In Memoriam: 50k in 50 Days

Yesterday was meant to be the final day of 50k in 50 Days. 

I failed.

But then again, maybe I didn't.

My final word count was 9,314.  That's more than I've ever written on any one piece. I think it's a good start on a novel, and has given me hope that my ideas really can be expanded enough to fill a whole book.

And the writing-without-editing process really helped me out.  I tend to be a bit obsessive as I write, and nitpick sentences, etc.  This means I usually only do one draft, but it can take ages.  My usual method would still have me stuck in the first thousand words.

It's also made this whole "being a writer" thing a bit more real.  Getting up and writing everyday (when I was still on the wagon) really did something to boost my ego.  I still didn't go around telling people I was a writer (partially in fear that they would ask me what I was writing), but it made it more real to myself. 

Thank you, Sarah, for giving me the opportunity and the push I needed to get started.

Maybe next time, I'll just start with 20k in 20 days instead.

Wannabe Writer #26

Click for Origin of the Meme

Where I am in the writing process:
Still unpublished, but I've sent off two short stories for possible publication.  HOping to hear something positive soon.

My current problem:
Time.  Isn't it always?  Right now is prime visiting time from family members, and in a couple of weeks I'm going on vacation for a week.  I find little bits of time here and there, but not enough to keep up with 50k in 50 Days.

My question:
How do you make characters' motives clear without spelling it out for the reader?  I have a lot of mixed characters in my current WIP.  They aren't fully good or bad.  For example, one of my characters is Lucifer, and while he's evil, he does have moments where he's sweet or funny.  So how do I show his mixed motives without making it too boring for the reader?

Would you keep reading?

Here's the opening of my (as yet) un-named Lilith novel.   I just wanted some feedback (I haven't revised or edited, so feel free to point out typos, etc) and see if you would keep reading.

Chapter One
“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Gen 1:31 KJV

I opened my eyes that first day, not knowing what a day was.  Not knowing who I was, or what that delicious warmth enveloping me was.  It was my first day, but it was the world’s sixth day.  I sat up and looked around me.

It would be hard for me to describe Eden to you in words that you can understand.  Think about the most beautiful garden.  One that’s full of life and color, without the need of retaining walls, pesticides, or laying out of beds.  The way the flowers grow naturally is perfect.  You don’t need to do anything but breath in the beauty.

My surroundings were overwhelming at first.  Not because the scene was so beautiful (in fact it was the most beautiful place I’ve seen since then as well), but simply because things were.  As I stood up and turned in a circle, tears fell from my eyes.

My breath caught as I saw a tan, soft figure lying on the ground.  I wasn’t scared, just surprised.  It’s eyes were closed and it’s chest was falling up and down.  I started to walk around this beautiful place, slightly wobbly, like a new-born colt.  

Soon however, I was bounding around, a beautiful sound coming from my throat as I flitted from tree to flower and finally to a small creek.

I looked into the water and saw a tan figure reflected at me.  It was similar to the figure on the ground, but curvier, finer boned.  I smiled and it smiled.  I reached out and touched the water, breaking the surface.

“How do you like your home?” A voice asked behind me.

I jumped up and turned around.  Standing there was a creature like me, but vastly different.  He was tall, muscled, but other than that, it was hard to tell.  His features kept shifting.  First he was dark, then light, then with long yellow hair, then short white hair.  No matter the face he had, he was smiling in a way that warmed me more than the sun or running around had.

“I do like it.” I stopped and frowned. “That’s not the right word.”

“Don’t worry, the right word will come.  Give me your hand, Lilith, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

I grasped his hand and followed him back to the other tan creature.  “This is Adam.  He’s to be your companion.”

I looked back up at this magical creature beside me and then back to this man, Adam.  “I’m not your companion?”

He laughed and hugged me.  “Yes and no.  I am a companion, but not in the way Adam is to be.  I made the two of you to be together.”  He let go of my hand and gestured for me to go to Adam.

Adam stared at me for a moment and then smiled.  “She is good, Father.”

“Yes, Adam she is.  Everything here is good.”

Wannabe Writer #25

Click on the picture for the origin.

Where I am in the writing process: 
Well, I'm five days deep into the 50k in 50 day challenge (so far I'm at 5174 words).  I've also been blogging a lot more regularly, and I submitted a story for publication.  My Associated Content articles are generating pretty steady (if low) numbers every day. I'm starting to feel like an actual writer!


My current problem:
I finished my first chapter pretty quickly.  It was a lot of fun to write (although it made me realize I won't be able to let all my family read it if when it gets published).  The second chapter is going a lot more slowly.  A problem with my writing is I don't always give the setting justice.  My novel is set in New Orleans, a city I love and have visited often, and I want to make it seem real to others.  But I feel like I'm getting bogged down in describing the setting.  Also, I have the novel outlined, but only vaguely, with the big scenes.  The little scenes getting from one section to the other are pretty difficult.

This week's question:
How do you balance exposition and description with action?