Keepers DAY [who knows?]

I have been derelict in my duties and my goal to report daily on my progress on my latest book, Keepers of the Sword. Rest assured (for the one or two of you that might actually be interested in what stories are locked away inside this odd little brain of mine) that I have continued to write nearly every day, but have not committed or found (made) the time to type that writing into MS Word since about my last entry. As I sit here, I look down at the foot of my desk (off to the left and almost around the side) and see three full 70-page, college ruled notebooks full of the book, with another one in my bag that is nearly completed. That's nearly 280 pages of handwritten material to type up (that will equal well over 300 pages in Word). Keepers is, to date, my longest book.

As I near the ending, though, I suspect I will continue to do what I have always done, and that is finish my handwritten draft, take a month or so to type it up, do a couple of edits and rewrites, let a few close friends read it and get feedback on it, and then submit it to an eagerly (and patiently) waiting editor and publisher and hope it passes their board.

I'm not sure how often I will write in this, but I commit to try harder to keep you all updated.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Keepers DAY 57

I gotta say, this new, little love "side-story" is turning fun to watch and write. It never ceases to amaze me when even these new, "unplanned" side-plots and stories seem to fit perfectly with the big picture and main story. This new scene that I wrote yesterday served as the catalyst and lead-in for the next chapter so perfectly that you would have thought it was part of my original outline, but I didn't even see it coming until the moment it was on paper. I love being in "the zone."

I'm also wrapping up the last details and rewrites on The Watchers, and getting ready to send it out. I am really struggling with the common author questions: do I get an agent or proceed on my own. So far I've done OK without one, but this next book was written for a wider audience. I think I may try a couple of publishers that accept submissions without them, and then take it from there (while I do some research on who to approach).

I've said it before and I'll probably say it again, but it is sad how work gets in the way of life.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Keepers DAY 56

Watchers is just about wrapped up. Cover letter - check; Detailed narrative - check; First few chapters polished - check; Letter to current publisher explaining disappointments with editing, marketing, and distribution efforts - check.

I will likely need a couple of nights this week to finish typing the edits from last week, but today I start back on Keepers. It's exciting to see how it's all going to fit together.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Keepers DAY 50

Well, I should be a lot further along than I am. I have hit that point where it becomes difficult to see how all of the story lines and sub-plots are going to interconnect. I'll be honest, for me this is the scary part. But as I push through those doubts and worries I find myself writing scenes that accomplish exactly what I feel they should. I like the direction the story is going.

But this week I have decided to take a break from Keepers and finish up The Watchers. I started writing this new book before I had completed the rewrites on the old one. Over the weekend Natalie asked what was happening with that book. I had to admit not much. Rich, a friend and early reader, found some "plot holes" and weak story lines that I had doubts about, myself, and have hesitated correcting them because of the overall work and rewriting that might be associated with it. But this week I am going to add/correct those parts and get it sent off to the publishers.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Keepers DAY 43

Writing dialog is one of those things that is very difficult, very detailed yet must come across as effortless and natural. I like playing with double meaning, innuendo, and the like, but it is hard not to make it sound "forced." Nothing kills a book (or a movie, for that matter) than poor dialog. I studied and read movie screenplays for a couple of years trying to get a better ear for it, and I think it helped. It may be time to complete a refresher course and watch those good movies and read those books that display great dialog, where the words all have meaning, move the story along, and are a joy to listen to.

On another note, my interview aired last night. I'm pretty pleased with it. Because it was on so late I need to ask the host if it is available on their website (as a link) or if I can post the copy for people to listen to.

Anyway, I had to remind myself a few times yesterday that I am not writing the finished draft at this stage, and that I just need to push through to the end and then I can go back later and flesh it out. But I have to say I'm really liking the two main characters, and the intrigue is just beginning.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 33,715 (+1202)

Keepers DAY 42

OK, last week was a "slow" week. There is so much going on that I needed some time to "recharge" (or at least that's what I'm calling it). One night last week I watched The Hitman (edited down, of course) because I felt that needed to recharge my batteries, so to speak. It is hard being creative all the time. Now, for me it's true that when I am in those creative moods and periods that I can't write fast enough to capture what is going on in my head, but like anything else, I need to find inspiration and immerse myself in it. Now, I'm not saying that The Hitman was truly inspiring, or anything like that, (in fact, it seriously lacked a good story and dialog, but the premise was pretty engaging, not to mention some pretty amazing camera angles and sword play...).

During this "down" time I also realized that I am starting to get bogged down with the finer details of the story. From here on out there is a lot of interaction, a lot of dialog, most of which has been "fleshed out" in the outline and I know where it's going and what needs to be said, but I found myself worrying that the new sub-plot isn't deep enough (and what do I have the two of them say), or that the chapter won't be long enough because I don't have every word of their exchange mapped out. I have had to remind myself that I'm in the stage of just getting the story out, the bones, the skeleton, and that there will be time later (during the first edit/rewrite) to add to and take away then.

