JuauNo Roundup

[rusty_armour]

Today, is the last day of JuauNo, my self-imposed writing challenge for the summer. And, yes, I realize that it's technically still summer, but I'm not going to have any time to work on my original fiction/novel project at all in September, so this seemed like a good day to wrap up. Anywaaaaaaay, my grand total now stands at...*drumroll*...19,309 words. Not wonderful but better than it could be. I managed to write over 7,000 words during JuauNO, though, obviously, I wish I could have written more. A lot more. However, I'm a slow writer and original fiction (for me, anyway) is much harder than fic. Saying that, I'm finding it easier as I go because I've become more familiar with the characters and have managed to get a better feel for how they should speak and act. I think I've got a better picture of the overall plot, though I have fears about whether I'll be able to stretch it out to novel length. I also think that events I just wrote about are coming too soon, so I have a feeling that I'll be adding in some additional scenes before that particular aspect of the plot. As a friend said to me, it's a lot like working on a puzzle because you're trying to fit in all the pieces. This project definitely feels like that. In a way, I'll be glad of a break because my batteries need recharging.

Comments

[crimsoncorundum]

Great work! Very impressive. I hope you manage to stretch the story as far as you want. :)

I'm having a similar problem with the book I'm working on now. I know exactly where I'm going with it, but I seem to be writing less than I was hoping. It seems to be getting shorter than I want and at the moment, I'm not sure what's wrong. The two earlier stories I worked on came along far more easily, except for the time when I ended up in hospital. That set me back at least a month.

[rusty_armour]

Great work! Very impressive.

Oh, thank you! That's very kind! :-D I still wish I could have managed to write more, but I guess it's not too bad. It could certainly be worse.

I hope you manage to stretch the story as far as you want. :)

Thanks again! I think I can manage it...with a LOT more work! *g*

I'm having a similar problem with the book I'm working on now. I know exactly where I'm going with it, but I seem to be writing less than I was hoping. It seems to be getting shorter than I want and at the moment, I'm not sure what's wrong.

I'm sorry you're in a similar situation with the book you're working on. It sucks, doesn't it? :-( All I can suggest is that you stick with it and just keep writing what you know you want to get down. You can always go back and flesh things out later, maybe add some more scenes. I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going to have to do. I don't know if it would help, but I often make notes of things I'd like to have happen. Sometimes just plotting can help generate ideas and give you a clearer roadmap to follow.

The two earlier stories I worked on came along far more easily, except for the time when I ended up in hospital. That set me back at least a month.

Do you think it's possible that your health issues might be interfering a bit with your writing? It can be hard to concentrate on writing when you're distracted by other things. I mean, it can be a lifesaver when you are going through tough times, but I know writing can be a challenge if you're feeling more emotionally and/or physically drained than usual. If you're really struggling, you might consider setting the book aside for a bit. A break can help sometimes.

[crimsoncorundum]

Thanks for the advice. I think I might have to do exactly like you recommend, just keep writing and then go back and try to add more later.

Or - again like you say - I might have to take a break for a while. I am almost well again physically, but emotionally, I still worry about this health problem since it affects other health-related issues.