February Writing and March Goals

[osprey_archer]

This has ultimately been a pretty good writing month, although it took me a loooong while to get going. However, I’ve finished a draft of Tramps and Vagabonds (pending the response of my beta, I think we’re looking at a spring release), the Secret Project is off to a strong start, and I think? Maybe??? I don’t want to jinx it?????? But I think I might finally be on the right track with Sleeping Beauty.

You know what finally broke the logjam? I changed the name of one of the main characters. In the very first draft (set in 2018) the modern character was named Caelan, which no longer seemed suitable when I moved the story to 1965, so I changed it to Andrew… but this month I FINALLY realized there is a sixties-suitable sound-alike name, Caleb, and when I changed it things finally started working.

I also finally let go of a couple of beloved scenes - never have I felt so deeply the meaning of the phrase “kill your darlings!” - which might have more to do with it. But rechristening Caleb did also help it feel more like a fresh start, with less baggage attached.

Comments

[troisoiseaux]

Yay, on all of your projects!!! And yes, it's odd what little things can trip you up/help you to look at your writing with fresh eyes— I always try a different font when I'm stuck. (Admittedly, I do this for academic rather than creative writing, but like— I'm glad you found the name change so helpful!)

[osprey_archer]

Yes, I've heard the different font trick! I should give that a try sometime - certainly less labor intensive than changing a character's name seven drafts in...

[ellenmillion]

OH, I know this pain. I save all my cut scenes and use them later for reader treats and sometimes springboard whole new projects off of them. Cheering you on!

[osprey_archer]

Yes, maybe some of the cut scenes will yield reader treats! There is surely someone out there who will want to read about Russell's First Experience with a fire hydrant.

[minutia_r]

Katniss voice: I volunteer!

[osprey_archer]

Russell is quite distressed to learn that in The Future, firefighters fight fires without any help from the populace. There's nothing as fun as fighting a good fire :( People in the future don't know what they're missing :( :( :(

[minutia_r]

No crowdsourced firefighting, no platonic cuddling, Russell is right, the future is bullshit. :(

[osprey_archer]

He starts out thinking the future is paradise, then bitterly concludes it's hell, then settles down somewhere in between. Electric lights + antibiotics = great! No platonic cuddling tho?? :( :( :(

This cuts me to the heart, but I think I'm also going to have to cut the bit where they visit a department store, where Russell falls in love with the escalator and asks excitedly if homes have escalators now.

[minutia_r]

Awwww, poor Russell. They should!