I am looking forward to a good week of writing.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count (32.513) (+0)

Keepers DAY 37

Not much to add today. We are short handed at work this week and I find that on these days I end up not even taking a lunch. (I have a great team and they are helping with the work load, but I feel guilty even taking a lunch break when I know someone else is helping with/doing my work.)

I have just finished up the last of the "setting up" chapters. The story line is established, the characters are somewhat fleshed out, and now comes the "hard" part of them all interacting and dealing with each other. I have the skeleton outline done and will be relying on it for guidance but this is the stage where the characters start taking on a life of their own.

As for my typing schedule, I've not typed so far this week. Tonight is another softball game but Natalie said she'd go, which means I need to take full advantage of the time and type my little fingers off.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 31,320 (+0)

Keepers DAY 36

It's a funny thing how inspiration hits. Yesterday I was describing a scene that would have been difficult even for a modern, science fiction book (which this one is not), but made more challenging given that this story takes place hundreds of years B.C. I was looking for a word at lunch that didn't come to me until I was waiting for the elevator later that day. Out of the blue. Just like that. Now, I know it was just a word, but I find myself (after the fact of writing for a spell) wondering where that "stuff" just came from. It's an odd sensation having a story inside you striving to come out. The story is going in directions I didn't think it would; characters are taking on new life; it's pretty cool.

I'm still struggling with the whole balance thing. I think I'll post a question to one of the author Facebook groups and ask if anyone else has struggled with this and found a resolution that worked for them.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 31,320 (+0) on the computer, that is...

Keepers DAY 35

This weekend was spent typing what I had written the past couple of days during the week. I'm back to the "balancing act" of writing a book and being present for the family. I would like to try dedicating a day or three a week that we all just know I'm going to by typing well into the night, but I'm not sure what days those will be. With baseball for two kids on two days a week, YW for the girls, and at least two nights a week to watch our shows (24, Lost, Modern Family, The Office, and 30 Rock), I'm not sure what nights I'm going to choose.

But I will find/make the time somehow. I may just type for an hour, or so, a day and then catch up on the weekends, as it seems that my Muse only visits me on the train and at lunch during the week.

One interesting note: I always tell people who want to write a book to just get a notebook and a mechanical pencil and start. I was noticing that thus far I have gone through a notebook and a half (each 70 pages), and I'm still on my first pencil. That pencil has written approx 120 pages of the new book. Pretty impressive, if you don't mind me saying.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 31,320 (+3600)

Keepers DAY 32

During the day the light seems to be "on" and I write fast and furiously and for that I'm grateful. When I return home, however, I find that the demands (and not just demands, but requests and wishes, too) on my time put typing the day's work beneath a few things. I was feeling it so much yesterday that I had to question whether I was doing the right thing by "ignoring" Natalie (mostly) and even the kids to accomplish this goal of writing this next book by the end of May. I think it's the right thing, I just wish I had the means to type during the day.

Which brings me to my next "hair-brained" idea. I have an old copy of MS Office 2000 that I don't use anymore (I have 2007). I am going to ask the IT Help desk if I would be able to install at least Word on my computer at work. This way I could type when I have time at work, instead of taking my time at night. (But to be honest, then that opens up another "can of worms" of using company time for personal projects. I think it's one thing to jot notes down when I have "down" time in court, but quite another when I'm typing for an hour or so a day...)

Why can't I just have it all? I've said it before, but I really think I'd make a great billionaire.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 27,720 (+1035) But I have probably 15 pages of handwritten material still to type.

When Forever Doesn't Last

Just checked the website for our interview and here it is:

http://www.yourldsneighborhood.com/PersonalTouch.aspx

Check it out!

Keepers DAY 31

I am finding out that the word "balance" does not mean finding time to do everything I would like to. In most instances, balance means trading off, exchanging, and prioritizing what needs to be done. Like yesterday (and other days since starting this book project). I wrote a great deal (handwritten), but had my daughter's softball game to attend (and pick her up from), then after dinner just had 45 minutes until the kids' bedtime, so I spent a little time with them on Wii Fit, then, when Natalie got home (from book club) we were both exhausted, so we went to bed early. And then tonight: Today is my daughter's birthday. She's 13! We have a small friends party planned this afternoon and evening, and then a family party tomorrow night. With work taking up my whole day, I'm not sure when I'm going to fit in typing. But tonight might just have to be a Mountain Dew night, even if the family has already gone to bed.

I guess that's what balance means.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 26,685 (+0)

Keepers DAY 30

I have entered a very technical area of the story and I apparently don't know enough about the subject to allow the writing to flow. I had always just "passed over" the details of these next few chapters knowing that someday I'd do the research and fill in the (many) blanks that I currently have. Well, yesterday was the start of that "someday."

