Thoughts of a series

I am currently at a road block. I have too many angles I want to go with this story. Maybe if I make a list and map it out I can brake them down with the possibility of future books. This might help me not feel like I have to force it all into one package.

Funny I never knew how people decided ahead of time how many books they would write in a series. Perhaps I just figured out one way that happens. I just don't want to get ahead of myself assuming I can write a series of books when have not even finished one. I guess you can't get to the stars without reaching for them.

Writing group

So on the advice of Amber Lynn Natusch I hunted for a writing group. I did find one that meets once a month. It is about a half hour away, a bit further than I would like to travel. I went last night for the first time. Funny how there was a time I would have been super nervous to go to something like that.

It was an eclectic group of both male and female ranging from mid twenties to maybe 50's. I was happy to find two writers actually writing paranormal. The platform is more of a critiquing session which is great. I am also look for a group or community that is discussing the actually writing process not just the mechanics of writing.

I did like that everyone's literary background seemed a bit different. I was able to take away a few things to think about while I am writing or when I go back and start to edit.

As long as I have child care I will return next month and bring a piece of my work to share with the group. I will also continue to peruse another option closer to home.

Back to the books

Well, it was a mistake to think I could give up reading or that it was a good idea. I realized I just need to approach reading in a slightly different way. I am trying to be more aware writing style and how the author is narrating the book. I am trying to slow my reading down a little. Sometimes I read so fast I miss things. I am trying to notice the details in the writing along with enjoying the story.

I just keep trying to find a balance. If only I didn't need to sleep I could do it all while my family sleeps.

transition

I am in the midst of what I think is the second chapter. I am ready to make a shift in the story but I feel like maybe this chapter should be longer. I would assume if the scene shifts so would the chapter.

I have two possible ways for the story to go next and that debate is holding me back at the moment. Both directions will be part of the story. I guess I could write them both in different documents and see what fits best.

Each direction involves introducing 2 new characters. I have a general idea who they are but I have some debates. I don't know if I should be hashing them out more in my head or see where they take me as I start writing.

word count

I learned today that it is not professional to talk about the length of your book in pages. My first goal was to get to ten pages, but here I am at 3000 words. Most people seem to suggest that 250 words is around a page in a soft cover book so I am at about 12 pages.

There was a point that I thought a page a day wasn't a lot to expect of myself but I was wrong. I am not able to write every day although I am trying to, even if it is only a quick sentence or revision. I still hope that in the end it will average out to around a page a day. My goal is to have a completed manuscript before next summer. In a fantasy world which I would prefer to live in it would be done before the new year. I guess anything is possible.

Chapter

I think I might be done with chapter one. How do you know when it is time to start a new chapter? Now seems to feel right. I am debating how to signify the change of chapters in my document. Should I open a new file? Should I leave a space, a page break? Really....these are the silly questions I ponder. Stop pondering and keep typing.

Reading...my passion, my distraction...

I have decided, painfully to not start a new book right now. I love reading, even more so now that I have a kindle and it is so easy to not only take everywhere but I can grab a book any time I finish one. My kindle opened up a new world of books written by independently published authors. There are so many talented people out there and learning that they believed in themselves enough to put their work out there gave me an opportunity to look within myself and stop the excuses. My book might not wow anyone in the end but it will be a great success to complete it. (Of course I hope it turns out great!)

Sadly though, if I am reading, I am not writing. Also I want my mind to be focused on my own characters and story line and not get it jumbled with anyone elses  ideas.

I should probably try to stay off of facebook and the blogs but I am trying to learn more about this world. I need to become more proficient in utilizing these tools and it is a great place to get to know other like minded people.

Now back to work!

Tangent?

The scene I am currently writing seems to be taking a different turn than I intended. My character seems to be developing herself. I'm just going with it for now but I think I will wind up having to cut the scene to a different part of the story. I need to figure it out because the confusion is holding me back.