writing again! I hope its your old big bang, but if its not, I won't be picky :D I know about over thinking about what you've written which is where I am now.

I am anxious to finsh this monster!!! Thank you for the cheer-leading!

[coolbreeze1.livejournal.com]

Half way there! You can do it! I think one of the most frustrating experiences is when you know what you want to write but you can't quite make that leap from what's in your brain to the what the words on the page need to be, at least not easily. I know you'll look back on this chapter and realize you've got some great stuff here.

Almost done!! Woo!!!

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Not being able to take what's in my head to pen and paper is the worst frustration, but it occurs in fits and gasps, but I think things will smooth out soon.

1 1/2 left!!

[susnn.livejournal.com]

This has been a fascinating look at the writerly process, only exceeded by the fascination of reading the result. Go, you.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I hope it meets expectations. Sitting back, it is not a complex plot, but its something I've wanted to write and it's are to have such a laser-line focus on these two characters.

[obsessed1o1.livejournal.com]

Well i'm excited :D

Can't wait to read as i know it will be awesome!

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Heee, I hope you enjoy it. Now I'm getting nervous :D