Celebrate with me, y'all!!!!! I finished last Saturday, May 12th, at 11:05am. I got up early. It was around 8 o'clock, and I dove into the final chapter. I meant to start the final chapter the previous day. My brother's birthday. But there was some cleaning up to do. I realized while I was handlin' otha people's newz that I loved the fact that I was down to the final chapter, but I had to go back and do some re-writes to the previous chapter. The final confrontation between the antagonist and the protagonists was tense, but it blew up into a cliche. So I scripted a proper scene and when I arrived home I re-wrote it. It didn't take long.
I only got about a line or two into the final chapter. I decided to rest on it for the night. There were a couple ways for the final chapter to play out that were in my head. All these possibilities of how the story could end, and I was looking for the most plausible. I didn't get much sleep that Friday night, and early Saturday morning I popped out of bed and started typing from the single sentence already written on the page. I had the ending, how it would logically play. One of the early outlines of the chapter, I was having trouble re-introducing a character back into the story. Not only did I have to re-introduce the character into the story, I had to catch them up on current events. But this was remedied with putting the character into the previous chapter and being part of the final confrontation with the antagonist. And this made much more sense, and it freed me up for more important bits that come in the final chapter.
So concludes another journey. It's been about a year since I started writing, but this story has been on the back burner for about ten years, more if you include other elements that were added to the story, including its title, which was supposed to be a line in a poem I wrote in college. Like I said in a blog entry called a New Hope, I had all the raw 'footage' as notes gathered together, but it all seemed so disjointed. I struggled to make it come together. All I really needed was for that first chapter, the introduction to the story, to be complete, focused, concrete. There was so much that needed to be presented in the first couple of pages of this project, and I needed it to come together smoothly. The flow in the narrative had to be tight, and the presentation near flawless until proper editing. After that, chapter 2, 3, 4, and so on were a breeze. There were some tedious moments, but everything fell into place a lot easier once the first chapter came together. Everything was ironed out. Even the tedious moments were not so tedious.
I've been going through the final act these last few days. Started Monday. Was hangin' out with my baby Saturday, her mom having come visit from Yonkers. I rushed to write before we had to go meet her mom, and I was kinda anxious the whole day while we were out and about in Manhattan to get back and look over the tale. I also had some changes I wanted to make. But, we hung out all day. It was cool. Her moms is mad cool. We went to a movie, had fun and pizza. Slept late on Sunday, and took the day to rest.
Yes, yes, yes. "Principal photography" has been completed. Post production is in full swing!
Almost finished getting the third act as tight as I can make it before sending it off to the editors. This broad sweep of editing and proofing will wrap up today. Once the third act is sent off, I'll start applying the edits from the first two acts. Should have a proof of the book by mid-June, and we'll have a good one or two reads through July.
August is the projected month for release.
"This...might work."
b write black
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Them What Choose
One last chapter to go. The latest chapter under the belt was a test in writing, but it's moments like this that can be exciting and frustrating as a writer when putting your ideas together. Most of what I wanted to show was presented in someway as to how it was outlined or scripted.
There were a total of three confrontations between the antagonist and the protagonists within this one chapter, and where that sounds like a lot, it really wasn't. A good deal of how I wanted it to flow was trimmed down. An entire character, and their use as a plot point, was eliminated entirely. It was going too long, and though the scene was kind of cool as it played out, I was able to put my ego aside and see that one: it wasn't working. It felt awkward because it dragged the story out, making it run a little long. The character, although spoken about as being a part of three ruffians, was suddenly introduce from just being talked about and the character felt forced onto the audience. It also built up a promise that this character would be connected to another character in a storyline that runs parallel to the main story. But I didn't want that to happen because I don't want every character having a tie-in to this subplot going on. If I did that, then, well, it would coincide with the second reason I scrapped this idea.
It was kinda cliche.
I'd like to believe that I could write something that seemed fresh and new, but in the context of the story, how it all played out, there was no getting around this character's demise as being cliche. So, the character was removed entirely. I had to go back and eliminate all dialogue concerning this character. His story would end 'off screen', and in a natural way where nothing feels missed from the story.
I also shortened the time between the first two confrontations, and made them one seamless event. But they don't feel as if they're running into one another. Again, I shortened the time between them, but the two events can now be viewed as one. The second a continuation from the first.
I've imagined the end of this chapter several different ways for the past 10-12 years that this story has been on the back burner. Some things changed and some things didn't. For starters, the obvious, the antagonist is a female rather than a male. That made the final confrontation interesting. Other elements were toned down. There were no real fisticuffs, as planned many years ago. It was as quiet as a confrontation could get. It kind of resonated with the lead villain's charm. As dirty as she got, she did it with style and class.
