Tuesday, August 31, 2010

19000 Words So Far!

19 000 words written in my novel! What does that mean? How long am I going to make it? Am I going to worry about it or just let it happen?

PS: I re-read the first of the two paragraphs I posted on the 21st. I used the words “hand” and “back” a lot.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Working Title: Gunshot – Entry #2

I wrote 1942 new words today. I wish it was more, but I also did a ton of editing. I still am not sure about what the sister’s name should be. Name research takes up a lot (maybe too much) time for me. I need a character’s name to be just right. A name helps me shape a character’s personality.

Here’s a bit of what I wrote today:

I let go of Kaitlin’s hand and took a step back from the bed. She attempted a shaky smile before shutting her eyes. I stretched my arms back. I walked back to my seat and the card game I’m sure Fin had forgotten. I looked down at my hands. I had just promised someone I barely knew to hold her hand while she found out potentially devastating news about her husband. I was very tired; maybe I wasn’t thinking clearly.

I hadn’t been thinking clearly for a while. I was okay while I was on the phone with the emergency operator, though I had been frightened and sitting on my kitchen floor. My mind would have eventually cleared, if Fin hadn’t knocked on my odor. Something about hearing that first knock, then accentuated by seeing him through the peephole, made my mind fog up. It was his expression, the naked pleading need.

A few hours to myself… and a name.

My wonderful hubby has volunteered to take care of our daughter this afternoon. For anyone who doesn’t know, toddlers are a lot of work. I’m lucky if I get 30 minutes to write a day. Maybe even 15 minutes… Anyway, today I’m getting a few hours. I hope to spend them well.

<I’m trying to decided what to name my main character’s sister. I’m leaning towards either Lina or Rana.>

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Working Title: Gunshot

This is what I have for a first paragraph of my novel.

I heard the gunshot, but I didn’t know what it was. It really did sound like a car backfiring. My other thought was that of the neighbourhood kids playing with a cap gun, like I did as a child. I dismissed it. Perhaps I didn’t even think enough of it to dismiss it. I live in a nice neighbourhood. That simple, brief sound, only registered as background noise. I was too focused on my own little world.

Penguin Books

Penguin is offering writers a unique opportunity.  You can send a query letter and synopsis of your manuscipt to Penguin, without needing an agent.  I don't know if I'm ready to do this.  Definitely not for my novel, but maybe a collection of short stories if they're willing to look at it.  We'll see.

Penguin Books - About Penguin: Frequently asked questions#question11#question11#question11

Monday, August 16, 2010

What Was I Thinking?!

I started a second blog. The first, The Eye Of Loni’s Storm, is a review blog. Mostly books. I love reading.

I love writing too. I’ve been pursuing it for some time now, without making any real progress. I’ve had people tell me my work is good. I’ve even had a professional editor have a go at it. I’m hoping this blog will encourage me and focus me towards my goals.