I made the decision to skip over many of those fact-intensive parts and try to focus on the story, instead, but my mind wouldn't quite let me. I did write a few pages, but I also spent time doing research and getting some of those facts organized and distilled for the book.

Although I will continue to push myself and strive to write the ten pages a day, I have to admit that it may be a little slower for the next couple of days..

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 26,685 (+887) (Lost and V were both on, too, which didn't help...)

Keepers DAY 29

Well, I think I'm past the doubt and questions. Yesterday morning a new, more in-depth idea came to me on the train that I think will add meaning and reality to the story and will "fix" some of my concerns. It will also lend itself to a stronger storyline in later books.

A couple of thoughts came to mind yesterday as I thought about this "block" and doubt I was experiencing:

The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names. - Chinese proverb

and

When confusion ceases, tranquility comes; when tranquility comes, wisdom appears; and when wisdom appears, reality is seen. - Buddhist Saying

I think that by calling those feelings as they were, and not trying to hide them or just worry about them, helped me overcome these.

I didn't type yesterday, and my writing was limited during the day as I worked to catch up from last week (when I didn't do much work and was preoccupied with interviews, writing, etc.). But with a clean desk at work I think I will have more time to be creative.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 25,798 (+0 at least on the computer)

Keepers DAY 28

Fourth week. And I'm still plugging along.

But something happened over the weekend that I have experienced before but it still gave me pause and concern. Yesterday, while typing a couple of days' worth of writing (that wasn't very much, by the way...), I was struck by the doubt and fear that I wasn't going in the right direction. This was more than just writer's block; it wasn't a "I don't know where to go from here" thought - this was a full-on "I'm going in the wrong direction/what the heck was I thinking" thought. And when these happen it can be very frightening.

I remember having this while writing The Watchers. I was into the book about the same number of pages (page 100), and about the same amount of time (about a month), and with that book I did take a break - about a year and a half! And then when I finally came back to it I had changed, and so did the story from that point on.

I'm not sure what this milestone is, and I wonder if other writers experience it, too. If I try to analyze it, part of this might be due to the fact that I combined two chapters and now I have to come up with another means to blend into the second "Back Story" chapter, or just break it up like I had planned all along, and beef up those chapters to fill the number of pages.

But I'm sure that's not all of it. For me, there seems to be some period of doubt and creeps in about this time. It's like it says in The Alchemist, that "beginner's luck" happens to create excitement and build confidence for what you are trying to accomplish.

I am glad that I am recording this because, as I have said many times and in many circumstances, you can only control what you understand. (Think about that one for a while...) But I'm not going to be shaken from this book that easily. I will push through this, trusting in my outline and dreams for this book. I feel that I have been inspired to write this one at this time, and will trust in that inspiration to get me through my doubts. Like I heard on Conference this weekend: The opposite of faith is fear. I will rely on my faith and dispel my fear.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 25,798 (+2595)

Keepers DAY 25

I am very pleased with the writing (handwritten, anyway) that happened yesterday. I find that whenever I have a chapter or scene with a lot of dialog that the words and phrases and order of those conversations come to me in pieces at first. I will "hear" bits of it, exchanges, etc. and just have to write them down anyway I can. I think that's one of the reasons I find that I have to write a first draft longhand. My pages yesterday are filled with boxes drawn around paragraphs, lines and arrows to adjust the order, and notes off to the side to go back and include these words or this reaction. But at the end of the day I was very happy with the direction it went.

But, alas, last night I didn't type. You see, tomorrow (Friday) I am going to be interviewed on FM100 on my latest book, When Forever Doesn't Last, and had to update and fix the website as well as outline the points I wanted to cover. Frankly, it took almost all night. But that's OK, right? I wrote during the day (keeping true to the plan of writing every day) and this was related to writing (just not this current book).

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 23,203 (+0 on the computer, anyway)

Keepers DAY 24

I am noticing that I am able to write/type faster than I could just a couple of weeks ago when I started. Last night I didn't start typing until after 9pm and even with a bedtime "rodeo" I was done with my 2000 words by 11:15pm. It is definitely getting easier. I just hope that holds out to be true for the next month or two.

Today I will be writing events that are, at least peripherally, actual accounts. These are always a challenge with historical fiction because you want/need to use these accounts but also have to make sure they fit within the story, plot, and "voice" of your writing. I struggled a little with this when I wrote the "trial" scene in Lifted Up. I had the accounts from all of the gospels, as well as insight from Jesus, The Christ, and had to use them in a way that I felt accurately portrayed the recorded accounts but blended with the story line. I think it worked well (or so I have been told my many people over the years), and I suspect it will be the same for today's writing. And, of course, I'm not using the words of deity, but you get the picture.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 23,203 (+1816)

Keepers DAY 23

I'm not sure who is ever going to read this blog. This must be the most boring account out there. It's like watching grass grow. Sure, we all put fertilizer on in the spring and give it lots of water, and everyone likes a green lawn, but no one is crazy enough to sit and watch it grow. Come to think of it, watching grass grow might just be a tad more interesting than watching a writer write.

