Ahhh~ After so long Chapter 2is finally complete. It feels so... liberating. I feel like I'm on a victory rush right now. Getting this laptop to dedicate to writing alone has been the single greatest thing I've done for this. Honestly. I've managed to put out almost 3000 words the past 3 days alone, and this is mostly while on the way to work/at work/on my way home. Like... I never knew I could be so productive.
I know before I said I would probably rework my story outline at this point, but I feel like I have enough direction for the next chapter or two that I shouldn't put off continuing when I feel my creative juices overflowing.
Lanouette, I can't thank you enough for this greatness you've bestowed upon me!
Chapter Count: 2/?
Word Count: 21558/120000
To celebrate here's an bit of conversation between Deflorin and her best friend, Setangha.
"Well, your whole plan is based on the sole fact that this Bartalomew guy is being honest with you. He could just be feeding us false information. He IS a bandit after all."
"I doubt it Seta, considering what I offered him for the info."
"What did you do now?" she sighed and took in a long drink of her stein.
"Well... we kind of need to stop by the stockades on our way out tonight..." I looked down and muttered as quickly and quietly as I could, "and break him out of there."
A spray of ale and coughing filled the air between us. I wiped the residue from my face with the bottom of my skirt.
"We have to what? Are you mad? Why would you even do that!" she yelled between gasps of air. Her face was a light hue of pink rage. She was one of those girls who was quite cute when she was angry, not that I liked making her that way.
"He seems like a decent enough guy, and I quite doubt that he's a legit bandit."
"Hello Deflorin! He's been hanging out with a bunch of brigands and harassing innocent villagers for the past month, doing nothing but causing us poor townsfolk nothing but trouble. Why could you possibly think he's any different?"
"He's quite well groomed and decent looking"
She rolled her eyes exaggeratedly and sat back, "So he's attractive? Great reasoning there."
"Yeah but most bandits aren't. They're vile, rank, ugly men who are usually creepy and have their clothing tatters. If Bart's an actual bandit then he's by far the best dressed and smelling bandit I've ever met. King of the bandits even! I honestly think he's just some kind of mercenary who was down on his luck and took an easy, incredibly well paying job that came his way."
Setangha rolled her eyes quite visibly at my argument, "Because that's much better than a bandit."
"I'm also pretty sure he's married. Ever met a married bandit before?" I pleaded with her, pushing aside my building annoyance.
"Married?" she sighed and shook her head, "Of course in a situation like interrogation you'd notice something like that."
"All I'm saying is the only jewelry he was wearing was a relatively simple looking wedding band on his ring finger. Plus when I hit on him he didn't seem interested."
Setangha just stared at me now like she couldn't believe what was coming out of my mouth. She took her time musing her next response, seemingly in deep thought until she finally answered me, "Just because someone isn't interested in you doesn't mean he's married."
She yelped suddenly when my leg kicked out under the table at her.
"Ok, ok I'm sorry! Jeez..." she lamented as she rubbed her wound. "Even you have to admit though, your arguments really aren't that persuasive."
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Interesting times & new directions
So the past few weeks have been an odd sort, ranging from productive to downright now that great. Had surgery on the 20th which wasn't so bad. Then there was visit to the ER because of problems related to said surgery which sucked. Much progress has been made since I last posted!
Chapter 2 is almost wrapped up and though I need to re-work the current conversation a bit it's coming along quite well. I'm excited because after this is an action scene and it's been quite a while since I've been able to do one (they're probably my best works). I also sort of fixed my own issue with having so much written out of my word goal total and feeling like I haven't made much progress on my overall story. I've decided in the interest of keeping the story simple to split up its current incarnation into two shorter novels with a shared overall plot, yet also having their own self-contained storylines. I feel that this way I'm able to convey the story without feeling either rushed because I had to cram everything into a small book or feel like I'm pushing the limits of possibly having it drawn out by having the story be so long. I think it's a happy compromise and feel like it's going to work really well and let me focus more.
I also yesterday received the laptop from my friend! I'm still so excited about it. I've pretty much gotten her set up at this point how I need it for writing. No Internet? Check. yWriter? Check. Automatic background changing program? Check! I still need to install a dictionary/thesaurus on it as well as grab copies of my Google doc works and put them on her, but the basics are there. I even got to take her out for a writing session today with the missus at Second Cup. I'll admit, I felt like a bit of a hipster being there writing while my wife read. It was so productive though, just as planned. Now for the big test tomorrow on the way to/at/on the way home from work. I'm thinking it's going to be awesome.
