Famous Last Words: Week 15

This week I finally finished my novel!!! It seemed like I'd never make it to 50,000. I stayed up all night finishing it, but it's done. I can't really describe how relieved I feel. It'll be nice to read over it and edit during Christmas break. Now that I don't have deadlines for it, I think I'll be able to actually enjoy it.

I'm done with classes, but I have work until the 16th. Then I'm free! I hope everyone survives finals week. Luckily, as a writing major, I don't have any finals. I just have tons of writing. I finished my novel, wrote my last storybook entry, and now all I have left is a 15-page paper.

The paper is for my Arthurian Legend class. I'm doing a report on the Excalibur Hotel & Casino. In reality there is no reason why the paper should be 15 pages long. I could easily tell you everything you'd ever want to know in about 8, but those are the requirements. Honestly though, 15 pages is nothing after writing a novel. I find it easier to write academic papers, because (for me) it takes less mental energy. It's exhausting when I do creative writing.

Now that I'm done with my novel I can concentrate more on my internship. I write blog posts for a website called HelloHappyness.

My author's bio
(Personal screenshot)

The purpose of the site is to bring a smile or a laugh to peoples' days. Click on the link above if you'd like to check out my author's page on the site. It would be amazing if I could get a job writing these types of posts after I graduate. I like the idea of creating my own schedule and I already watch these types of videos so I might as well get paid for it!

Famous Last Word: Week 14

This week I reached the 44,000 mark on my novel! I only have 6,000 words left! It's going to be such a relief to have my story done. I like my story, but I feel like I've had to rush each week. Once I'm done I'm going to have to go back and make a lot of edits and improvements. There are a few scenes that I want to make longer and a couple that probably need to be trimmed down. There's also a lot more description of the setting that I'd like to add to make the world come to life more.

There is already one girl in my class who has finished her novel, made her edits, and self-published on Kindle. I'm happy for her but it makes me feel really behind. But most people in class are where I'm at, so we can commiserate with each other.

I plan on editing during Christmas break. I hope to have mine published before I graduate in May. I'll send it off to a few places, but if it doesn't get picked up by any publishers, I'll put it on Kindle too. I like the idea of self-publishing. It gives the author a lot more control.

I'm also going to work on my cover for my book. I have an idea of what I want, but I'm not the best artist. I'm currently trying to decide if I'd like to take a picture and manipulate it in Photoshop or if I should just pay someone to draw it for me. The name of my book (right now, it's subject to change) is Spark. My idea is to have two hands facing each other with a flame between them. It symbolizes an important part of my story.

Watch out for my book, (hopefully) coming Spring 2016!

Famous Last Words: Week 6

This week I reached the third milestone for my novel. I got an 83 on my first milestone and a 96 on the second. (I haven't got the third one back yet) I'm up to a whopping 12,000 words (60 pages). I knew it was going to be hard, but I feel like I'm running out of words to say. Between this class and my internship writing blogs, I have been writing non-stop! The good thing about writing non-stop is that knocking out a 1000 words is nothing now.

I have the entire novel mapped out, but once you delve into each scene it becomes more and more complex. I'm excited about the next scene of my story because my characters are finally exiting their home and encountering the outside world. The most difficult part for me has been finding my characters voices. It's easy to have your characters react just like you would, but that doesn't create interesting and dynamic characters.

I have 4,000 words due every Wednesday and one 6,000 word assignment. I've turned in all of my assignments so far, but I need to spend more time on them so that I'm actually satisfied with their content. I like my story idea, but the deadline has decreased the quality of my work, which frustrates me.

This week I also finally got payed at my new job. I work in the OU library in the ILL department. I work four days a week and it hasn't really occurred to me that I've been earning actual money. It's nice to see that all my hard work actually earns me something. I went out to eat at Pad Thai on Boyd St. to celebrate! They have amazing chicken pad thai.

I'll keep you guys updated on my continued novel progress. Hopefully I'll publish it on Kindle and you guys can buy it! :)

Famous Last Words: Week 3

This past week I finished up all the prep to begin my novel. I had to turn in a 1-page plot summary, a 10+ page "talking document," and 35-40 scenes from my novel.

The "talking document" is a discussion about my characters, their backstory, and scenes that I want to create. Essentially it can be anything. Its purpose is for me to get my ideas out of my mind and into a permanent place. It also allows my professor to see what I'm aiming for and help guide me there.

My 35-40 scenes was the most difficult assignment. It was hard to plan that far ahead, but I know that it's going to help me in the long run. When I read a book I'm always amazed at how clever the plots are. I want my book to have a few twists and turns that readers won't be expecting (maybe a character death or two!). I'm sure the plot will change a little bit as I write it, but I finally have all the major plot points planned out. And I'm pleased with the way my story shaped up.

I'm struggling to come up with character names that I actually like. Right now I just have filler names because I couldn't decide. I think character names are very important. They are the first thing your readers learn about your character and if the name sucks then it can be difficult for people to engage with the character. At the same time I know it's not the most important thing. Harry isn't an original or exciting name, but J.K. Rowling was able to craft him into a character that people love.

I'm thinking about creating a storyboard in my room with pictures of my characters and major plot points. I think it will help bring my characters to life and it's another way for me to brainstorm ideas.

On Wednesday I have the first 4,000 words of my novel due. I'm excited to finally start writing, but it's also intimidating. I'll keep you guys updated as I get further into the writing process!