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Saturday 7 December 2013

#WIPMarathon Check-In #1

Last check-in word count + chapter count: Last time I updated, my MG fantasy was at 32,000 words, halfway through Chapter 17.

As for my other WIP (yes, there is another one!), it was just an outline, and I didn't intend to start writing it at all until I finished my MG draft! But the Muse is a fickle thing...

Current WC + CC: Now I'm at 41,000 words, and finished Chapter 21. There is a light at the end of this tunnel! (I'm hoping it'll be 50K - as it's a first draft, it might be shorter!)

The WIP-I-Shouldn't-Be-Working-On (and which has no title yet): 5000 words and counting! (Chapter 3)


WIP issues this week: Evidently, I suck at focusing on one project! Or, this project in particular. I think it's partly because I've stopped and started the draft of my MG fantasy a couple of times, and this post-apocalyptic idea has been bugging me for weeks so it was only a matter of time before I gave into it!

Other than that, sloooooow progress with the MG book. It's frustrating, mainly because this is such a short book, so I feel like it shouldn't be taking me so long! Then again, the drafting process has been interrupted constantly by off-putting and sometimes demoralising distractions (rejections, reviews, Pitch Wars, etc). So I guess I shouldn't beat myself up about it...

What I learned this week in writing: I already knew this, but the supportiveness of the online writing community. Pitch Wars is nerve-wracking for all of us, but talking to other writers makes it bearable! :)

What distracted me this week when writing: Um...writing. A project I wasn't supposed to be working on. :P

Also, Pitch Wars, and being terrified of my own inbox. Job rejections, Pitch Wars news, and another Editorial Email of Doom on Darkworld Book 2 are waiting to ambush me and the tension doesn't make for productive writing time! No wonder I needed a distraction-project!

Last 200 words: OK...I'm going to do something I've never done before. *deep breath* I'm going to share the opening of my new, not-so-secret YA post-apocalyptic fantasy WIP. Ready?


I shouldn’t be alive.
Ashes drift past my face, fluttering against my skin. My eyes are squeezed shut, but the bright flare of light is still imprinted on my eyelids. My ears ring. The smell of burning lingers, but I know that when I open my eyes there will be nothing left. Just ashes.
The tremors fade, the earth coming to a standstill. The ground remains firm beneath me, as I lie, curled in a foetal position, hands pressed to my face. The energy blast was powerful enough to rock the earth, but not split it. But there won’t be anything living within a mile’s radius. Not anymore.
I’m shaking. Not just because of the blast. Shock. My teeth chatter against each other. My eyes are wet, the only wet thing for a mile. I’m actually crying. I haven’t cried since my family died. No one can see me, so I let myself sob.
Get up, Leah. You need to get up. My eyes flicker open. Dust gets in them almost immediately, but I ignore the sting and concentrate on checking my vitals. I’m unhurt. Skin maybe a little grazed, ankle twisted when I fell, but I can walk on it. Run.


*scuttles away*

20 comments:

  1. *hugs*
    You're strong. When I'm terrified of my inbox or something in general, I hardly write. And nice way to begin your WIP! It's making me ask a lot of questions already...

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    1. Thank you :) I spend most of my time terrified of my inbox these days, so I've had to learn to keep calm (though writing helps!).

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  2. Wow. What a powerful opening! LOVE IT. I especially love that she hasn't cried since her family died, and since no one can see her now, she busts out. Beautiful work :)

    I'm right there with you. I think the email Inbox is one of the most panic-inducing things in the world.

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    1. Thank you so much! :D It took me a while to get the voice right - I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

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  3. Your opening is amazing--way to start in medias res! Good luck next week!

    Amanda Shayne

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  4. Nice opening! Sometimes the stories that pester us to be written end up being the best! I suggest giving into the Muse - it's rare enough when she shows up at all :P

    Happy writing!

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  5. Great job on that opening!

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  6. I say if you can work on two projects, do it! :)
    I almost gave in to the call of another story, but my current project wouldn't let me. Ha!

    I feel so bad for MC! She's in for an adventure. It sounds really exciting, I'd be working on that, too. :)

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    1. I wasn't going to give in...but I'm almost done with the draft of this one, anyway. Thank you! :) I feel bad for her, too...but I'm an evil author. *muahahaha*

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  7. Cool opening, it really throws you right in there from the off.

    I have a hankering to start on another story but I have zero capability of working on two things at once and I really need to finish this current one. But if you are able to work on two then I say go for it! Sometimes it's better to work on an idea while it is fresh and exciting in your mind.

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    1. Thank you! :) Yep - I can usually work on two at once, but as I'm waiting for editorial notes on another one, I was wary of starting a new WIP. But as I'm almost done with this one, might as well go with it!

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  8. Love the opening of your wip! And great job with your writing progress this past week! :)

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  9. I think that opening is very strong! It raises a whole bunch of questions that make me want to read on to answer them. Whichever WIP you work on, it's still progress so just ride the coattails of your muse. I'm so sorry about the negativity. That can really suck your energy and halt your progress. We all have those days (weeks, months). Put the bad behind you and focus on the positive. Wishing you luck and virtual hugs!

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    1. Thank you so much for the lovely feedback! :D Great advice, too!

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  10. Ooh, I really like your 200 words. Good luck with all of your projects.

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