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rusty_armourI knew this would probably be an impossible task, but I was hoping to finish the rough draft of my final fic this weekend. As it's, like, 4:00 and I still have three scenes to go, I don't think that's going to happen. I mean, the three scenes in question should be pretty short, and I'm really just tying up loose ends at this point, but if I do any more fic-writing right now I think my brain will explode. I mean, you know it's bad when you find yourself wanting to wash the dishes piled up around the kitchen sink rather than write. *g*
Although I won't meet my goal, I'm happy with what I have accomplished. I've written five scenes in the past three days, which isn't bad for a slow writer like me. I have no idea how many words that makes as I haven't managed to type everything out yet. I'm prehistoric and have to write everything in longhand first. However, I'll probably do some more typing today (to get out of writing), which should give me a better idea. There's a new adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express on PBS tonight, so I might get some more scribbling done then. I don't think this version is going to hold a candle to Sidney Lumet's 1974 film, which should work in my favour in terms of the writing process. And, yes, I know how horrible it must seem to write in front of the TV, but I do it sometimes -- usually when I'm having to force my pen to move across paper. *g*
Yeah, I'm so not meeting my deadline.
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Date: 2010-07-05 12:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-05 01:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-05 07:50 am (UTC)I also like to write in longhand first because the writing seems to flow better.
Anyway, you've made good progress. Good luck with the rest.
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Date: 2010-07-05 04:54 pm (UTC)Actually, that sounds a lot like my story. I had originally hoped to finish it months ago. I think at one point I was hoping to wrap it up in March. Obviously, that didn't happen. *g*
I also like to write in longhand first because the writing seems to flow better.
Yes, that's how I feel about writing in longhand. My writing does seem to flow better in longhand. I'd also prefer to face a blank page than a blank computer screen. Lastly, I like being able to write wherever I want (e.g. on the bus, in a park), which isn't something you can do with a PC.
Anyway, you've made good progress. Good luck with the rest.
Thanks,
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Date: 2010-07-05 08:10 am (UTC)Another longhand writer here. HAS to be done that way.
Anyways - whose deadline is this? Yours, yeah? So you can do what you damn well like with it!
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Date: 2010-07-05 04:59 pm (UTC)Another longhand writer here. HAS to be done that way.
Oh, awesome! I feel the same way! :-) I mean, I can revise things on a computer and even add lines occasionally, but I have to use longhand for the majority of the writing process.
Anyways - whose deadline is this? Yours, yeah? So you can do what you damn well like with it!
Oh, yeah, It's completely self-imposed, though I knew I had to get a fair chunk of writing done if I wasn't going to fall behind with my weekly posting schedule. In any case, you're absolutely right. If it's my deadline then I have every right to change it. :-)
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Date: 2010-07-05 01:41 pm (UTC)I make notes longhand before writing, but I can't write longhand. I find it takes too long and my thoughts are way ahead of my pen. That said, I used to write longhand all the time when I was taking the bus. Now that I drive to and from work, I don't get that opportunity. As for writing in front of the TV, that's usually when I make my notes.
To recap: To heck with the deadline. Celebrate what you accomplished.
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Date: 2010-07-05 07:31 pm (UTC)Oh, the deadline is definitely self-imposed. I get really obsessed when the end of a story is in sight, which is why I had toyed with the idea of finishing the whole story this weekend. However, I know from experience that it's not good to force these things. If your brain is rebelling then it probably means you need to give yourself a break.
I make notes longhand before writing, but I can't write longhand.
Notes are good. I often make notes myself -- usually if there are particular lines or ideas I'm trying to remember. I also find it helps if I'm stuck as it seems to be a way to jump-start the brain again.
I find it takes too long and my thoughts are way ahead of my pen. That said, I used to write longhand all the time when I was taking the bus. Now that I drive to and from work, I don't get that opportunity. As for writing in front of the TV, that's usually when I make my notes.