But here I type, unwilling to give it all up just yet. But in all reality, I think I write this blog for my own sake. It keeps me honest and committed to the end result and product. And maybe that's a good enough reason to keep doing this.

Yesterday I picked up writing after a very hard day of frustrated story lines and "movement." I also realized that I am nearing the length for this chapter and haven't even really gotten to the main parts of the story I need to have happen.

And then I had a thought last night. It's not a new one but it applied to this one. In one of Stephen King's book I read years ago (something about Bones in the title, I think) there was a line in it that said, "You can't rush stories with magic in them." I would love to just skip to the parts I think need to be written, but this story is really beginning to take on a life of it's own. You know, I may just have two chapters describing his return home and the death and funeral of his father instead of one, and that's okay. Especially as with the introduction of this new character (the new love interest).

Last night was Lost and the season premier of V, so I had to turn in early to watch them with the wife. But consistency is the key here, as I strive to reach that word goal each day. Maybe today I can start making up time/words.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 21,387 (+1229)

Keepers DAY 22

My laptop wouldn't load up yesterday morning so I was unable to write, but to be honest, I didn't have much more to write since writing Sunday night. But the computer is up and working now and I'm back on track.

Yesterday was a tough day writing. It was the start of a new chapter, a "transition" chapter bringing the main character "home" and learning of his father's death. Not much happens in the outline (story-wise, action, interaction between people, etc.) and that's why I needed a secondary character for him to interact with. I was able to write some description and reflection, but I really need to get back to the dialog and action to "move" the story along. And I think I have it.

It's going to be a secondary romantic sub-story. An old, childhood friend who has been plotting these many years to be "the one" for him to marry when he returns. Her goals are not love, they are marrying into power and wealth. This, of course, will interfere with the real love story here.

I think today's writing efforts will be better than yesterday.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 20,158 (+920)

Keepers DAY 20

Today is Sunday. Yesterday was spent typing an entire chapter that was handwritten Thursday and Friday. I may write everyday, but I find that typing everyday can sometimes be a strain.

But yesterday I typed over 4000 words. It was a good couple of days.

I also spent some time researching and reading up on ancient Jewish funerals. I'm still not entirely sure how the chapter is going to flesh out, but I know I need more information. I also realized that I need another secondary character to spend this next chapter with the main character. He will be relatively alone when he learns of his father's death, and I don't want to write a chapter filled mostly with his internal thoughts and narrative. I need interaction, someone for him to talk to, to complain to; someone who will help him through this challenge and emotional day. Someone from his childhood, someone who knew he was coming home soon. Who would his father have confided in and shared his excitement with his son coming home after all these years? I need to find out who that was.

Anyway, I am really liking the schedule and progress so far. It doesn't seem like much until I go back to look through an earlier chapter. A lot has happened so far...but there is so much more to happen. It is a different feeling having the story simply unfold in front of me, instead of writing it in spurts and fragments. I like this way better.

I wonder if I should skip this next chapter (at least the first half) until I have more information and can spend some more time on the funeral process and the events of the day. There is still action to happen at the end of the chapter. I'm thinking I might just do that. We'll see how tomorrow efforts go.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 19,238 (+4098)

Keepers DAY 18

Yesterday was an AWESOME day of writing. It was all I could do to keep up with the train of thought and flow of the words. I only had about an hour yesterday to write and composed about 5 pages. It was the first day of the back story and I have to admit I was a little hesitant how it was all going to go because this back story was not as thought out (over the years). In fact, the idea for even having a back story only came to me a couple of months ago, but I love it!

But, to balance things out, I ended up not typing last night. I got home from Hannah's softball practice around 8:30pm, got kids ready and in bed, but really wanted to spend time watching our shows (Modern Family, The Office, and 30 Rock) with Natalie last night. It was a conscious decision, and I'll just spend some time over the weekend typing what I have written.

Today is Friday and I have a pretty light day at work. It should lend itself to a lot of writing and even give me a little research time as the next chapter in the "main" story will include a Jewish funeral and I need to do a little reading up on the ancient traditions and customs.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 15,140 (+0 - at least on the computer)

Keepers DAY 17

Yesterday was a fun day writing. I smiled and even laughed a little all day writing the scene and finishing the chapter. I am writing the main villain as being a true narcissist and having a great time with his disregard for others and self-centered personality. It was really fun and gives him more depth than some of my other "bad guys" in my other books. This guy is really bad, and I love it!

Today I will start with the first chapter of the Back Story, a time when the main character was a child, going away to be an apprentice. I really like this "switching" technique I'm trying here, with two story lines going on simultaneously. I've had one person read the outline who mentioned how she loved the "switching" of the story lines. The trick is making them all tie into each other, which I think I've done.

