50118. Words, that is.
I have crossed the finish line, although I’ve been limping for about a week. I’d wager the last 10K words I’ve written will never see print, casualties or sacrifices given to the altar of constructive criticism and the editor’s practiced eye.
I’d hoped, yet again, to write much more today. Accustomed to easy-flowing words and scenes, I’ve come to the hard part of writing. What was once effortless is now a hard, grinding endurance trial. What was fun is now work, and not the kind of labor for which I receive ready compensation.
But looking back over the last two weeks, I got paid in advance. I was, and am, a writer again. I am creating, weaving life into intangible concepts, putting words and dialog and emotions into people who exist only in my mind.
They live inside 50118 words, backed up across several platforms of plastic, wires, and uncaring electrons. Behind a technological barrier they live and thrive, waiting for me to visit them again and tell them what to do.
Tomorrow, we will meet, exchange pleasantries and go to work. They will ask me how their days were, and I will tell them stories of memories they’ve yet to remember.
I am a writer. It’s what I do.
so really, 50118 and counting.
Posted November 17th, 2009. Add a comment
So in the last two days, I may well have written more words about writing than I’ve officially commited to the page.
1100 and change on Thursday, and 700 in one 30 minute sprint after a quite excellent dinner with my friends Shelly, Mark and Kij Friday night.
After waking up (or rather, giving up on the concept after a few hours) with a very clear plan of the next 20k or so words Thursday morning, the excuse fairy came to visit me, leaving behind a host of reasons to do other things like watch movies, do laundry, and go shopping for groceries.
Well, fooey. The 700 just now flowed fast and free, and I really should be continuing it instead of writing more about how I was writing less.
Bright and early tomorrow, I’ll be baking bread and continuing the process. Just starting this section, getting the words out of my brain into a “permanent” format is a relief.
There should be some measure of restful sleep tonight, after which more words, more progress, and more internets.
43k and climbing. Now giving serious thought about where to sell it over the winter, assuming I find an agent to help it grow and prosper.
A topic for another time. Punjab just pulled Annie off the bridge, Rooster’s in custody, and the sun might just come out tommorow.
Posted November 14th, 2009. Add a comment
Books
Kill your TV
Madness
Rants