Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Waiting to be Written

Having polished off 2 stories recently, I turned to my great spreadsheet of ideas to see what was next. Five more short stories are waiting to be written - though one of them is no more than a title so far. Four novels are also waiting their turn: one that I started a couple of months back, plus two sequels (optimistically) and another book.

Where to start...

Monday, August 27, 2012

Two Stories in a Week

I finished another story today, though it's been hanging around since February when I wrote the first draft. 200 words was all it took, and a change in the main charater's persona.

I didn't think I'd written much this year, but in fact that's the sixth story I've completed.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

When Objects and Characters Take Over

I've just written a 3000 word story based on a setting and concept that I've had floating round my head for several years. I was thinking about the plot on holiday last week and had the opening scene roughly formed, but couldn't decide which way to go with it. As I was sitting there my eyes lighted on a telescope, and suddenly the opening scene coalesced and I imediately wrote the first 1600 words.

Then I was stuck again. The plot arrived at a certain point, but I had no firm resolution in mind. The next scene came slowly to mind and I started typing it today. The two main characters fell into a conversation, and I realised gradually where they were going and what would happen. I finished at a completely unexpected destination, becasue that's where the characters wanted to go. It's only 3000 words but I really connected with theor world and their lives. It's a strange experience to have your story taken over by your own characters.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Held for Further Consideration

In the past couple of years the number of stories I've had published has plumetted dramaticaly, which is sometimes disheartening. I'm continually aiming for some of the toughest markets though, so persistence is vital. Several of my stories are being held for further consideration at some exciting magazines. Progress may be invisible, but it's still there.