tisoz: Blog

I have had a few chapters sitting around for a while. I noticed from reading old blog titles it had been 2 years to the day since I blogged something about the Lazy Mage story. I remember being stuck trying to write something prompted by feedback. The stuck part was a situation the character was in which I was unfamiliar with. Maybe I agonized to begin, but I realized a few things about a month ago: it didn't matter if I was unfamiliar because it was truly fictional - even for the character,then I realized upon re-reading the entire scene was not needed because the character had the information he was seeking.

Anyway, I set the scene aside (save it for another time) and re-wrote a little to get back on plot, then wrote another chapter. I think it sort of sucks, and I waited for an editor respond. After no reply, it is time to move on - weak chapter or not.

So on with the story...

(It is in the queue.)

I've been reading quite a few stories here and I can't believe how often two things are abused - even in stories where the editor is lauded.

1) The use of 'alright'. Is alright a real word?
The form alright is a one-word spelling of the phrase all right that made its first appearance in the 1880s. Alright is commonly used in written dialogue and informal writing, but all right is the only acceptable form in edited writing. Basically, it is not all right to use alright in standard English.

2) How much "that" gets overused. Some authors average an unnecessary 'that' per paragraph. Do they do it to pad their word count to get to premium status? Basically, if removing 'that' from the sentence doesn't change its meaning, it doesn't belong in the sentence. 'That' also gets used in place of: it, the, who, which and perhaps a few other words.

I wrote myself into a corner while injecting setting information. A few weeks later, I had an idea how to advance the prose, but still not really out of the corner. Still later, I think I figured a way out, but by then my depression cycle of manic depression has kicked in and am having a really hard time getting motivated to write.

Sorry to any or all who really care.

I'm currently 3000 words into chapter 14. I'm letting chapter 13 'simmer' a bit so when I get back to it it will be easier to edit.

Chapter 14 is perhaps the most difficult so far as it expounds on the history of the setting and the major event that changed it from our real world. I had the general idea, but fleshing it out requires inspiration, creativity, and decisions. I knew I wanted coastal areas hit hard since they are most populous and thought of a relatively simple way to do it, but then realized it might be too devastating and needed to invent a way to minimize it.

As I write it, I thought of some nice transitions between scenes, then realized they were out of chronological order. I finally decided the actual chronology doesn't matter, sort of like people sharing anecdotes - just because the last anecdote happened at a certain time doesn't mean the next anecdote needs have occurred afterward. I just hope it doesn't confuse the reader too much.

Ah well, time to get back to writing. I wanted to post this so followers know there is more in the pipeline and maybe to get a little interaction between readers and me because it encourages me to keep writing.

I submitted another scene or two of the characters from David and Stephanie. This time I gave forewarning that if it isn't a subject you care for, then don't enter. Does that also imply No Bitching? lol (actually, just a small smile.)

If anyone likes this sort of filth and wants to edit, I could use an editor other than my own eyes and computer software.

Btw, another adult fiction site refused to publish the last installment. I am truly baffled. I think the refusal there and the reception it got here dampened my spirit. Winter's onset did not help my mood.