Well, I made it to the 55,000 word mark which was my target for the week, so that's given me a little warm glow of satisfaction.
I've realised for a while now that the first draft of my novel will come in at about 10,000 words under the 70,000 I originally planned on. I think I peaked too early, the story of my life really. Not that it matters because once I've got stuck into the second draft and expanded on a few of the scenes which at the moment are really only sketches, I'm sure I'll be closer to the 70,000 than the 60,000. I know, strictly speaking, that's not the way to do things. All those writing books tell you to cut, cut, cut in your second draft, but I'll be add, add, adding. I can't be the only one, surely and I mean, you can't do everything by the book, can you?
The publisher's guidelines that I'm aiming for requests 60,000 - 80,000 words so I've got plenty of leeway either way.
It's very exciting getting towards the end. And sad too having to say goodbye to all my scrummy characters. I'm just tying up all the loose ends at the moment and giving them a suitably Happy Ever After ending. I'm really desperate to get it finished now, but next I'm going to write a short story for the SAF blog.
Other news, something's going drastically wrong on the dieting front. Yesterday's weigh-in showed I hadn't lost any weight at all this week. Nought, zilch, nada. I can't really understand where I'm going wrong. I suppose it must be on the eating too much and not exercising enough front. Yeah, that would be it. Anyway, it's pretty demoralising knowing you've deprived yourself all week and having nothing to show for it so I reacted like any sensible level-headed person would and stuffed myself silly yesterday.
The elusive Wii is apparently winging its way to me tomorrow so I'll start with a vengeance again then. Watch this space.
I hope you all have an inspiring, productive and sunny week ahead.
11 comments:
Can we read a little excerpt?
I'm both cutting AND adding - adding quite a lot actually. Enjoy the Wii!
Honeysuckle - Oh good grief! I'm not sure it's ready for public consumption yet and probably wouldn't put it up on the blog. I'm thinking though I will post it 'on the other side' when I've got the first 3 chapters up to scratch.
Thanks for the interest.
Yvonne - Yes, I think a bit of both, cutting and adding, is the key.
Well done on reaching the number you first thought of :-) Great feeling!
P
Just the SAF story to work on now, eh?
Well done on reaching 55,000!
You're doing really well, I'm full of admiration. As for the diet...the only thing that's working for me at the moment is grazing on fruit, yoghurt, nuts and chopped veggies all day (like small animal) then having a proper meal (but smaller portion than Husband!) in the evening. BOY do I look forward to that meal!!
Sod the diet Maddie,you need to get yourself some stress girl. Stress = weight loss believe me. Although the downside is stress gives your lots of stress lines on your face,hmmmm maybe best to stick with the diet methinks :) Congrats on the 55,000 words. TFx
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's adding like crazy in the second draft. I'm also cutting a lot so not really getting anywhere in getting the number total up:-(
good luck with the diet. That's tougher than writing:-)
There's no one way to do things You have to do what works for you x
Thanks, Penny!
Tam - Still working on it, aarrgh! I will get it finished though.
Karen - I think that's where I'm going wrong. My idea of a diet is giving up the kit-kats and crisps. Grazing on all that healthy stuff sounds a bit extreme, but probably explains why I'm not losing any weight.
TF - I'll do without the stress if possible, thx, but I know what you mean, it does throw the weight off, a bit like falling in love. Maybe I could try that instead??
Lane - You too? Oh, it's good to know I'm not alone in my madness!
Helen - That's exactly it, isn't it? I just hope this way comes right for me in the end.
Wow! Well done, Maddie, with the 55,ooo words!
I have never written a novel, but always find I add loads to second drafts of things I write! I do cut as well, but nowhere near as much and I always struggle to stay within upper limits of wordcounts.
As for the diet, I think the whole feeling of deprivation is the problem with dieting! Treat yourself instead at the end of every day, to something small and 'healthy' (maybe flapjack or dark chocolate) and something you love, and make it a special occasion, something to look forward to ... a real treat to congratulate yourself for being so good all day.
Have fun with the Wii!
:o)
Post a Comment