The Wayfaring Wordhack

I've been writing when mind and stomach allow this past week. Some days that means I got the 750 goal for novel_in_90; some days I got zilch.

But what I did get is a new start to Baxente's chapter. Since I decided to rewrite a lot of my character openings in order to create a status quo before topsy-turvying their worlds,* I have been hard-pressed to determine the best scene for Baxente, one that still has the necessary parts of good (genre) fiction like a scene/character goal, conflict, and so forth.

Perhaps I have one this time!

Baxente doubted the intelligence of his plan as soon as the panel slid closed behind him. A near cripple had no business setting off alone in the middle of the night, especially not through prowl ways, the full secrets of which only he knew. Long before he neared the exit that would let him from the palace, his legs were ready to give out, abandoning him in the tight corridors. Stupid to leave the comfort of his sleeping couch. And fresh air, added his lungs, craving the deliciously cool breeze that had been ruffling the curtains of his balcony doors when he rose to go on such a misguided adventure.**

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* I personally find Big Events a lot more meaningful if I care, or at least am curious about, the characters they happen to first, so, duh, this should be a component of my own stories. The "Open with a BANG" advice has never sat well with me.

** I don't know if everyone's browser displays the font (Papyrus) I use for Baxente. Does anyone else do this, use a different font for each POV? I have five POVs in this story, and I find just seeing a different font helps switch my brain from one persona to another. 

The novel_in_90 round I was participating in came to an end yesterday.  The goal was 69,000; I finished with 69,001. That's with packing, moving house, six weeks living/vacationing in Albania, sickness, and a baby.  Let's just say I'm mighty proud of myself. I am, as clarentine likes to say, a determined individual.

I learned a lot about my process during this round.  I've done Ni90 before, but this time it really struck me that I am not a writer who needs--or rather should--adhere to the "a writer writes everyday" maxim.  My brain just doesn't function that way; I need time to process, to mull. Writing everyday makes me unhappy and stressed.  I feel I'm suffocating my creativity. I realized this about halfway through, I guess, but (see above about being determined) I didn't have anything of overwhelming proportions keeping me from respecting the commitment to the round and so stuck with it. Another lesson learned being that if ever I need to sustain a "write everyday" pace, I can do so.  Even though, yes, some days I didn't get my words, I always made them up.  If ever I participate in Ni90 again, it will be on my own terms; I'll probably have a word goal, but will plan to have one or two days of simply thinking or filling the well. 

I'm declaring February "Writing Respite Month" for myself. I may write this month--I hope I do--but I will not once think I have to.  

Instead of writing, I will:  Spend time with my loved ones; go on holiday; househunt; renovate a chair for Soëlie; crochet myself a slouchy beanie; and paint/draw.  I will also do some catching up on LJ posts and get around to tying some fabric to my mil's cherry tree (want it to be dyed by nature).  

Short month. One day gone. Only 28 to go... 

With the beginning of novel_in_90 and getting back into making writing a part of my daily life, I've decided to instate, or reinstate, more of a schedule in my life. I am not as productive nor a good steward of my (free) time when I don't have a "job" with a boss and a paycheck. The days are long and I can do what I will; so most of the time, I end up whiling away hours the day on the Internet. I'm too realistic to think I can say, "I will write from 9:00-10:00 everyday" and actually be permitted to stick to it.  But I can make a list of things that need doing and proceed to get them done. 

I have many projects that are in the works; I need to finish them because I have other projects that I will soon need to get underway for the holidays. Writing time must be scheduled and stuck with but so must time for creating, for exercise, etc. I wear a lot of hats.


Since the day we bought my bike and Soëlie's bike seat, I have been very good about getting out, exercising and getting fresh air. That is a habit that is pretty well set, but with the arrival of poor weather (it is rainy and gray out, a true "fall" day; scratch that.  It's gorgeous out; I had to change into short sleeves), I know it won't be so easy to keep up. I have to make the effort, though, for both Soëlie's sake and mine.

I'll probably post my to-do lists here each day, behind a cut. I know my mundane doings are not of interest to the population living outside my brain, but I like keeping track of such things and I'd rather waste LJ pixels than paper.

So, today:
( what to do, what to do )

I want to keep adding stuff, but that is enough for today. I have to have unplanned free moments, too.