I think a lot of people feel that longhand takes too long. However, I find I need that slowness most of the time. Okay, it can be a bit of a problem when the muse pays a visit and dumps all of these ideas inside my head, but I seem to manage with pen and paper all the same. I also like using a notebook and pen for the same reason you used to use them: I sometimes write on the bus. I also write in various other places as well (such as bus stops and subways), which is why I like having something as portable as a notebook.
As for writing in front of the TV, that's usually when I make my notes.
Oh, I'll do that too. Or if my notes are very detailed, I'll write from them. However, as I confessed in my entry, I'll sometimes write in front of the TV. I don't usually get a lot done. While watching Morse last night, I only managed a few paragraphs and most of that was dialogue! *g*
To recap: To heck with the deadline. Celebrate what you accomplished.
Excellent advice as usual,
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Date: 2010-07-05 09:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-06 04:48 pm (UTC)I'm glad you enjoyed the Christie adaptation. I was wrong about PBS showing it on Sunday, but it is supposed to be on Wednesday night, so I'll set my VCR to tape it.
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Date: 2010-07-07 02:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-07 03:31 pm (UTC)Actually, I was confused once again! What PBS is showing isn't a new adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express but a special in which David Suchet travels on the Orient Express. In a way, this could be even better as it would be fun to learn more about this famous train. Uh, I've been on a wicked documentary kick lately. *g*
I am excited about the new Sherlock Holmes adaption coming to the BBC though. Created by one Mr Stephen Moffat and one Mr Mark Gattis - who's gonna be showrunning it as Moffat is busy with Doctor Who - it's a new look at Holmes. It might be modern day, I'm not sure. But I hope you get it where you are, the guy playing Holmes does look awesome :)
Oh, awesome! I've heard about this project and have been very excited about it too! I believe it is set in modern day, but if Moffat and Gattis at least make an attempt to stay true to the spirit of Sherlock Holmes then I think it will be worth watching. I don't know when or where it's going to be broadcast in North America. Considering the popularity of Sherlock Holmes at the moment, I'm sure I'll be able to get the series on DVD eventually, if nothing else. :-)
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Date: 2010-07-06 06:55 pm (UTC)I really like my ipod to write on. It's just like pen and paper except I don't have to try and figure out my handwriting later. Totally portable and since I see it as my rough draft I don't edit myself. That's the major advantage to handwriting as I far as I'm concerned. The sense that it isn't the final draft.
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Date: 2010-07-07 02:03 am (UTC)I'm very happy with my progress. Unfortunately, I haven't made a lot of progress since Sunday, but I'm hoping to get back on track soon. Anyway, as you pointed out, even missed deadlines are good because you get a lot done trying to meet them. *g* And I'm not as disciplined as you think. I'm sure I would have finished this story by now if I was better at pushing myself. The only reason I got a lot done this weekend is because I become obsessive when the end of a story is in sight.
In a way, I wish I'd participated in more challenges during my heyday as a fic writer. They can be a lot of fun and really motivate you. I think I was only ever involved in a couple of challenges - nothing really formal and pretty minor compared to the challenges you've signed up for.
I really like my ipod to write on. It's just like pen and paper except I don't have to try and figure out my handwriting later. Totally portable and since I see it as my rough draft I don't edit myself. That's the major advantage to handwriting as I far as I'm concerned. The sense that it isn't the final draft.
At some point in the future, I may very well look into something like this. My notebook looks even more atrocious than usual with all the things that have been crossed out, new material crammed in the margins, etc. After one writing session on the bus, I could barely make out my own handwriting. *g* I also think that an electronic option would be more environmental as I wouldn't be using paper.
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Date: 2010-07-08 09:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-07-07 10:33 am (UTC)Surely every word already written counts.
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Date: 2010-07-07 04:57 pm (UTC)Thanks,
Surely every word already written counts.
I didn't really have a specific word count in mind. Well, I thought it might be nice to exceed 25,000 words and I've now done that. :-) Anywaaaaay, I know what you mean. Every written word is good as it brings you that much closer to the end.