I am thinking once chapter 2 is officially done I'll re-work my story outline to better fit the new direction. But that's just me getting ahead of myself. Here's to a more productive, laptop writing future!
Now to just figure out what I'll name her...
Word count: 19586/120000 - 16.3%
Chapter 2 is almost wrapped up and though I need to re-work the current conversation a bit it's coming along quite well. I'm excited because after this is an action scene and it's been quite a while since I've been able to do one (they're probably my best works). I also sort of fixed my own issue with having so much written out of my word goal total and feeling like I haven't made much progress on my overall story. I've decided in the interest of keeping the story simple to split up its current incarnation into two shorter novels with a shared overall plot, yet also having their own self-contained storylines. I feel that this way I'm able to convey the story without feeling either rushed because I had to cram everything into a small book or feel like I'm pushing the limits of possibly having it drawn out by having the story be so long. I think it's a happy compromise and feel like it's going to work really well and let me focus more.
I also yesterday received the laptop from my friend! I'm still so excited about it. I've pretty much gotten her set up at this point how I need it for writing. No Internet? Check. yWriter? Check. Automatic background changing program? Check! I still need to install a dictionary/thesaurus on it as well as grab copies of my Google doc works and put them on her, but the basics are there. I even got to take her out for a writing session today with the missus at Second Cup. I'll admit, I felt like a bit of a hipster being there writing while my wife read. It was so productive though, just as planned. Now for the big test tomorrow on the way to/at/on the way home from work. I'm thinking it's going to be awesome.
I am thinking once chapter 2 is officially done I'll re-work my story outline to better fit the new direction. But that's just me getting ahead of myself. Here's to a more productive, laptop writing future!
Now to just figure out what I'll name her...
Word count: 19586/120000 - 16.3%
Sunday, May 15, 2011
... and scene!
17844/150000
Scene 2 of 3 1/2 for chapter 2 is complete, and it went incredibly well. Once I got the bandit character issue sorted out everything fell into place like a well played game of Tetris. It's sort of becoming intimidating though, because I'm pretty sure the last bits of this chapter are going to put me well above my chapter word goal of 10k per chapter. I'm not even really sure what that means, if anything. I know I've heard around that a lot of publishers tend to only look for 120-150kish words from a new writer, but I need to look into the whole thing more.
I think I'm probably just over thinking things and I'll be totally fine. Maybe rework my story outline? Best bet would probably be to get into some writing communities and find out whats what from them.
Definitely sounds like I've got a goal for the week!
Scene 2 of 3 1/2 for chapter 2 is complete, and it went incredibly well. Once I got the bandit character issue sorted out everything fell into place like a well played game of Tetris. It's sort of becoming intimidating though, because I'm pretty sure the last bits of this chapter are going to put me well above my chapter word goal of 10k per chapter. I'm not even really sure what that means, if anything. I know I've heard around that a lot of publishers tend to only look for 120-150kish words from a new writer, but I need to look into the whole thing more.
I think I'm probably just over thinking things and I'll be totally fine. Maybe rework my story outline? Best bet would probably be to get into some writing communities and find out whats what from them.
Definitely sounds like I've got a goal for the week!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tally and things
17237/150000 as of waking this morning.
Not bad considering I only just started up again yesterday. Would be more if this scene wasn't such a pain. I'm pretty sure I'm on my third try at it and it still needs... something. I've got a decent enough framework but now need to reinforce it. I really don't know how within (or without) the bounds of my 'make a note and fix it up later' editing strategy. It's not like days after I'm thinking I need to go back and rewrite a whole scene. Just parts of what I'm writing at the moment, so I think I'm ok.
I'm still sorta baffled by how minor, nameless character has become a somewhat important named person who'll most likely be a recurring character later on, if not in RotDS then at least in another Demongate adventure. I think I have my wife to thank for that and not in a sarcastic way! She really gives me good ideas/advice/guidance for my writing sometimes.