Also, I made the decision not to postpone my writing project and push ahead, trusting that this is the right thing for me/us to do.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 15,140 (+1801)

Keepers DAY 16

Argh! So many "tests."

Yesterday was a tough day of writing, and I'm not sure why. But in the end I did get out over 1500 words before I put is aside and spent some time with the family. I was fearing that it might be slowing down (if the last few days is anything of a pattern), but I know I have exciting scenes and chapters coming up so I think I should be back on track soon (like today).

But here's the test.

I received an email last night from an instructional design company I worked very hard to get under contract with last November and December. In fact, the plan was to start working with them part/full time at significantly more than I am making right now. But the work never came through. Well, they have work for me now and I have to make a decision: do I put my writing on "hold" (or at least scaled back) and put in a few hours a day for this company (and almost double my current salary); or do I tell them no thanks and continue with the breakneck writing schedule?

I think I have my answer but I need to confer with the wife. Putting the question to the Lord (not only because He has my best interest in mind with my life decisions, but I feel that He has a real stake in all this, as it is my talents and purpose involved here), I asked for a clear answer because I can be pretty dense on issues like this. So, just now, during breakfast, I opened the scriptures to a random spot and began reading. Guess where it turned to? Doctrine & Covenants Section 60. The same one that was spoken to me in a dream a few months back, clearing directed me to use my talents and that the Lord is not pleased with men who hide their talents.

I'll send this company an email to buy me enough time to confer and confirm, but I think the Lord has more in store for me with this writing.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 13,339 (+1517)

Keepers DAY 15

I wonder if this blog is as boring to others and it feels to me. I'm not sure if I have terribly insightful insight every day. Most days it's just a process of doing it, getting the words down on paper, and moving the story along. Not much to say other than that. Had company over for dinner. She brought her latest pictures from Jerusalem. It was very inspiring. Didn't start writing until 10pm, though. Had to call it quits a little early. Didn't quite reach 2000 words.

But one thing does come to mind. I had expected to just have just a paragraph describing dinner, that it was good, and mentioning some small talk. Instead, I found myself writing almost 4 pages of this dinner scene. Now, every scene must move the story along in some way, and I was surprised to see how this little, additional scene was able to show new depths of the main character. And, it was fun to write.

Today I start the chapter introducing (and subsequently killing) the main character's father. This is a pivotal scene in the book as much of what will follow is directly related to the motivation for and the act of killing him. I have already established the villain as really bad and a bit crazy, so this will serve to magnify this. It should be fun. All I have to do is find a name for him (this morning, before I start writing...he has to have a name before I can start writing him).

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 11,822 (+1850)

Keepers DAY 14

I think I have come the conclusion that keeping up with the 2000 words a day schedule is too hard for the weekend. I still need to write (which I did, writing a page or two yesterday afternoon after church), but the schedule needs to be lax on weekends.

I also need time to work on other writing projects (this screenplay, The Watchers, etc.), as well as catching up on a little Clone Wars with the kids.

I fully expect this week to be like last week, and expect to have another 10,000 words written by Friday - maybe more if I can to "make up" for weekend time lost.

By the way, I'm really liking this new book. The characters are really alive to me and the story they are going to tell is great.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 9972 (+0)

Keepers DAY 12

Saturday. Yesterday (Friday) I spent a good part of the day manning the front counter. None of the other clerks like answering the phones and dealing with the public. Call me strange, but I love it. I really love the challenge that each person brings. But another reason I like it is there are stretches (usually) that are slow or dead. I find that I can concentrate sometimes for 20 minutes at a time out there on my writing. I had a lot of time yesterday.

Although I didn't think I had many pages handwritten, I did outline a great deal with the introduction of another (minor) character, following my detailed outline. Natalie went to a wedding shower so I had time alone to write and ended up typing well over my goal, which is good considering that after a quick comment by the wife about spending time over the weekend writing, I need to be sure to "stock up" during the week.

But I think she's right, and I need to spend time with the family on the weekend, so maybe I'll only write 1000 to 2000 for the whole weekend. I still need to write or the story might become stale.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 9972 (+2230)

Keepers DAY 11

Yesterday was a little tougher writing than the other days. This was the introduction chapter to the "bad guy" and as I place such a high esteem on the villain of a story, I really wanted to make it right. I had it outlined, and I knew what I wanted to write, but the outline notes didn't really have enough for an entire chapter. And therein was my mistake. I tried to force it to be longer at this early stage of the process instead of just writing what I wanted to / needed to and let the rest come afterwards. What happened was a forced couple of hours last night trying to "build the plane" as it was flying. Though not entirely without success, I didn't even get to the "good" part that revealed the villain for who he was before I had to close up shop for the night. So this morning I might work for a little bit and try to finish up what I had written yesterday.

