The Journey, June 2011 – Ups and Downs Along The Way
June was a month of ups and downs with The Main Story. Stops and starts, too.
Things Accomplished
- Rounded out Chapter Outline for Part 1 and filled in some of the gaps lingering from May.
- Finished writing most of the chapters in Part 1 and wrote something on all of them.
- Assessed each of the functions for Part 1 (introducing characters, establishing stakes, foreshadowing the antagonistic force, and identifying inner demons) and discovered most of those things had been adequately addressed in the first draft of Part 1. That was a big surprise and very encouraging.
Things To Do
- Improve reader connection with the lead character
- Take a look at point of view – am I using the best one for the story?
- “Man up” my male lead by removing all feminine turns of phrase and behaviors. Even using words like “peek” or “weak-kneed” take away from the masculinity of the character and need to be eliminated with prejudice.
- Clarify the old story (what was going on before the new story takes over) and the new story (the thing that takes over the character’s old story)
- Finish Part 1
- Get busy on Part 2
- Look ahead to Parts 3 & 4 so I know what the destination is
Conclusion
Overall, I experienced many productive days in June. There were also days fraught with false starts. More than once during the month, I wondered if I knew what I was doing and questions popped up at almost every turn in the road.
Do I know the overarching theme of the story? The story concept?
How well am I writing to that theme and concept?
Am I staying on course or going astray?
While I’d have to say it feels like I’m going astray quite often, I also have to say that feelings are fickle and unreliable and that honest appraisals of the direction, scope, and concept of the story reaffirm the original intent.
One other thing I remind myself of quite often is that sometimes, you just have to go backward to go forward.
While there was plenty of temptation to find greener pastures with story writing, I’m determined to finish this story. What’s more, I’m determined to finish it by the end of the year.
Is that biting off more than I can chew? Possibly. The only way to find out is by making the attempt.
So onward into July!
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