The Readers

I haven't posted anything lately, because I haven't personally done any more with "A Tale of the Fairies" (yes, still a working title).  

I'm in Phase 3: Test Subjects.

My mom finished reading my book yesterday. My first real reader! She said she loved it, and that it even made her tear up at the end! My dad is starting it today. Just the fact that someone, not me, has read my book seems to legitimize the fact that I've actually written a book. It's no longer a vague idea floating around in my head. Successfully, I have brought someone else into my imaginary world and shared it with them.

Cheers! I'm living the writer's dream.

Almost.

I'm told "A Tale" calls for, "More!" in the description department, which won't necessarily be a simple task since the book from a first person POV. Honestly, how much flora and fauna would you prattle off before it grew wearisome? However, added description means added pages. And I would still like to reach 200 pages ultimately.

Also, apparently I use the word "smirk" far too frequently. Which I find humorous. But, how many other words are there for "between a smile and a laugh"?

Lately, people (from church, from work, family, friends) randomly ask, "How's your book going?" Which means...they've been reading my blog. Or, at least, my facebook statuses, which merits a gold star at least. I'm happy people are interested. Interested people equal, I hope, hungry readers. Thank you, friends, for being so supportive.

Novel Update: 95 days.

Final 100

We're down to the final one hundred days. In the last 265 days, I wrote a 150(ish) page first draft followed by a 180(ish) page second draft. Now, as I plunge into my third and final drafts, it's time for the rubber to meet the road. Apparently we've been flying, and we must get out the landing gear.

I've been waiting on an ink cartridge so I can print the 180(ish) page second draft for the viewing and red pens of my beloved family, in hopes that my grammatical mistakes will pop out to their fresh eyes.

However, while waiting, I refuse to sit around and twiddle my thumbs. Instead, I'm putting them and my fingers to good use, outlining a new book to go with that impeccable plotless title. You know, the one I came up with a week ago?

In fact, I'm cooking up a short three-part superhero series for the YA crowd, and I'm getting kind of excited about it. Already, I've titled the three books. I've even named six of the more prominent characters, because, of course, an author can't know what their characters look like until they have a name. Now, that I have a clear picture of the six, I can start creating a plot...


Novel Update: Third draft time. 182 pages. 100 days to go.

Special Announcement

We interrupt this program for a special announcement.

I finished my second draft today.

Counting Down

Six days.

I'm so close that I can practically taste second draft victory. It's an altogether different kind of flavor! Indescribable, really.

I have reached 180 pages, due to a little more showing than telling. Also, I added a few fancy touches, and modified some inconsistencies. I'm still hoping to have 200 pages total, at least by the final draft.

Ugh, I've read and reread this book so many times, I probably have every word memorized. I could  travel around and do book recitations, I know it so well. I almost can't bear to look at it anymore, let alone read it again and make sure everything lines up...

But I must conquer!

I have three names to change - 1) a deserted island; 2) the giant king's fortress; and 3) the name of the giant army. And I have one last scene to adjust...and the second draft is finished!

Novel Update: I'm definitely going to make my sub-goal. After that, I'll have exactly 100 days. *Cue the creepy music - dun, dun, dun, dah!*

Troubles with Titles

I have a love-hate relationship with titles. I hate them and love them equally.

My current title for my book is A Tale of the Faeries - which doesn't really shout, "Read me!" from the bookshelves. Certainly, I wouldn't want to read my book, if it was titled that. There is quite a bit of truth in the phrase, "Don't judge a book by its cover." Because people will, and do.

There are just so many intertwining plot threads that I can't pick one from which to form a title. A Tale of the Faeries encompasses the entire theme, but doesn't give any hints to what the story is really about. It doesn't make anyone hungry for MORE! When I've been editing a book so long, it's difficult to see the novel as a whole - which is necesssary in giving it a name.

Looking on the bright side, while I'm still having trouble with the title, I have no problem with the plot. The plot of a story is, after all, the most important part, right?

The other day, I came up with an excellent title - which is a rare accomplishment for me, since the title is usually the cherry on top. BUT! I have no plot to complement it. Like meat and potatoes, you can't have one without the other. And so, I'm neatly tucking that amazing plotless title away for safekeeping in my not over full "Ideas" file.


Novel Update: No title yet. Obviously. Making excellent progress with the second draft. Going back through, adding my notes from the hard copy. I'm noticing alot of inconsistencies throughout, which I'm fixing as I go. I have 11 days until my second draft is due. 111 til the book is complete!

Super-Humans

I discovered one reason I don't currently have a boyfriend. And, yes, this has to do with writing, I promise. In every story, I create such a perfect combination of the brave, noble, handsome, witty hero. I give him fabulous talents and exceptional skills. He is absolutely unrivaled in every area. And, I think, I have fallen in love with the 'prince charming' of my imagination.  No mortal man can ever quite measure up to him.

And, therein lies the problem I face. Humans are not and never will be 100% perfect, and I want to make each and every one of my characters more human. Yes, even Prince Charming. I believe that giving a character human flaws and characteristics makes them more likeable. Readers can relate to them.

For example, I have a deep love and appreciation for Peter Parker (Spiderman) far more than for Clark Kent (Superman). In fact, I even find Clark a little dull. I see some of myself in Peter's humanness, whereas Clark is...well, Superman. Need I elaborate?

I recently saw the movie, Prince of Persia. I disliked the main character because he lacked flaws. It sounds insane. But, I hated him for his perfection. I wanted to know what made him real, what made him human, what made him...like me, I guess.

I'm afraid Prince Jak (my story's prince charming) is too perfect. Yet, I love him just the way he is... What to do??


Novel Update: 2 chapters and 17 days until my second draft is complete! 170 pages, and 117 days total remaining.