Also, I didn't get / take a lunch break yesterday and my afternoon was pretty busy with people at work. I didn't get a lot of time there. It seemed that the burst of inspiration happened on the train on the way home. It just didn't "flow" yesterday as well as it has before. Oh well, that was yesterday. Today is today.

I have to admit, a thought has crossed my mind this week that my ambitious goal may be a bit out of reach. Sure, the goal of 200o words a day is a worthy goal and keeps the process alive and moving at breakneck speed, but as Stephen King shared this schedule of his I am pretty sure he wasn't working full time, taking the train to and from work, leaving at 7:15am and not returning until 6:00pm. He may have had a little more time during the day to fit in his 4 hours. And though part of me would like to scale back the schedule (to, say, 1000 words a day), the other part, the louder part, would just like to push through, suffer for a month or two, and get it done. If I could write two books a year, the royalties might start to add up and be more consistent. This is the goal, after all. This is the plan. Both Natalie and I feel it. I just don't want the family to suffer for it.

I will take a lunch today, for sure.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 7742 (+1692)

Keepers DAY 10

The time it is taking me to write my 2000 words is becoming less and less. But I find myself still relying on the handwritten outline, so in essence I am writing nearly 4000 words a day. But I guess that's OK.

I am having to remind myself that this draft does not have to sound or be perfect. I am using words that I know I will go back later and "dumb-down" because no one really uses words like those, but they were the first words to come to mind. Although I do find using an online thesaurus helpful. Instead of flipping open my old, trusted thesaurus, I can just tab over enter the word and have dozens of suggestions at my fingertips.

This first version, as Stephen King says, if for me, the writer. This is my time to just tell my story. I have to not worry about what the reader will think, or how the words need to be phrased better, or anything like that. I just need to get this story out. And I tell you, writing like this has made the characters and story very real, more real that any other story I have started to tell.

The wife mentioned burn out this morning, and I have to acknowledge that a schedule like this one is very difficult to maintain. I will just have to do my best to balance life and not make too many sacrifices in the name of this book.

Today I start the "bad guy" chapter and introduce him. I love a good bad guy, and I hope he turns out to be as bad as I think he will be.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 6050 (+2042)

Keepers DAY 9

Day 2 of writing started off a little slower than Monday, but in the end it was still very productive. It felt almost forced to write on the train, but during lunch the floodgates opened and before I knew it I was late returning to work. When I finally returned home I had nearly 2000 words handwritten. It is my goal, however, to outline during the day and write at night. But I guess if I have to write the book twice (handwritten and then typed) then I guess I write it twice.

It seemed to take less time last night, due partially to the fact that most of it was written out long hand during the day, and I hope that time continues to be cut down.

I am a little concerned how little time I am spending with my family at this stage, but according to my plan I should be done by the time they are out of school. I only wish there were more hours in a day, or I come up with a more perfect way to manage what little time I do have.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

4008 (+1980)

Keepers DAY 8

Well...

She showed up the minute I got on the train. In the half hour it takes the train to take me to work I had written at least two pages and once there. During the day I found more time and wrote / outlined another three. Once home, however, I realized with a certainty that it is going to be a sacrifice to keep to my goals of 2000 words a day. But with a supportive wife and children I took about 2 1/2 hours and plowed through my first day's goal. I am pleased because this was the prologue, to which I haven't really given much thought to, and which was heavy on the narrative side. There are "gaps" (marked with "****" so I can find later) that I will go back and fill in later, but I feel really good about the day's work. Today I will start the actual story, which will likely move much quicker.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count (2028) (+2028)

Keepers DAY 7

Well, this weekend was pretty good as far as writing goals and projects go. I had a book signing at Barnes & Noble on Saturday for my latest book, When Forever Doesn't Last. I was part of a four-author signing event and overall it went pretty well. And like other book signings we didn't sell many books to people that we didn't know and invite to the signing. That part wasn't disappointing. The disappointing part was the lack of B&N staff to talk with and "sell" our books to. You see, the others signings I have done resulted in about the same sales outcome: not very many. But the saving grace of the Seagull Book signings was the exposure and time to interact with the manager and sales staff. They are the ones that are going to sell your book long after you've left the store. But there was none of that at B&N. In fact, I got the feeling that many of the sales associates really didn't even want us around.

But this weekend was not all bad. I took time yesterday to finish my reading and review of the new screenplay for a movie that is in the process of being re-made. The same producer that is working toward making Lifted Up into a movie asked me to look at his screenplay and offer any thoughts and suggestions I had on it. Now all I need to to do is get them all down in a Notes version of Word and shoot it back over to him. At this point I don't think there's any money in it, but I would be happy (thrilled, actually) to just have a screen credit.

