We’re back from our little family break.
I vowed that I wouldn’t think about my writing for the few days we were away, and I didn’t… well, not technically!
Yes, I did venture into my reader… yes, I did draft a couple of posts… yes, I did manage to take part in the challenges I like to participate in, a few days later, but I did it.
But I didn’t open my WIP.
I was tempted.
I guess the urge was there, having picked up a real momentum last week, but I didn’t want to rush the end.
Having spent so long getting it to this stage, I didn’t want to mess things up!
I’ve mentioned this before, but as a blogger, I am truly a pantser! And somewhat the same when writing 80,000-word stories so it would seem!
I tend to write posts about what comes into my mind at that time, and not think too much.
With my story, it was the same. I mean I had a skeleton idea when the WIP was born, eighteen years ago, but that was it.
I managed to write brief character profiles for a couple of the main protagonists as well, around fourteen years ago, but that was it.
Last summer, I stepped totally out of my comfort zone.
I actually planned the whole thing. From start to finish!
And that is how I write too. I can’t jump from chapter to chapter, write the middle first, then add a preceding scene before bouncing to the end, then back again.
I need to go from the beginning of where a story starts, and build upon it, to a suitable end.
I am but a mere couple of chapters away from finishing this epic first draft, and I decided to take advantage of a bit of free time today, once we arrived home.
And I wrote.
Just a few hundred words, but it was something quite key to the ending.
Until I had a mental block.
Things weren’t flowing.
So I stopped, intent on starting up again properly, tomorrow.
Then, sitting here, my mind started to turn… how about I move that bit to there, and add this bit here, to make that scene lead into this one…
And then I got it.
That feeling.
Look at me, thinking about storylines and flowing…
Dang, maybe I really am a writer, instead of just a blogger who waffles on!
Onwards and upwards Peeps!
Here’s hoping I can finish this first draft by the end of the week… Now that would really be epic!
librepaley8
May 24, 2018 @ 19:31:53
As they say, just keep writing, even if you’re not ‘in the mood’.
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Ritu
May 24, 2018 @ 20:16:21
Thank you!
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Ritu
May 20, 2018 @ 21:57:38
Yes! First draft finished! I tweaked and got two alpha readers to give opinions. Got one set waiting on the other. It’s been very positive so far! Tgen I’ll do the rewrites!
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kaylaannauthor
May 20, 2018 @ 16:45:12
So did you finish?
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Cris
May 13, 2018 @ 18:24:44
Wow, I love your story board! I too am a “pantser” in my writing, but I’ve started thinking I could benefit from a tool like that. 😊
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Ritu
May 13, 2018 @ 18:30:57
Well it definitely helped to organise my thoughts!!!! 😊
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Mayur
Apr 15, 2018 @ 17:24:29
Congratulations
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Ritu
Apr 15, 2018 @ 17:27:16
Thank You!
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Mayur
Apr 15, 2018 @ 17:37:08
I try to write my through but I can’t do it. How I don’t know that.
I think have good encourage write a book
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Ritu
Apr 15, 2018 @ 17:42:05
Keep trying. The words will follow 😊
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Eric Klingenberg
Apr 11, 2018 @ 08:44:25
It’s a great feeling finishing that first draft. Then all the hard work begins!
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Ritu
Apr 11, 2018 @ 09:16:08
So everyone says lol! Nearing the end!!!
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Erika Kind
Apr 10, 2018 @ 18:36:23
Oh, I remember when I was about to finish my first book. I was editing here, adding there, changing, modifying… at one point, I needed to say: That’s it! And all that comes to my mind now will be stuff for the next book. Wishing you much joy during the birth process of your novella, sis.
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 19:01:51
Thank you dear sis 😍
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Erika Kind
Apr 10, 2018 @ 19:33:55
Aw, you are so welcome! This is such an exiting time💖
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Judy E Martin
Apr 10, 2018 @ 17:55:51
Keep going Sis, you have come along so much in such a short time, and are most definitely a writer! You are nearly at the end now and that in itself is a fantastic achievement. Well done! xxx
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 18:15:41
Thanks Sis! Can’t wait to post the “I finished!!!!” Announcement!