The final chapter of this book has also a rough sketch as to how it will play out. What was outlined for the chapters beginning was scrapped a little before I started writing this entry. It's about making things flow naturally, finding out what should be, and what the characters should be going through even if it goes against what you want them to go through. It has to appear natural and believable. Not necessarily realistic, just believable within the world you're writing and creating.
Hopefully, some time next week, this next project will be another notch in the belt. The third act can be scanned, tightened as best as I can, and then turned over to the editors and proofers to tear apart and hurt my feelings.
We're almost there again with another fine piece of sh---literature.
b write black
There were a total of three confrontations between the antagonist and the protagonists within this one chapter, and where that sounds like a lot, it really wasn't. A good deal of how I wanted it to flow was trimmed down. An entire character, and their use as a plot point, was eliminated entirely. It was going too long, and though the scene was kind of cool as it played out, I was able to put my ego aside and see that one: it wasn't working. It felt awkward because it dragged the story out, making it run a little long. The character, although spoken about as being a part of three ruffians, was suddenly introduce from just being talked about and the character felt forced onto the audience. It also built up a promise that this character would be connected to another character in a storyline that runs parallel to the main story. But I didn't want that to happen because I don't want every character having a tie-in to this subplot going on. If I did that, then, well, it would coincide with the second reason I scrapped this idea.
It was kinda cliche.
I'd like to believe that I could write something that seemed fresh and new, but in the context of the story, how it all played out, there was no getting around this character's demise as being cliche. So, the character was removed entirely. I had to go back and eliminate all dialogue concerning this character. His story would end 'off screen', and in a natural way where nothing feels missed from the story.
I also shortened the time between the first two confrontations, and made them one seamless event. But they don't feel as if they're running into one another. Again, I shortened the time between them, but the two events can now be viewed as one. The second a continuation from the first.
I've imagined the end of this chapter several different ways for the past 10-12 years that this story has been on the back burner. Some things changed and some things didn't. For starters, the obvious, the antagonist is a female rather than a male. That made the final confrontation interesting. Other elements were toned down. There were no real fisticuffs, as planned many years ago. It was as quiet as a confrontation could get. It kind of resonated with the lead villain's charm. As dirty as she got, she did it with style and class.
The final chapter of this book has also a rough sketch as to how it will play out. What was outlined for the chapters beginning was scrapped a little before I started writing this entry. It's about making things flow naturally, finding out what should be, and what the characters should be going through even if it goes against what you want them to go through. It has to appear natural and believable. Not necessarily realistic, just believable within the world you're writing and creating.
Hopefully, some time next week, this next project will be another notch in the belt. The third act can be scanned, tightened as best as I can, and then turned over to the editors and proofers to tear apart and hurt my feelings.
We're almost there again with another fine piece of sh---literature.
b write black
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
When It Hits
Otha people's newz has gotten in the way these past few days. Haven't been able to jump into the final chapters of this latest project. But, this morning, just before leavin' the apartment, dived into a paragraph or two. And today, I had to go in a li'l early to work on otha people's newz. But, after settling down, and the day calmed, inspiration fought back. And it hit hard. Couldn't stop it. Good thing the work flow was on pause at the time.
I started outlining the next chapter to the way it needs to flow. It plays like the opening night of a play. All the last minute scurrying and nerves hittin' everybody. People making sure everyone is in their proper places before the lights go out and the curtain goes up. A lot of the scene plays far differently than I had originally planned. It also doesn't seem as herky-jerky. Smoothed that out. It's seamless between the protagonists' three different confrontations with the antagonist the way it's outlined now. The antagonist has done so much damage, it's fitting as to how she reacts to the final confrontation. She know she done messed up.
Tomorrow will be a day of writing, writing, and more writing. There shouldn't be too much in the way (except video games...and I got a new one). But, that aside (and the game will probably be used for cool downs...because sneakin' about and breaking people's necks, or having shootouts is always a way to relax), a good deal of the chapter will be jumped on tomorrow.
Next Monday should be an open time to start tightening up the third act and get it to the editors. Another book about to be wrapped up. Here we go.
b write black!
I started outlining the next chapter to the way it needs to flow. It plays like the opening night of a play. All the last minute scurrying and nerves hittin' everybody. People making sure everyone is in their proper places before the lights go out and the curtain goes up. A lot of the scene plays far differently than I had originally planned. It also doesn't seem as herky-jerky. Smoothed that out. It's seamless between the protagonists' three different confrontations with the antagonist the way it's outlined now. The antagonist has done so much damage, it's fitting as to how she reacts to the final confrontation. She know she done messed up.
Tomorrow will be a day of writing, writing, and more writing. There shouldn't be too much in the way (except video games...and I got a new one). But, that aside (and the game will probably be used for cool downs...because sneakin' about and breaking people's necks, or having shootouts is always a way to relax), a good deal of the chapter will be jumped on tomorrow.