But anyway, today is the day I should start actually writing the next book. I have everything prepared and prepped, and today is a light day at work. The invitation has been sent and notice giving...let's see if my Muse decides to show up for a visit.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count (0) (+0)

Keepers DAY 4

Well, it's started. I woke up this morning with a the opening lines to the new book. I know I'll change them at least three times before it goes to print, but it felt good to start getting the inspiration. Of course, by the time I got out of the shower I had forgotten most of it and had already started improving on it, which is almost never as good as the original inspiration. Which reminds me: I need a pocket notebook to start carrying around.

It has been my experience, and the experience of other writers that have talked to and associate with, that when inspiration comes, when your Muse nuzzles you from behind, caressing and embracing you and whispers in your ear, you'd better get it written down right then because once she's gone (I'd like to think my muse is a woman), she's gone, and trying to summon her back later, when it's more "convenient" for you usually results in a shoddy, sometimes forced reiteration of her gift from earlier. (That was a bit creepy, wasn't it?)

So, today I will get and start carrying a small notebook and pen everywhere I go.

I didn't mean to comment on this today, but let me say a few things about a "Muse." For those of you who may not be familiar with this word, a Muse is one of of several sister goddesses who were credited with inspiring ancient Greek poets, musicians, and artists. All to often they are thought of as fickle, unpredictable, and unreliable; that we artists are at their whim and can only write (or paint, or compose) when this "inspiration" hits. And despite my above plan to start carrying a notebook around to be ready for these "bursts", I have learned that my Muse can be forced to visit and stay with me as long as I need her. For me, I can make a standing appointment with my Muse. It takes time and consistency, but it can be done. When I wrote Lifted Up I used to go down to the Law Library everyday at lunch and write, and what I noticed is that for one hour (almost to the minute) the ideas and words would flow almost faster than I could write/type, and then it would shut off, like a faucet. That regular, consistent writing allowed all my creative juices to focus. I quite literally had a standing appointment with my writing and it seldom failed me. It might be a little harder given my current situation and goals, but I am going to do what I have to to make this happen.

Oh, and I cleaned off my desk last night (and even balanced the checkbooks...something that's been bothering me for a week or two) and I feel ready to start working.

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count (0) (+0) (but next week that will all change...)

Keepers DAY 4

Two days ago I printed out a calendar to take me three months into the year, numbering each day starting with last Monday as DAY 1. As I was numbering them I felt a mix of excitement and dread. That's a lot of days - a lot of days of knuckling down, blocking out distractions, denying myself the "rest" from a long day of work, all for the story that is inside me, clamoring to get out. I know from experience that it is all worth it, but still there is that hesitation, and desire to look for an excuse - any excuse - from starting.

But then I have to remind myself that it is not all work and no play. Part of the hesitation is that, although I have the outline done and know generally what the characters are going to to and say, I really don't know where this journey is going to lead me. And I guess I should be more excited than scared, but here I am, with those feelings nonetheless.

I had planned on cleaning up my office desk yesterday - currently it's a mess - and I know that once I have a clean desk much of my anxiety will go away, but I found myself frittering my time away with other activities (as noble and "dad-centered" as they were). I'm trying not turn this in to a "sucker's choice," the either/or trap that some of us fall into: I can either block my family out and write, or I can be a good dad and husband. Do you see the danger in polarizing your life like that? It will be my challenge to write and still give my family the attention they want and need.

But on another note, I did finish adding a small sub-story line yesterday and got it typed out yesterday, adding about a page to the notes. I am pleased with the progress so far, and truth be told, I really am excited to start this. I just wonder (now) if I am making a bigger deal with this than I should? I wonder if other authors go through this same period of doubt and hesitation, or if it's just me. I should ask that on Facebook.

Today's the day. I just have to do it, and get done what I need to (like finish up the rewrites on The Watchers by the weekend, so I can focus 100% on Keepers...)

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word Count: 0 (+) (this, by the way, will be a running total of words when I start writing on Monday, to keep me honest and track my progress)

Keepers DAY 3

And the countdown continues...

Yesterday, reviewing the outline I noticed an "anti-climatic" end to one of the main characters and it took most of the afternoon (between work, of course) to come up with a way to add more "spice" to this man's ultimate death. It's not 100% done but it feels really good and I like the direction it will go. Of course, I now have to rewrite parts of the story to include this new character and sub-plot line, but I think it will be for the best.

A quick word about this outline. Some authors don't use one. I tend to need one. I make many references to Stephen King - love him or hate him, you have to acknowledge that he is quite possibly the most prolific writer of our time. King mentions that he never uses an outline - he just starts writing. (He's a situational writer, by his own admission, meaning that he takes characters and just throws them into a situation (bizarre as it might be) and watches what they do and what happens.) The way he puts it, if he, as the writer, doesn't know what's going to happen next, neither will the reader. And if you've ever read any of his work you know that's true. Of course, if you've read through to some of his endings, you know that they can be extremely frustrating, forcing you to question why you just spent reading 800+ pages to have it end "like that". I think an outline is good for completeness and closure. But that's just me.