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Judy E Martin
Apr 10, 2018 @ 18:16:49
I can’t wait to hear it Sis!!! 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 18:33:08
🤗
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robbiesinspiration
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:26:31
I hope you do finish it this week, Ritu. It will at least be done and then you can get critiques and work on those during the next holiday. It is good planning.
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:43:34
Thanks Robbie!!! It’s definitely getting there!
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sidrawritez
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:23:01
Hello!
I’ve also been inspired by your storyboard and general attitude! Well done Ritu! Keep up the momentum xx
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:24:21
Thanks Sidra!!!! It’s so close!!!!!!
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fancypaperblog
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:22:41
Inspired by you Ritu xx genuinely
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:23:58
Aw thank you Orla! Seriously… it’s all of you who inspire … spur me on to continue ❣
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josypheen
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:18:51
Wow Ritu! You are totally a writer! I am so impressed by the storyboard and your determination. You’ll get there, and you have a large fan base already! 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:23:19
You guys are such an amazing support Josy! I just hope what I produced isn’t a total stinker after all these years! I may like it… but the general public may think it stinks!
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josypheen
Apr 10, 2018 @ 18:52:58
Nah. Don’t even consider that before you let us take a peek! I bet I’ll love it.
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 19:02:29
I sure hope so Josy! 😍
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Thelma Alberts
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:02:55
I like that writing/plan board of yours. You are well organized. Good luck with your book.
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 16:21:57
Thank you Thelma! The storyboard really helped!
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Claire Wong
Apr 10, 2018 @ 15:21:21
Love the story board layout Ritu, beautifully organised for all your ideas!
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 15:37:11
Thanks Claire! It definitely helped me. I filled in the timelines and attached photos too… and best thing… when I finish I can wipe it all off and start planning the next book lol!!!
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April Munday
Apr 10, 2018 @ 06:52:45
The end of the beginning is nigh. Well done.
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:54:29
Thanks April! I am really getting there!!!
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Aimer Boyz
Apr 10, 2018 @ 03:57:38
A story board? I’m so impressed. There is no way I could do that 🙂
Full speed ahead and good luck with the last few chapters 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:53:37
Thank you so much Aimer!
I would never have done it if it wasn’t for the encouragement of everyone here in my Blogishpere!
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syl65
Apr 10, 2018 @ 01:00:39
A lot of your blogily are cheering you on at the finish line Sister!!
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:51:19
And I am so grateful Brother! You are all the backbone of this writer Sister!
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syl65
Apr 10, 2018 @ 13:46:18
We appreciate you Sister!
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 13:52:14
😀 ❤
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Micki Allen
Apr 09, 2018 @ 23:49:39
Yay! Keep on keepin’ on, Girlfriend! xox
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:50:56
Thanks for the encouragement Micki!!!
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Simon
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:47:26
I hope you get it done! I have to say I think I need to plan out my story to get it written. I’m more than a bit useless, Sacha will scold me. 😲
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:49:58
It was partly that Sacha, and a couple of others who gee’ed me up to really do this! 😀
You can do it Simon!
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Simon
Apr 11, 2018 @ 08:25:01
Is that code for nagged you? 😉 Lol
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Ritu
Apr 11, 2018 @ 09:15:23
Shhh! 🤔But yes! 😂
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Simon
Apr 11, 2018 @ 09:42:05
I can imagine Sacha is very persuasive when she… Heck. She’s always persuasive 😂
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Ritu
Apr 11, 2018 @ 09:45:22
True dat!
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Simon
Apr 14, 2018 @ 22:03:41
😜
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Simon
Apr 11, 2018 @ 08:25:09
I hope so 😀
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manyofus1980
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:46:10
you can do it! you are a wonderful writer! heres hoping you finish it this week! ❤
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:49:24
I’m saving up all these good vibes, and hoping I can smash it!!! Thank you!
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A.
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:45:36
all the best.💜
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:49:02
Thank you !
