Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Novel Support Group 8/14

This is topic Novel Support Group 8/14 - 8/20 in forum Hatrack Groups at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :

quote:
Welcome to this week's Novel Support Group. Anyone can join. If you're new, tell us a bit about who you are and what project you are working on. Feel free to update the NSG Work in Progress thread with your current projects. Although we can report on any number of things, here is a list of suggestions (suggestions welcomed).

What were your goals last week and did you accomplish them?
Describe what you worked on.
Set goals for next week.
Did you learn something during this week?

Here is a list of things that you can do each week as we work on our novels (suggestions welcomed).

Writing on a novel
Characterization
World Building
Relevant research

=-=-=-=-=

As for me:

Last Week's Goals:

MAGE STORM: Think about what else I could do with this story.
Not much thinking this week. [Frown]

THE SHAMAN'S CURSE/THE VOICE OF PROPHECY: Nothing for this week.
Easy one. [Smile]

BEYOND THE PROPHECY: Finish formatting. Set release date. Put up for pre-order. Continue polishing edit.
All complete, including the polishing edit. [Big Grin]

MAGIC'S WARRIOR (temporary working title of DUAL MAGICS Book 4): On hold for the revisions to BEYOND THE PROPHECY.
Get back into this one by reading the chapters already completed.
Not yet. [Frown]

OTHER:
Update my blog twice a week.
Yes. [Smile]

Next Week's Goals:

MAGE STORM:
Think about what else I could do with this story.

THE SHAMAN'S CURSE/THE VOICE OF PROPHECY:
Start thinking about promotions surrounding the release of BEYOND THE PROPHECY.

BEYOND THE PROPHECY:
Format the print version. Start planning promotions surrounding the release.

MAGIC'S WARRIOR (temporary working title of DUAL MAGICS Book 4): On hold for the revisions to BEYOND THE PROPHECY.
Get back into this one by reading the chapters already completed.

OTHER:
Update my blog twice a week.

Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :

The problem with being a JOAT (Jack Of All Trades) is that when a multi-discipline mechanical and operational conundrum arises, who they gonna call? Me apparently. Unfortunately this left me with little time or enthusiasm for writing--I was physically stuffed for four days. But I did manage to sort of get some stuff done:

Last Week's Goals:

It’s time to fully develop Bartholomew Prinn’s character. I'm actually looking for that elusive catalyst which will turn coward into hero on a dime--and still make inevitable sense.

Nope, didn't happen. [Frown]

Block out my essay on Why have a war at all? and work on its implications in storytelling.

I wrote my arguments in support of my studied opinion on what war is and why they start; then handed it off to a beta reader. Surprisingly, he didn't find my theories contentious; do I need to try harder? [Big Grin]

But I failed to do any work on translating those theories into storytelling. [Frown]

This Week's Goals:

Again: It’s time to fully develop Bartholomew Prinn’s character. I'm actually looking for that elusive catalyst which will turn coward into hero on a dime--and still make inevitable sense.

Work on translating my theories about why have a war at all into concepts and advice that can be used in storytelling.

Phil.

Posted by Disgruntled Peony (Member # 10416) on :

Over the last month or so of not posting updates here, I've found myself wrestling with the idea that my first novel, whatever I choose to write about, will probably be crap and that I will get better as I continue. The problem, specifically, is that I have tons of story ideas but I value them all and the idea of relegating one to "badness" simply so I can learn is difficult.

I know. That's basically the exact opposite of what that theory is supposed to do. My brain just works in weird ways. XP

Posted by wetwilly (Member # 1818) on :

11 chapters into my online serial, Alpha. Enjoying the process so far. Didn't write a new chapter last week, though, so now I have to write 2 chapters this week to catch up. A bit of a challenge, considering this is the first week of school, but doable.

Feel free to check it out. If you enjoy it, new readers are always nice.

http://jukepop.com/home/read/8654?chapter=1

Posted by Disgruntled Peony (Member # 10416) on :

Alpha has proven enjoyable to me so far, just for the record, and I've started to notice some improvements in your writing style as the story has progressed.

Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :

Disgruntled Peony, you can always go back and redo the sacrificed idea, once you've learned what you need to learn to make it work.

Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :

Absolutely. What kdw said. [Smile]

If you look way back in the archives, you'll see that the first book I attempted after getting serious about writing was THE SHAMAN'S CURSE. That's the same book I published last year. And the same book that earned me membership in SFWA.

Posted by Disgruntled Peony (Member # 10416) on :

This, it is true. ...Okay, then. I'm going to (wo)man up and make things happen. XD

New goal: Finish the outline for 'Sanguine', my Weird West story, because that sounds like the most fun right now.

Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :

Good idea. Writing what appeals to you most is more likely to come through to the readers. If you're having fun with it, they'll feel that.