Off to get more done now~
Not bad considering I only just started up again yesterday. Would be more if this scene wasn't such a pain. I'm pretty sure I'm on my third try at it and it still needs... something. I've got a decent enough framework but now need to reinforce it. I really don't know how within (or without) the bounds of my 'make a note and fix it up later' editing strategy. It's not like days after I'm thinking I need to go back and rewrite a whole scene. Just parts of what I'm writing at the moment, so I think I'm ok.
I'm still sorta baffled by how minor, nameless character has become a somewhat important named person who'll most likely be a recurring character later on, if not in RotDS then at least in another Demongate adventure. I think I have my wife to thank for that and not in a sarcastic way! She really gives me good ideas/advice/guidance for my writing sometimes.
Off to get more done now~
Friday, May 6, 2011
Return of the Dragonslayer - Character Profile 01: Deflorin
With the power of guts and courage I've managed to brave through all 57 episodes of GaoGaiGar and FINAL, and all I can say is holy crap. Hot blood and manly tears were shed!
And now we can finally move on. My good friend is giving me his old tablet next week and I can kick off the start of writing again with an effecient bang. In the mean time I have a fun little update today. See, half of the point of this blog is to post about the writing and documenting the process while the other half is to give out information and background about the story and world itself. It wont be limited to the current project either, mostly because I have ADD when it comes to working on something, and I figure it'll be far better to contribute to the overall works of Demongate than to go on an unrelated tangent. What better way to get you into the world than to bombard you with stuff about it I say!
So who better to begin this informative series with than one of the main protagonists from 'Return of the Dragonslayer'. The art is by my good friend Andy Kluthe (who's DeviantArt page is http://dejitarudavis.deviantart.com ). He's got an awesome variety of styles, and his current geek-pop culture comics are deliciously hilarious. Many thanks to him!
Name: Deflorin
Age: 44
Occupation: Proprietor and Head Wench of 'The Adventurer's End' Inn & Tavern
"While drying myself off I headed back to my room to complete my preparation for the day. After some arduous decisions in regards to my wardrobe for the day I made a decision: a cerulean pesant's skirt hemmed from full to knee length with a shortsleeved cotton blouse beneath a leather underbust corset. The last necessity to get on were my old, bulky adventurers boots. As per usual I needed to sit down on my bed to equip the thigh high monstrosities, but I'll be damned if they weren't the best pair of footwear I own. There's just something about the level of quality and comfort put into a boot that's meant for walking across the continent, back, and fighting hordes of enemies along the way that can't even be compared to something made for farming or just looking fashionable. I caught a glance of myself in my full length mirror with the towel still draped over my hair. The terry cloth barely covered the raven mane that trailed down to just beyond the curve of my bottom, which says a lot of its length considering I stand a few inches over six feet tall. Emerald eyes that easily rivaled the stone on my ornate golden neckpiece gazed back at me, showing more wisdom than I felt I had. I might not be as fit as I used to be but if the worst of what I have to show for it is some wrinkles, the occasional soreness, a few battle scars in plain sight (and an equal number hidden by clothing) and a squashed nose that's been broken a few too many times I can't be doing too bad."
10 years ago Deflorin settled down at a little crossroads settlement called Baraduke. After retiring from a youth of adventuring she now leads a normal, pleasant life living her dream of being ordinary serving girl at an incredibly popular drinking establishment. That's the impression she gives most of the travellers who come through her bar. Of course most people who've gotten to know her well don't believe it. Despite her age and carefree demenor she often gives the impression that she isn't someone to mess with, and for good reason. Deflorin's more than done her fair share of things to convince people she's trouble. Often times it's small things; stopping a cut-purse in the market, helping her bouncer throw out trouble starting mercs from her bar, things like that. And then there's the odd things that involve her that really make one wonder, like the stories of her heroic deeds during the defense of Baraduke during the Second Demon Invasion or the business trips she goes where she comes back with nothing more than a few goods and mending wounds. Despite the fact her warrior past never truely died, the secret of that past itself is
She's a very caring and protective person, especially when it comes to those who are close to her. Trust is the most important thing to her, almost more so than living her dream. She does everything in her power to make sure that those two things are maintained her her life.
And now we can finally move on. My good friend is giving me his old tablet next week and I can kick off the start of writing again with an effecient bang. In the mean time I have a fun little update today. See, half of the point of this blog is to post about the writing and documenting the process while the other half is to give out information and background about the story and world itself. It wont be limited to the current project either, mostly because I have ADD when it comes to working on something, and I figure it'll be far better to contribute to the overall works of Demongate than to go on an unrelated tangent. What better way to get you into the world than to bombard you with stuff about it I say!