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willowdot21
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:39:38
You can do do this Sis 💜💜💜💜
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:48:35
Thank you sis! ❤
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willowdot21
Apr 10, 2018 @ 09:16:13
💜
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Annette Rochelle Aben
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:34:50
You got this!
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:48:26
Thanks sis!!!
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Craig Kimbrough Positive Guru
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:31:39
Hello Ritu. I like your posts. Now having said that I believe that as long as you are writing, you are a writer. I especially believe that the more you are able to express how you think and feel in some sort of way in your writing, then you are truly a great writer. No matter how far it goes of how we are recognized after these things are all secondary, in my opinion. Peace and Blessings
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:48:17
Thank you for your words Craig!
I know what you mean… I’ve been ‘writing’ for a long time, but I guess this is my journey as an author, which feels like a writer of a different calibre!!!
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Craig Kimbrough Positive Guru
Apr 10, 2018 @ 10:59:02
I get what you are saying Ritu. It’s a whole new adventure! And it sounds like an enjoyable one, with new wonderful discoveries and accomplishments. I am in the early stages of a new one myself. It is always enjoyable reading your posts. I look forward to hearing or reading about more.
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 11:35:02
That is lovely of you to say!
Good luck with your new project too 🌝
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Grateful Single Mom
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:27:21
How exciting for you! I’ve just recently had this:
“And then I got it.
That feeling.”
It’s AMAZING! 😁
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:47:14
It’s kinda groundbreaking, in a personal way, to feel that way, isn’t it! 😀
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Grateful Single Mom
Apr 10, 2018 @ 09:37:39
Yes it is!
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Gary
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:00:23
Well, in my humble opinion, you’re sure sounding like one now Ritu! Story board indeed 😂
Hope your break was good and do you think it might get finished before school starts again?
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Ritu
Apr 09, 2018 @ 22:07:02
I know Gary, get me! Lol!
The break was just that, time away from home, and now we’re back to the grindstone of usual life (sans school).
I am really hoping that I can do it. Only a couple of chapters really, but they are key ones, so I don’t want to rush them!
Fingers crossed!!
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Gary
Apr 10, 2018 @ 03:24:28
Just think, after was it 18 years as an idea it’s all hanging now on a few chapters. So close it’s touchable.
I think one chapter would be good if you want to ensure it’s right. Mind you, first draft is bones of story. Editing will polish it better. You can do it Ritu #GaTu
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 08:52:56
I’m definitely an edit as I go person, so hope a lot of little niggles have been caught already. I’ll finish it (hopefully!) then put it to bed for a short while, before totally re-reading it, then the next journey will commence!!!!
Thank you so much Gary!
#GaTu
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Gary
Apr 10, 2018 @ 10:57:31
Lol, not something I do…if I hit a zone it just can’t do with being interrupted. I have tried that way, but you know how it is….do what works for you!
Either which way, it’s still a brilliant achievement! Proper proud of you #GaTu
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 11:34:25
Still not on it yet today… trying to get the kids on board… it arguing.. . Wanting to go out… so I can concentrate!
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Gary
Apr 10, 2018 @ 12:31:52
My advice here is don’t force it if life demands are not compliant. It gets you frustrated and tetchy. 18 years is worth a tiny wait now to ensure the momentum desire doesn’t muck it up lol
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 12:43:33
True! Still… on it now! Got 600 words done so far!
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Gary
Apr 10, 2018 @ 14:18:21
Lol, well that’s 600 less to go! PMA in action. I can feel the excitement from here though. Heck of a journey Ritu
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 14:46:00
I’ve signed off at over 80,000 words… that is an achievement in itself lol! Might get back to it later… or else tomorrow!
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Gary
Apr 10, 2018 @ 15:49:31
A good target, they say for first novels between 60 and 90k is the publishers preference…. if the trad route is the ambition 🤔
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 15:52:52
Hmmm! I may just fit that !
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Gary
Apr 10, 2018 @ 18:19:31
Lol, don’t worry King says final draft = first draft – 20% #editing 😂😂😂
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Ritu
Apr 10, 2018 @ 18:32:56
Aw the pain!!!!!! 😂
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