2-23-2011

So, here we are back up to speed on what is happening! Unfortunately not everything that I wrote in my entries will make sense to everyone until they read the book. In regards to my progress on the publishing journey, I have been denied by various publishers and agents. No surprise, it's because I sent it out much too soon - heck! chances are I won't get accepted right away even when it's in tiptop shape. That's how it works. Only the devoted (or exceptionally skilled slackers) can get it right without a bit of effort.
I'm really hoping to get a contract with Baen Books. They seem like a good press, and I would be delighted to have them work with me. All I can do is give it me best shot though.
As for the actual progress of my novel, editing for the first Augment scene is still underway. It shouldn't be too much longer until I'm able to move on, though. I need to step up in everything. I'm slacking immensely - even in classes. I'm going to fail math if I don't be careful. Tomorrow is certainly a homework day. No writing :(

2-18-2011

Still working on IX. I had a bit of writer’s block, but Sarah gave me a few ideas that really helped. I’m trying to get it finished, but I’m usually too tired after school to work on it. Although that might not be a problem soon, as I may not be able to afford classes next semester. If that’s the case, I’ll have more time to work on the book. I guess that is my silver lining, though it doesn’t seem like much.

            Sarah accidentally read my secret project the other day. Oh well, I guess, it can’t be helped now.

            Sorry, I’m a bit down. Not much else to say.

2-7-2011

I didn’t work on my book at all yesterday, as yesterday was a fearful day. Normally I don’t write about anything that doesn’t pertain to my novel, but I feel yesterday’s events were noteworthy. See, yesterday (I’m saying that word a lot, aren’t I?) was the day I almost lost Avery, my precious kitten. My cousin was allowed to choose one cat from our property, and she just so happened to take a liking to mine. By the end of the day, however, I think it was pretty clear that I didn’t wish to part with her – and so in my care she remains. I haven’t told her yet, but she gets to go to the vet and get spayed soon. But, you know, I think she is up to something – she’s been snooping around my desk an awful lot lately and keeps asking unusual questions. I think she’s acting out because I’ve been so busy with my book.

            In regards to my writing progress, I am now working on Chapter IX. Chapter VIII was a success (which, by the way, my cousin told me how to pronounce the chapter title: Escaparse). So in VIII Argent and Whisker, with the help of several fakers, decide to make a break for it. Leaf comes to the rescue, though, when things get tight. At first Freeda wasn’t going to be helpful at all – I was going to put her completely on Alma’s side. But I felt bad tying her up to the post, so I decided to let her help, and it is she who destroys Alma’s mark…so that’s a bit ironic. Time to get to work and finish XI. I’m struggling with the trial, but I’ll work something out!

            I went to a thrift store with Sarah and Uncle Pete last week as well, where we were mesmerized by the collection of antiques. I fell in love with two teddy bears: a blue one and a brown one. They were perfect! I just had to buy them (along with a baby dress – even though I don’t have children). Anyhow, Sarah named the blue one Babrouche and the brown one Norris. So if you’re wondering how Norris got his name, it is thanks to my sister and the cute antique shop.

1-22-2011

I just finished Chapter VII, and jeez, what happened? I think about a dozen characters joined the party (well, maybe not quite so many – unless you count faceless characters). So, now there is this new character named Mother Alma (where she came from I don’t know). Argent and Whisker were kidnapped by what I originally anticipated would be another spirit, but when Argent woke up, the strange man was suddenly a psychotic woman who kidnaps children. I have reason to believe that this idea originated from a dream I had a while back, in which a woman kidnapped children because she didn’t have her own. Of course that dream ended tragically, as my father turned into a vampire and my little brother turned into a sack of bananas. But that’s beside the point.

            I have also introduced a boy named Shanahan, who helps everyone escape from Mother Alma. And I must mention the little Spanish girl – who has no name. She’s a bit harder to work with because I don’t really know Spanish. But it’s an interesting experience and I’m glad I decided to do it.

            Well, I worked on a scene from later on in the book because I had an idea and wanted to get it out before it started to fade. Well, it did anything but fade. A few intended verbal insults turned into a somewhat violent scene – what is titled The Broken Bow Scene in my computer. Readers may become somewhat appalled with Leaf, but I still love him more than anyone can, and I know he’s really a good character.

            I have been drawing character pictures, which actually sounds like fun right now…I’m going to go do that instead…

1-13-2011

Whose idea was it to add Serpentarious to the zodiac? Now I’m going to have a slight problem with the set-up of the astrology in the character profiles. Sarah had most of it down, now we’re going to have to start all over (not to mention that I’m quite upset about being an Aries now. Sarah has taken up the habit of pointing out any Aries traits she sees in me…her sign is still Aries). I may decide to keep it as it is with a note of its origin.

            Anyhow, I started working on the revisions of Chapter VII. I’m not sure how I’m going to make it work yet. I may just include the Augment explanation scene in this chapter, or I may end up including the actual runaway scene. I suppose it depends on the length of the explanation.

            I don’t know what’s going on with the teddy bear. It keeps popping up of its own accord. Maybe it will come to symbolize something. Maybe it will remain as an ill-treated plaything. Who’s to say?

1-5-2011

Writing in my journal yesterday impelled me to do some actual writing. I put together a new scene in the middle of Ch. V. It is a brief meeting between Ixion and Cian, but Cian’s identity is not revealed. It is his first appearance in the series. I decided not to make him too well-spoken. I want him to have a true human aspect so that readers can better relate to him and his actions.

            I also finally figured out what to do about Aria. Of course, it wouldn't be right for me to mention it here and spoil the book.

            I am now preparing to work on the Illusion Scene, involving Argent, Whisker, and the illusion of Jeremiah. It will be the first indication that Whisker has a demon in her past. I had planned on cutting out the scene where Whisker tells Argent about her father, but decided to keep it in, and use it to first introduce Jeremiah. I’m not quite sure how that will fit with the battle in Valhalla, because of the short scuffle between the father and child, but I’ll work something out.

            I’m pondering the idea of letting Argent meet the king in Book I, but haven’t made up my mind, because I don’t want to reveal too much. Then again, there is already a surprise overload in just the first two or three chapters of the second book, and I’m sure it could use some alleviation. There is so much to work out and so much to squeeze together. Hopefully after I comb through it a few times it will all fit comfortably. But one can only try.  

1-4-2011

Christmas has come and gone. Uncle Pete gave me two new books on the topic of writing, both of which will be quite useful in the editing of Book I (and in the composition of Books II and III). Truth be told, I haven’t really worked on my book in a while. I mean to, I’m just not having much luck with it…at least not good luck. I’m not experiencing writer’s block, either, because I know what’s going to happen (duh! It’s and edit); I’m lacking motivation. I think the winter is getting to me. I’m too busy sleeping all the time, to get in even an hour of writing. But never to fear, the overdose of sleep has given me many new ideas. I still can’t work out what’s happening with Aria in Book I. Should she be alerted about her children, or is this bright woman really dull enough not to take note of what happened? And if she does find out, what causes her not to take action? This could also mean giving up a lot of what happens in Ch. III of Book II. It’s such a struggle.

            The character profiles have been given astrological signs. Each character has a sun and a moon sign. Sarah (who is astrological savvy) has been helping me to determine which signs will be best for the characters.