Next Monday should be an open time to start tightening up the third act and get it to the editors. Another book about to be wrapped up. Here we go.
b write black!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
2
Fingers been hittin' the keys harder and harder and harder. Only two more chapters to go. This next chapter has three intense confrontations between the antagonist and the protagonists.
There's also been a rough edit of a second commercial created. The VO has to be done again, needs to be louder, deeper in tone.
I will be going through the 3rd act Tuesday, prepping it for print and release to the editors while I finish the final two chapters of the book. I started this work about a year ago, and it's been a fun journey. Far less exhausting than A Company of Moors. But, to be fair, A Company of Moors had 3 years of research and a mound of notes piled on it, while this project has been on the back burner for years (since about 2002). There was far more time to think about things (hammering out details even as I was writing Code-47 and A Company of Moors). The project has had its moments, but its been an easier ride than the last three projects.
Almost there.
b write black
There's also been a rough edit of a second commercial created. The VO has to be done again, needs to be louder, deeper in tone.
I will be going through the 3rd act Tuesday, prepping it for print and release to the editors while I finish the final two chapters of the book. I started this work about a year ago, and it's been a fun journey. Far less exhausting than A Company of Moors. But, to be fair, A Company of Moors had 3 years of research and a mound of notes piled on it, while this project has been on the back burner for years (since about 2002). There was far more time to think about things (hammering out details even as I was writing Code-47 and A Company of Moors). The project has had its moments, but its been an easier ride than the last three projects.
Almost there.
b write black
Monday, April 23, 2012
Down 1
One of the last four chapters has been finished. It was short, but it was also a little more tricky than I imagined. It was just a conversation, but I had to make sure it didn't come off as expository. It doesn't. Don't worry about that. Also, as much as it answers some questions (in a subtle way) about what's going on in the book, at least from the antagonist's point of view, I also wanted to create an air of mystery and uncertainty for the protagonists of the tale.
The next chapter I'm going into will be the protagonists doing air punches, so to speak. They're gearing up for the final confrontation, and a story that runs parallel to the main story will be nearing its conclusion. The final sequence to this parallel story concludes with the final confrontation between the protagonists and the antagonist. I'll probably start picking at that chapter later tonight, with a hope to have it concluded by next Monday. Then there will be two down, and the final sequences will be underway to wrap up the project.
In other news, it looks as if things could have gone simpler in restructuring Ancient-Art-of-Facts into Twin Griffin Books when it comes to the printer and distributor. But all that is fixed now. And the turnover will be easy. I guess I was taking the scenic route. At least it's fixed. All things sailing smoothly.
Tonight I concentrate on what's left to say in this project, and I'll be writing, writing, writing after that. I can't wait to finish so I can jump into going through the last act with my eyes and tightening the flow before handing the last pages over to the editors/proofers.
The cool thing is that they're fiending for it. They 'bout to get a meal.
b write black
The next chapter I'm going into will be the protagonists doing air punches, so to speak. They're gearing up for the final confrontation, and a story that runs parallel to the main story will be nearing its conclusion. The final sequence to this parallel story concludes with the final confrontation between the protagonists and the antagonist. I'll probably start picking at that chapter later tonight, with a hope to have it concluded by next Monday. Then there will be two down, and the final sequences will be underway to wrap up the project.
In other news, it looks as if things could have gone simpler in restructuring Ancient-Art-of-Facts into Twin Griffin Books when it comes to the printer and distributor. But all that is fixed now. And the turnover will be easy. I guess I was taking the scenic route. At least it's fixed. All things sailing smoothly.
Tonight I concentrate on what's left to say in this project, and I'll be writing, writing, writing after that. I can't wait to finish so I can jump into going through the last act with my eyes and tightening the flow before handing the last pages over to the editors/proofers.
The cool thing is that they're fiending for it. They 'bout to get a meal.
b write black
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Power Run
Last weekend was insane! The editing team tore through the 2nd act of the new project. Another 188 pgs down, plus a thorough review in a meeting for note taking and insuring continuity in the book and plot (after all, the plots flips from 1957, back to 1917, then rises up to 1937 then back to 1957 again).
There's been a lot of 'otha people's newz', and other outside 'errands', however I've been on the writing grind, working parallel to editing. Deep into the 3rd and final act. There are four chapters left for this project. One of those four chapters will be finished by day's end today. It's only a conversation between two characters. I should be going deep into the next chapter as well. The writing portion of this project should be finished at the beginning of May, with the application of the first round of edits by May's end.
After the first round of edits is finished, the book will be copyrighted. That will release any press embargo and I can start talking about what the heck I've been workin' on for the past year. Alongside that, with the first round of edits finished, the first printer's proof will be created. Rounds three and four for editing will take place over June and July, and mid-August will be the release date.
