Comments | spacestory: second entry

spacestory

second entry

Jul 05, 2006 08:55

I've had this journal for a week, and it's about time I made another entry.

I've begun planning my second novel in earnest. No more pining after the first novel that's 160,000 words. I love my first story, but I'm practical enough to get to work on something shorter.

But that's the problem. I think in long, epic lines. Although I'm setting out ( Read more... )

Comments 8

digitalred93 July 5 2006, 14:02:07 UTC

I'm not sure if singular pov is what causes long epic tomes. I think its more the multiple storylines that does that. You and I have the same challenge, trying to write tighter and with fewer subplots. Our shared goal for these next books. :-)

spacestory July 5 2006, 18:24:45 UTC

I meant that multiple POV leads me to long epic tomes. To keep it short, I think I'll have to stick to just one, and that will be so hard. BUT! I did write my first three paragraphs today!

Congrats! digitalred93 July 5 2006, 18:30:13 UTC

I'm jealous! I can't wait to get my course set up and the marketing stuff done so I can get on to the good stuff!

steelvictory July 5 2006, 15:12:32 UTC

Hey Jen! It's Hanna. I'm adding you as a friend!

digitalclone July 5 2006, 19:45:07 UTC

Welcome, Jen!

I agree with Diana. Also, just a thought that if all subplots are tied into the main storyline, you might find you'll be able to keep total length under control.

But congrats on the start. It can be very exciting!

Since I read the short story, I hope you'll include me in your circle of willing readers.

Hum, a swing. Sounds lovely. I used to love the ones with really long chains because I'd try to swing hard enough to come up level with the support bar.

spacestory July 5 2006, 21:00:24 UTC

Keeping the subplots tied is the tricky part. I think I did that with novel #1, and it still ended up too long. I've only just started writing this new story, so I guess I'll just have to see where it goes. I'm not one to make a chapter by chapter outline before starting. I begin with story/character arcs, inciting incident, climax, and resolution.

Of course you may be in the "circle." :) I will be patient enough to wait until you've cleared the more pressing stuff off your plate.

And my swing, it's just a two-seater porch swing, no chains. But now that you mention it, I think I might seek out one of those more adventurous models. I used to like to do tricks while jumping off the swing.

devilwrites July 5 2006, 20:51:24 UTC

I'm not sure about your process as a writer, but would it be easier for you to not worry about length for your first draft, follow your outline and let everything come to you, and then in the second draft, really look at the novel critically to see what's needed, and what's not?

I also want to volunteer as a reader! Other than what I heard of your thesis (and reading your essay), I've not had the priviledge of reading anything by you yet, so I look forward to it! :) If you'll let me, of course... ;)

spacestory July 5 2006, 21:03:55 UTC

I'd like not to worry, but I took that approach with novel #1, and it got me into trouble. In the end, though, I'll likely do as you suggest, just write and be critical afterward.

Another volunteer reader! I am embarrassed by these riches! :) When you've cleared your pressing projects, I'd be happy to send along some new stuff, but for now, just send me your story!