This latest novel has proven to be a different approach to writing. I haven’t so much as written chapter by chapter as outlined each chapter and went over and over each one adding as I go. I don’t know how I feel about the approach, but it seems like what is needed for this story. Each pass brings more depth to character and a better understanding of story and place. Early in the writing there were characters who were wholly undefined, and now as I go through I find that I understand more of them and their motivations. That is moving me to rewrite portions and add in places, making it a deeper and better rounded out story. I didn’t do this at all with the last novel in the series and it shows. I have at least one character who feels more like an outline or a caricature or simply and archetype of what she could be. Given that she is also not the lead in this novel, I could save her POV for the last one in this particular series. What’s funny is I treated the first novel like a one-off, and now it is two and possibly 3-4. The more I write, the more I know about the characters and more I become attached to them as people. That is, I think, what is supposed to happen to writers when they take the time and energy to really sink into the craft.
Some Thoughts:
- Health continues to deteriorate. Blood pressure to heart rate ratio is showing signs of hardening arteries and weakening heart muscles. I haven’t done any real exercise in a year and, until a month ago, I hadn’t even attempted a short jog. Like not even 20 ft. Well, I need to fall back into that action. No. If I want to get healthy I need to push myself back in. I’m going to try all avenues–including VR to keep myself engaged in getting right. Without effort I am lost.
- Kids start coming back today. It was an amazing feeling to have the house to me and my partner. Definitely fun while it lasted.