I Did It! (53,137)

Actually, I crossed the finish line a couple of days ago and hoped that I could actually finish the story by tomorrow. I did add another 3,000 words, making this year's total more than I've done before. That's due to the times when the words were coming together that much more easily than before. But then there were the times, like tonight, when I knew some conflict needed to happen (or as another writer said, a disaster had to fully 'disast') and I found it difficult to take the plunge. I'm too nice.

I guess that's one of the things I've learned from this year's experience: as much as I've improved with character and setting, I still need to work on conflicts and antagonists. Which points to another lesson to be learned: how to create a more complete outline and structure before diving into the writing part. I need a better plan for a book (or screenplay) so that I have a better idea of where its going at each stage. I'll work on that.

In any event, this novel still feels like the best I've done. It seems like less of a throwaway for the sake of learning, and more of the beginnings of something I should really try to finish and publish. So, that is the next step. I will come back to this and finish it. Probably right after the holidays.

Thanks again for everyone that has to put up with my disappearance each November, especially Judy, who's trying to get other projects done around the house with only limited help from me.

God bless,
Bill

Back on Track to the End (51,446)

The trip out to Uncle Frank's now seems like a bit of a diversion, but I can tighten that up later. Now we're back on the track to find the bad guys and resolved the whole thing. I'm a little stuck for plot and motivation here. But I'll make it work. Only 575 words today, and maybe only a few more tonight and tomorrow. Oh well.

A Big More (50,871)

I should have added even more than 800 words, based on how early I got up. But I got a bit distracted and actually didn't quite know where to start. What I did write is really a bit of a delay before launching into the climax. Except it includes the revelation of the origin of Koenig, so it is a kind of a climax at that. More tonight, I hope.

Made It! (50,083)

But the story is not yet finished. I'm going to keep on going until I finish the story or Friday morning (whichever comes first). But I easily got the word count for finishing the NaNoWriMo challenge this year. Yay! Fred has met Mr. Koenig and now they are plotting to retrieve the beam weapon and fire up K's interstellar transmitter.

More Good Progress (48,155)

I got another 1400 words or so, leaving me less than 2000 words from the 'end'. I know there is quite a bit more story to go, though. So, I'll keep writing until I get to some reasonable finish. Since this is going to get a serious re-write, I'm not too concerned with getting it exactly correct. But I want a good target to shoot at during the refactoring process. Today, I got us out to Frank Darrows ranch and introduced the old coot.

Not Many Words (46,774)

Only 750 words or so this morning, and a lot of messing around. But I also figured out some key plot points that should allow me to write the climax to this thing. And they gel with the rest of the backstory that I've created for the re-write. Good stuff (?). We'll see. We're heading to a ranch in Tujunga to find Janet. I wonder if there's a mole in Major Owens's team that will betray that location. Hmm.

Another Full Day (46,002)

Wow. I got a total of over 10,000 words done in the last three days. Over 4,000 just today. I have to admit the writing is a bit soft in spots. But it's a learning experience and I'm working out where this story is going to go. I think I have one angle worked out. But I'm having trouble really getting a grip on the ultimate antagonist and the climax. I'd like to get that figured out soon and actually wrap up the story this week. Even if I don't I know I'll have 'won' the month again. And that's all good.

Another Good Day (41,593)

I spent the morning working up a new overall outline for the story. I can fit a few of the chapters I've written into it. I was mostly trying to come up with a story to which I could write an ending. I spent the afternoon writing about 3000 words toward that ending. All in all, a decent day.

Getting Ready for the Final Push (38,563)

Ultimately made decent progress today - almost 3000 words. It would have been nice to have more, but I'll take it. Much of the day was spent mulling over where to go next. If I'm going to finish this off, I need to stick with much of the story I've already got. But I also have some interesting ideas for tweaks or different approaches. I think I just have to squelch those creative impulses and press on the straight story for now. Time for some more conflict. Ann Crenshaw goes missing.

Getting Back Into It (36,335)

I obviously took the day off yesterday. Did watch the film Hollywoodland last night to get pick up a bit of the period flavor. Might have to do that again sometime. Got about 650 words this morning. Started another confrontation scene, we'll see where it takes us later.