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Saturday, 31 January 2015

#WIPMarathon: January Update

Last report wordcount: I was at 52K of Book 4.

Current report wordcount: I finished Book 4 at 77K, and wrote Book 5 (also 77K). I'd already written around 5K of this in November when I was supposed to be writing Book 3, so I finished in only 22 days. o.O

 I'm now at 16K of Book 6.

 (Yes, this does mean I've had no social life this month. :P)

 WIP issues this month: Juggling projects in different stages is tricky. Juggling multiple plotlines is also tricky. Five books in and my characters are still refusing to obey my outline. :P

 Four things I learned this month in writing:
  • Fast-drafting books back-to-back is a great idea. I can work in foreshadowing earlier, check continuity, and I'll be thankful for it later when editing and the foundations of the story are already there.
  • Fast-drafting books back-to-back is a terrible idea. Your brain will explode and everyone will think you're certifiably insane. And Future Emma will really hate me when she realises she has to edit FOUR train-wreck first drafts in a row. 
  • Every book is different. All my first drafts used to be too short and need a ton of extra scenes added, but with the second Alliance book, I'm cutting scenes rather than adding. I seem to be incapable of writing longer books without resorting to adding filler. 80K seems to be my limit, and that's with dual POV. Whenever I try to make a book longer, I end up having to cut things out. (Though admittedly, I've never tried multi-POV epic fantasy.) Just when I think I've got a handle on this writing thing, it surprises me again.
  • Every draft has ups and downs, and it usually has nothing to do with the actual writing. Some days, my brain just hates me. (I'm writing my 20th book. You'd think I'd know this by now...)
What distracted me this month when writing:  Work. Flailing. Being exciterrified (a word I made up) about self-publishing! I got to reveal my book's cover yesterday, which is pretty much my favourite thing ever (except possibly the other Alliance covers. *ahem*).


Goal for next month: Drafting Alliance 6! O_O 

 Also, reread Adamant for the 10000000th time to check for last errors. *bites nails*

 Last 200 words: I'll have the first chapter of Adamant up on the blog in a couple of weeks, but here are some more teasers! :)




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14 comments:

  1. Suzanne31 January 2015 at 12:02

    Every time I see how much writing you get done in a month I am at once insanely jealous and struck dumb in awe. You're an inspiration! Congrats on Adamant - that cover is stunning and I can't wait to read it.

    Wishing you all the best with your self-publishing venture and happy writing in February!

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  2. Jessica Harvey31 January 2015 at 14:57

    Holy wow you wrote a lot! I mean, I saw your progress on Twitter, I guess I just never realized how much it really was. Good work! I'm still in love with that cover. March 11 needs to be here NOW! :)

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    1. ELAdams31 January 2015 at 21:15

      I don't know how it happened, either! I can't wait, either! :)

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  3. heycatharsis31 January 2015 at 15:52

    *Pops 21 confetti cannons in your honor* You never cease to amaze me!!!!!!!! WHERE IS THIS SECRET MUSE?!!

    Your teasers are exciiiiting! Can't wait to read!

    I was going to agree with what you said about fast-drafting in (1) only to crack up at (2). But that's true. Fast-drafting as is fast-studying, always is an advantage and helps with your memory!

    All the best of luck next month! And ohhhh, I do love being exciterrified!!

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    1. ELAdams31 January 2015 at 21:09

      Thank you! :) I wish I knew where the muse was hiding. :P I've yet to see if the fast-drafting will pay off, but I hope so!

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  4. krystal jane31 January 2015 at 18:37

    What seriously?! That's like a bajillion words this month!! I'm with Ifeoma. Where can I get some and here's more confetti for the Emma-Parade.

    I used to be cursed with the super short drafts. I don't why that suddenly changed, but I'll totally take it.

    exciterrified = awesome ^_^
    Ooh, pretty teasers! Exciting!

    Best of luck with everything! I can't wait to see the other shiny covers!!

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    1. ELAdams31 January 2015 at 21:07

      Haha, thank you! My drafts are longer than they used to be, but I don't think I can write epic-length stuff!

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  5. Lola31 January 2015 at 22:15

    I love the cover for Adamant and can't wait to read it. Adamant is on my list of new releases I plan to read this year.
    And you already have the other Alliance covers designed as well? Now I am curious!

    And wow you really wrote a lot this month!

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    1. ELAdams1 February 2015 at 01:02

      Yay, thank you! I'll be revealing the new covers in the Facebook street team group first! :)

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  6. Cheyenne1 February 2015 at 19:04

    I never cease to be BLOWN AWAY by your writing speed. How do you do it? Seriously!! That's kick-ass. And congrats on Adamant and the lush cover!!! Rock on for a fabulous month!

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  7. Mae2 February 2015 at 01:59

    Wow, your cover is absolutely gorgeous!! Who does your covers?

    I am completely awed by how much writing you did in one month. That's is so awesome and, for me, completely unimaginable! I think you might just be my new hero! :D

    Beautiful words! Good luck with February's goals and thank you for taking the time to stop by and see me.

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    Replies
    1. ELAdams2 February 2015 at 11:05

      Thank you! The cover designer's name is Amalia Chitulescu - I'm lucky to have her"

      Thanks! I still don't know how I did it! :)

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