Until then we got a company commercial to create, some more paper work for the new company to wait on going through (printer's and distributors), and hopefully that I'll get some news come next week. Kinda gettin' frustrated. There's also two more commercials to be created for the current project, and they'll be pushed through the social media network stuff.
b write black
There's been a lot of 'otha people's newz', and other outside 'errands', however I've been on the writing grind, working parallel to editing. Deep into the 3rd and final act. There are four chapters left for this project. One of those four chapters will be finished by day's end today. It's only a conversation between two characters. I should be going deep into the next chapter as well. The writing portion of this project should be finished at the beginning of May, with the application of the first round of edits by May's end.
After the first round of edits is finished, the book will be copyrighted. That will release any press embargo and I can start talking about what the heck I've been workin' on for the past year. Alongside that, with the first round of edits finished, the first printer's proof will be created. Rounds three and four for editing will take place over June and July, and mid-August will be the release date.
Until then we got a company commercial to create, some more paper work for the new company to wait on going through (printer's and distributors), and hopefully that I'll get some news come next week. Kinda gettin' frustrated. There's also two more commercials to be created for the current project, and they'll be pushed through the social media network stuff.
b write black
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Running Man
The marathon continues. It slowed down a bit yesterday, but not by much. I'm on the writing grind, fingers to the console. Last night, when the marathon resumed, I thought I had lost a set of notes crucial to the final parts of the story.
Apparently I swapped my notes for the first parts of the book with the second, and I hadn't realized that until now. I needed some info on a few minor characters I was introducing for the end. Weeks and weeks ago I separated the notes I had run through from the notes I still needed. But, somehow, I managed to put the pile of old notes between the pages of a notebook filled with notes. Don't know how that happened, or when. I'd been using the last set of notes for a while. I do remember straightening out my side of the couch (which is a mess of papers [notes]) a while back, probably when the swap happened. It's a good thing I don't throw notes away.
Well, I went to bed calm and figured I'd jump onto the search early this morning before jumpin' to otha people's newz. And there I found it! My pile of notes for the final parts of this project. I specifically needed one line on one piece of paper...then I realized introducing one of these minor characters was taking place a little too early, even if I'm at the end. So, his intro will wait for now, but it will still come in the chapter I'm workin' on now.
I've also did a quick page count in formatted form. To me, it could be shorter. I initially wanted this project to be a novella. But it fleshed because of the stories and lives became a part of it. So, I was expecting an increase in page count. I do wish it would be shorter. If it ended on the page count now I'd be happy, but I'm sure another 50 are due. I'm slowly coming to terms with that, but it's not an overkill like A Company of Moors (by any stretch of the imagination). I'm still comfortable with the estimated page count.
This weekend will see a rise in writing too. Editing is still happening parallel to writing, but everything will be in high gear come mid-April. I'm still looking at a mid-August release for this project, with a lot of reveals about what it is coming toward the end of April as it's finished, and especially as all the paperwork for Twin Griffin Books. First up, the closing of the Ancient-Art-of-Facts page and swapping it with Twin Griffin Books. Then a reveal of projects that will be released later this year.
It's not about to be on, it is on.
b write black
Apparently I swapped my notes for the first parts of the book with the second, and I hadn't realized that until now. I needed some info on a few minor characters I was introducing for the end. Weeks and weeks ago I separated the notes I had run through from the notes I still needed. But, somehow, I managed to put the pile of old notes between the pages of a notebook filled with notes. Don't know how that happened, or when. I'd been using the last set of notes for a while. I do remember straightening out my side of the couch (which is a mess of papers [notes]) a while back, probably when the swap happened. It's a good thing I don't throw notes away.
Well, I went to bed calm and figured I'd jump onto the search early this morning before jumpin' to otha people's newz. And there I found it! My pile of notes for the final parts of this project. I specifically needed one line on one piece of paper...then I realized introducing one of these minor characters was taking place a little too early, even if I'm at the end. So, his intro will wait for now, but it will still come in the chapter I'm workin' on now.
I've also did a quick page count in formatted form. To me, it could be shorter. I initially wanted this project to be a novella. But it fleshed because of the stories and lives became a part of it. So, I was expecting an increase in page count. I do wish it would be shorter. If it ended on the page count now I'd be happy, but I'm sure another 50 are due. I'm slowly coming to terms with that, but it's not an overkill like A Company of Moors (by any stretch of the imagination). I'm still comfortable with the estimated page count.
This weekend will see a rise in writing too. Editing is still happening parallel to writing, but everything will be in high gear come mid-April. I'm still looking at a mid-August release for this project, with a lot of reveals about what it is coming toward the end of April as it's finished, and especially as all the paperwork for Twin Griffin Books. First up, the closing of the Ancient-Art-of-Facts page and swapping it with Twin Griffin Books. Then a reveal of projects that will be released later this year.
It's not about to be on, it is on.
b write black
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