Still struggling with this plot! 33,577 words
After yesterday's reconciliation between Seth and Fernando, I am left without any plot. They were really the only thing going on. I have to keep returning to them, because I know it can't be as simple as just deciding to be family and then everything's ok.
But it'll take a while to get there. So, I'm moving on to other characters, but I'm not sure those other characters really have anything to say! It's like I'm starting all over again... but 33,000 words in.
Here's a little excerpt - because I'm too lazy to pick anything interesting, I'll pick a crafting reference. There is something shocking that happened in my novel today, but I don't want to reveal it just yet...
The change was that Seth seemed happy. She whistled on her way down the stairs, and on her way through the parlor, attempted a few dance steps as if trying to choose between them. She ate heartily, and made copious eye contact as she inquired into the details of Miss Pettigrew's plans for the day. The dear lady was not used to such attentions from her boarders, who, it must be admitted, could be a trifle self-absorbed. When Laura got up from the table and dropped her hat, Seth exclaimed delightedly over the pom-pom ladybug that Laura had affixed there. She immediately expressed her intention to master the technique used to make the adorable ladybug. She might even try to make a baby chick, or caterpillar, and with a little creativity, she thought she could make just about any animal on her own.
Seth had to wheedle the instructions out of Scrap, who had actually made an entire outfit out of pompom animals once. The ladybug was just a leftover piece that she had donated to Laura's accessory closet. Scrap's detailed instructions demonstrated how to make a ladybug, a baby chick, and the caterpillar, but she assured Seth that by varying the color, size, and placement of the pom-poms, Seth could create just about any animal. She advised Seth to study the physical characteristics and postures of the animals she planned to make, taking inspiration from nature magazines, encyclopedias, children's books, or even a trip to the zoo. Since the pom-pom parts are simply joined with a needle and thread, she guaranteed that it would be easy to experiment until Seth got the right look.
But it'll take a while to get there. So, I'm moving on to other characters, but I'm not sure those other characters really have anything to say! It's like I'm starting all over again... but 33,000 words in.
Here's a little excerpt - because I'm too lazy to pick anything interesting, I'll pick a crafting reference. There is something shocking that happened in my novel today, but I don't want to reveal it just yet...
The change was that Seth seemed happy. She whistled on her way down the stairs, and on her way through the parlor, attempted a few dance steps as if trying to choose between them. She ate heartily, and made copious eye contact as she inquired into the details of Miss Pettigrew's plans for the day. The dear lady was not used to such attentions from her boarders, who, it must be admitted, could be a trifle self-absorbed. When Laura got up from the table and dropped her hat, Seth exclaimed delightedly over the pom-pom ladybug that Laura had affixed there. She immediately expressed her intention to master the technique used to make the adorable ladybug. She might even try to make a baby chick, or caterpillar, and with a little creativity, she thought she could make just about any animal on her own.
Seth had to wheedle the instructions out of Scrap, who had actually made an entire outfit out of pompom animals once. The ladybug was just a leftover piece that she had donated to Laura's accessory closet. Scrap's detailed instructions demonstrated how to make a ladybug, a baby chick, and the caterpillar, but she assured Seth that by varying the color, size, and placement of the pom-poms, Seth could create just about any animal. She advised Seth to study the physical characteristics and postures of the animals she planned to make, taking inspiration from nature magazines, encyclopedias, children's books, or even a trip to the zoo. Since the pom-pom parts are simply joined with a needle and thread, she guaranteed that it would be easy to experiment until Seth got the right look.
Hmmm, I never knew that crafting could such hilarious madcap fun! I really want to know about the surprise... and also, would like to point out that you have really successfully incorporated music as not only a plot device, but as a vehicle to bolster word count.
ReplyDeleteWow, hard to believe that you have only 17,000 odd words to go. I completely trust that you will manage to find a way to link all of the diverse and madcap details that have been included in your novel, thus far, with the possible exception of the crafts. Hmmm... could the impossible presence of such an array of great crafting ideas somehow be tied into the mystery of Seth's childhood?
Before you posted your excerpt, Katie and I had been reviewing the "ladybug" on Martha Stewart's website. I thought that incorporating such a craft would be a challenge. Clearly it is a challenge that you are up to.
ReplyDeleteYou have also mastered the art of increasing word count by not only cutting and pasting from the Martha Stewart web page, but then repeating that cut and paste in the next paragraph. Inspired!
Good luck in plotting out your remaining 17,000
Rule of thumb: If Martha says it, I'll post it. More than once, if need be.
ReplyDeleteWhat would we do without Martha? I myself have started taking out Martha Stewart Weddings from the library and incorporating as many details as I can from them. I love, love, love how seemlessly you incorporate Martha into your novel! You are an inspiration.
ReplyDelete