Progress, progress, progress. A bit like education, education, education (if you know what reference that’s from, fair enough). The point is, that every single little thing, every tiny step made, constitutes as progress. Since my last update, I’ve only written another 10,000 words, (15,000 from the big 100k), which may seem like a lot, but when you look at what happens in those 10,000 words, it’s only marginal progress that helps with the story’s build-up. Little details that are needed, carefully articulated to make sure that you’re engaged when the book is eventually finished (not for a long time, but that’s why this blog exists). So, in terms of what other progress as been made, lets look at it from the outset, the bigger picture, without giving too much away…
I booked a library study room for a couple of hours today; me and my girlfriend (editor and critique), set to work to plan out what will happen in the book (in it’s simplest terms). It took a while for her to understand the main and back plot, at which point, we decided it would be a good idea to create subplots, only focusing on one main plot in each book (sounds simple enough…for sure?). However, at the same time I need to explain the crucial backstory about why and how these events are taking place (and believe me, it’s big, slightly convoluted, but coherent backstory, which, if executed well, will probably jolt a few minds), making the readers think; OMG! Yeah, that totally makes sense! But it’s big. That’s the issue, it’s big, and needs to be carefully put together making sure that every detail, and event, fits together, so when you come to read the first couple books (maybe three), it’ll all make sense, and you won’t be sitting there thinking “what? why is that happening? and for what reason?”. Everything needs a reason, and a good reason as well. (The English thesaurus has some pretty good words that can be used for reasons…jealousy and zealous are too good ones…just saying).
The fundamental point, is that, even though I had created a detailed story-line, and had a good/vague idea of the initial process that was the precursor of the book, I was going on a “rampage” writing this book, with no solid and simple foundation of what backstory there was…the most fundamental part of writing a book! How could I have been so stupid as to assume people would know what the back plot would be? But hey, we all make mistakes once in a while, and now I have the opportunity to fix it, and create an effective piece of literature, that I hope people will enjoy when released!
In terms of other scenarios (the many characters, and their characters), needed some serious consolidation. I was explaining to my girlfriend about these certain characters, and what their beliefs and actions were, and she just simply said “what’s the point in that? how is that important to the story?”, and that got me thinking. So, back to the drawing board, and character pages…okay, simple critical analysis (cross referencing), who’s who, and who are people related? Ah, I have an answer, and the future events of the series fit the plot well…okay lets keep digging…found it! The same situation can occur, the same beliefs and actions, but just change the backstory slightly, and the family, and BINGO! we have a situation which has a solid answer, and a clear plot and motive! And best of all, it makes the story clearer, and in my opinion, a lot better and believable! Now it’s just down to me, not to cock it up! This shall be one hell of a thrill ride! But first, let’s edit the bits that need changing, and write the main plot!
Thanks Tas for taking the picture!
Right of Legions 