The Blog
Writing, Editing, and Publishing process for 2021-22 Fellows Project
I am on chapter 4 of the novel. I have shifted focus from writing to my summer assignments because I have to get those done before school starts. The work for my 4 AP classes has definitely built up. My summer job just ended, and these few weeks before school starts will be spent on writing for my novel and creative writing class.
The book I am reading for English (Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott) has been a great resource to my writing process. It has taught me how to properly develop each character. One of the best pieces of advice I took from it was to include a piece of myself in every character. That way, I will be passionate for each of the characters and they will become more relatable. A new question I have for the story is whether I should include accents or not. Anne Lamott recommends avoiding using dialects, but I think it will give my characters personality. So far, I have a Scottish guard and a Brittish love interest. When I go to read and edit, I will make sure it comes across clearly to the reader.
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I have completed chapter 3. I am definitely behind schedule, but I am not upset with my progress. I am realizing that the writing process will be the majority of my project and the publishing will have to come later. As of right now, I am working on James' and Danny's escape from prison.
My biggest writing challenge so far is correctly developing James' character. He is dark, closed-off, and broody, which is hard for me to portray. Right now, he is annoyed at Danny, but still wants to help her. I have to figure out why he wants to help her as well as his entire back story. Why did he age? Who is his mom? Where was he born? My plan is to not worry too much about his character and come back to the minor details in a later draft. I am still definitely struggling with getting writing time in. I am currently working 6 days a week, 8 hours a day and have to complete a ton of homework for my AP classes. My focus has been on getting my summer work out of the way so I can completely focus on the writing. I have really enjoyed sitting down and writing, and it is super cool to have the opportunity to create my own world. |