The story for this next book is over 5 or 6 years old. I started writing it just after Lifted Up was published. Many of my notes are dated March 2004. The idea was first discussed with a good friend of mine over dinner and we actually started meeting to flesh out this idea. But the more we met the more apparent it became that we were taking our idea in two different directions. He wanted to focus on one part of the story while I thought the real story was down a slightly different path and approach.

For the past 6 years, or so, this story idea has been simmering in the back of mind, permeating my subconscious. I have shared the basic story line and thoughts with a few people over the years and each one has said how profound it is and how excited they are for me to tell it. Well, the time is closely at hand.

I have noticed that my preparation is still not complete. My desk is a mess and I have this urge to clean it, to tidy up. It feels like the "nesting" instinct that some women have before they have a baby, and for me, writing a new book is the closest thing I feel to the creation process. It's weird, I know, but for me it is like giving birth.

The next few months will be hard work. I recognize that, and I think that's where my hesitation comes from. The process of writing it down, taking the time, the late nights, the long hours - fun as it might be - is hard work, and some of the fun goes away with it. But the end result is well worth it. (Or at least I have to tell myself that...)

So let it be written...

so let it be done.

Word count: 0 (+0)

Keepers DAY 2

So, by way of a little background and explanation, this "2000 words-a-day" writing goal comes from Stephen King's excellent book titled, On Writing. In it he outlines his schedule when writing a first draft of a new novel where he writes 2000 words per day no matter what. Connected to this is his belief that a book should not take more than 3 months (the changing of the seasons) or you (as a writer) begin to change and, therefore, change the story you set out to write. At this pace he has a manuscript of about 120K to 180K words which, he says, is a good place to start when it comes to the rewrite stage.

I tried this schedule when I started writing The Watchers, and in a just under a month I had nearly 150 pages written. I didn't do it every day, but I was pretty close. It was amazing how the story and the words just flowed. But then I let work get in the way and, to be honest, I hadn't outlined the story well enough and found myself wondering where the story was headed. It was nearly a year and a half before I got back to it. (But I did continue writing, editing and rewriting Shadow Hunter and When Forever Doesn't Last - so I don't think it was "wasted" time by any means...)

Writing 2000 words a day would take on average right around 4 hours. Now, with work and time to spend helping with homework and spending time with the family, I just don't have 4 hours every night to spend locked in my office typing away. Besides, after a long day of divorces and protective orders, I'm pretty bushed. So my plan is simple: I will use my lunch hours and any other "down" time I have during the day (during oral argument, for example, when I really don't have to pay attention to what the attorneys are saying - that's the Commissioner's job...) to outline what I plan to write that night. It is my hope that by doing this I will be able to "unleash" my creative juices and tackle those 2000 words in half the time. Two hours a night, I think, is doable.

So, as I continue to review and make edits to my detailed outline this week, I plan to share with you the origins of the story idea (without giving anything away) and share with you what it's like for me to write a book. But before I finish, I have to admit there is a sense of hesitation and dread with starting this book. I have experienced this feeling each time I start a new project, a feeling of nervous anticipation, a wish that I could just spend my time coming up with new ideas for characters, plot lines, conflict, and everything else that goes into a good story without having to actually do the hard work of getting it all out on paper and in some semblance of order and continuity. But it must be done.

Word count: 0 (+0)

So let it be written...

So let it be done.

Keepers DAY 1

What a crazy year this has been! The ups and downs... the highs and lows... I have learned some valuable and personally insightful lessons during it all and though I wouldn't trade this new-found strength and self-awareness I occasionally wonder if there was an easier way to learn it...

BUT...

Long overdue, I am returning to my blogs (this one and "The Gospel According to Guy" with a new direction and purpose that I hope will lend itself well to consistency (on my part) and genuine interest (on your part). I am going to experiment over the next few months with a "journal" of sorts my day-by-day experience writing a new book, chronicling the challenges and rewards of drafting and composing a new novel.

My next novel, currently titled "Keepers of the Sword", is the first in a series of books telling a "behind the scenes" story I am convinced runs the length of the Book of Mormon. Though not the "main" storyline, I think the story I am going to tell over the span of several volumes is there and played a valuable part of this great and influential book. With the detailed outline nearly complete, I am gearing up to start my intensive writing stage where the plan is to write 2000 words a day, which is roughly 10 pages double-spaced. This is an ambitious goal, but I want to try it and see if I can get this book written (first draft, anyway...) in about three months.

And you're going to be right there with me as I do it.

So, if you ever wondered how in the world someone writes a book, here is your chance to follow one struggling writer on his next project. I expect the blog entries to be short, detailing the efforts and work of the day before, sharing the struggles and triumphs of that all-consuming effort to write a story in one's head and put it down on paper to be shared with the rest of the world.

Here's to hope...