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)