Monday is as Monday does: bit of a slow start, but it’s looking like a promising week. I’m starting on a brand new short story, aiming at 4k if possible, and trying to hoist in a 3.6k short story into a 1.5k flash fiction. After last week’s smashing success getting all those pesky little writing goals done, I’m mildly optimistic about this week, though there’s more than enough work on the table.
That, plus some Apex work that needs to be wrapped up, and some sociality on Tuesday/Thursday, and the week is more limited than I might like to admit. Still, looking forward to the challenge and all that implies.
Also: it’s a boy! :D Somehow, knowing I can call “it” a “he” makes the whole thing seem that much more real.
WRITING PROJECT: Tech-savvy, chatty octopi! Pink hair! Extra-aqua breathing apparati! Willamette fishermen! Pet store antics and budding romance! And all of it in Southeast Portland, Oregon!
Working Title: The Octopus Story (not very original, I know, but maybe as I work on it I’ll get a better title)
Added Words: 3.5 handwritten pages (I’ll have a better count end-of week, but I’m trying something new)
Total Words (to date): See above.
Happening Today in the World of Fiction!: Something odd in a bucket! Has it fallen in love with Molly’s pink ‘do, or is it trying to tell her something? Plus, a handsome pet store employee. Mmm, tattoos. :)
Notes: I’m trying something a bit new with this one: I’m writing it by hand (GASP!). It’s an odd experience, because my brain works much faster when I’m typing, but when I’m scribbling words out by hand (and horribly spelled, I might add–OH LORD, THE ERRORS), I have to slow down a bit. I’ve tried this before for stories I needed to keep tight. I tend to underwrite when I write by hand, and overwrite when I type, so we’ll see how this goes. I’m hoping I can beef it up if need be later, and can already see some fixes that will definitely need to be addressed for efficiency, but hey–it’s a rough draft. That’s for the editing. :)
EDITING PROJECT: Interstellar space travel! Memories of Earth and AI! Mechanical trees and millions of seed clones! Pulsars and deadly radiation! Mother-daughter bonding and rescue! The color blue! It’s all there and more.
Current Editing Project: The Miracle of Jane
Accomplished in Edits: Didn’t get very far on this. I think I’m scared. First step is going to be to dissect up the chunks of the story and label each one to see what’s *actually* necessary, and what’s not. I’ve got to cut it as close to the climax as possible, and still get some of that mood and zone across. I think it can be done, but it’s going to take some mental puzzling for sure. Looking to get a better start on this tomorrow…
Maggie Slater 