So who better to begin this informative series with than one of the main protagonists from 'Return of the Dragonslayer'. The art is by my good friend Andy Kluthe (who's DeviantArt page is http://dejitarudavis.deviantart.com ). He's got an awesome variety of styles, and his current geek-pop culture comics are deliciously hilarious. Many thanks to him!
Name: Deflorin
Age: 44
Occupation: Proprietor and Head Wench of 'The Adventurer's End' Inn & Tavern
"While drying myself off I headed back to my room to complete my preparation for the day. After some arduous decisions in regards to my wardrobe for the day I made a decision: a cerulean pesant's skirt hemmed from full to knee length with a shortsleeved cotton blouse beneath a leather underbust corset. The last necessity to get on were my old, bulky adventurers boots. As per usual I needed to sit down on my bed to equip the thigh high monstrosities, but I'll be damned if they weren't the best pair of footwear I own. There's just something about the level of quality and comfort put into a boot that's meant for walking across the continent, back, and fighting hordes of enemies along the way that can't even be compared to something made for farming or just looking fashionable. I caught a glance of myself in my full length mirror with the towel still draped over my hair. The terry cloth barely covered the raven mane that trailed down to just beyond the curve of my bottom, which says a lot of its length considering I stand a few inches over six feet tall. Emerald eyes that easily rivaled the stone on my ornate golden neckpiece gazed back at me, showing more wisdom than I felt I had. I might not be as fit as I used to be but if the worst of what I have to show for it is some wrinkles, the occasional soreness, a few battle scars in plain sight (and an equal number hidden by clothing) and a squashed nose that's been broken a few too many times I can't be doing too bad."
10 years ago Deflorin settled down at a little crossroads settlement called Baraduke. After retiring from a youth of adventuring she now leads a normal, pleasant life living her dream of being ordinary serving girl at an incredibly popular drinking establishment. That's the impression she gives most of the travellers who come through her bar. Of course most people who've gotten to know her well don't believe it. Despite her age and carefree demenor she often gives the impression that she isn't someone to mess with, and for good reason. Deflorin's more than done her fair share of things to convince people she's trouble. Often times it's small things; stopping a cut-purse in the market, helping her bouncer throw out trouble starting mercs from her bar, things like that. And then there's the odd things that involve her that really make one wonder, like the stories of her heroic deeds during the defense of Baraduke during the Second Demon Invasion or the business trips she goes where she comes back with nothing more than a few goods and mending wounds. Despite the fact her warrior past never truely died, the secret of that past itself is
She's a very caring and protective person, especially when it comes to those who are close to her. Trust is the most important thing to her, almost more so than living her dream. She does everything in her power to make sure that those two things are maintained her her life.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Word count
16810/150000
This should definitely improve once I get this laptop issue resolved, which may be a lot sooner than I thought since one of my close friends offered me his old tablet. Also need to finish this GaoGaiGar marathon. 29/49 on that, so that wont take much longer I think. Yay progress!
This should definitely improve once I get this laptop issue resolved, which may be a lot sooner than I thought since one of my close friends offered me his old tablet. Also need to finish this GaoGaiGar marathon. 29/49 on that, so that wont take much longer I think. Yay progress!
Distractions
So I'm here in Montreal, helping some friends move this weekend. That's not the reason I've been not writing though. Marathonning GaoGaiGar is. On the plus side in the past few days I've made it to episode 24/49 so I'm burning through it, but it's at the cost of not being able to do my bus writing. Yeah I could balance it out, but then I feel like I'd be doing 2 things half assed which is something heroes never do!
Good news though! In a few weeks I'm going to my dad's place for the long weekend and he's going to help me get my old laptop working again! Which means hardcore writing can begin! Bwahaha. With the rebirth of Seraphrim as Sera Apocrypha I shall be unstoppable.
That's the theory at least. Time will tell. Word count update later when I get home.
Good news though! In a few weeks I'm going to my dad's place for the long weekend and he's going to help me get my old laptop working again! Which means hardcore writing can begin! Bwahaha. With the rebirth of Seraphrim as Sera Apocrypha I shall be unstoppable.
That's the theory at least. Time will tell. Word count update later when I get home.
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