36,500 words and it's getting deep

It took me close to two hours, but I got my 1,500 words done for the day. Today writing was a struggle for a few reasons. 1. I had to do some research (which will all be revealed in due time... probably tomorrow). Actually, quite a bit of research. 2. My story is going into more serious territory and I'm not sure how to handle it. I'm only used to writing about martha stewart crafts and listening to 80's music. I don't know how to handle this. ESPECIALLY in the context of a letter-writing novel.

I'm also having trouble with my characters. Some of you seem to have a lot of insight into your characters, and you always know how they are going to react. You get their complexity, etc. I don't usually feel that way about mine. I'm kind of getting tired of the dance that Molly/Nicky/Kiefer are engaged in and want to make something happen there... but it's not yet time. Soon, I suppose.

Today's excerpt is a bit of a teaser... Molly is writing to Nicky, trying to console her about something. (About what???? You'll know soon enough.)


Letter 85. September 7, 198x


Lawnville

Dear Nicky,

You might wonder why I am writing to you now that we’ve been talking on the phone every day. (I love that we’re talking so much… it’s just like old times. I hate the reason for it, though!) I’m just enclosing a little note with this care package that I hope will cheer you up just a little bit. Some tea, homemade cookies, a mixed tape, some books and magazines… what more could you want?

Aside from your loyal best friend, who is longing for a visit from you, of course. I’ll say it one more time… I wish you’d come back home. You can still help out Jackie’s Place and you can still fight these lawsuits. But you’d be safer here. That shit doesn’t happen in the suburbs.

Just think about it, ok?

Love,


Molly

Mixed tape – Guilty pleasures

Side A

1. Bright Eyes – Art Garfunkel

2. Say Say Say – Michael Jackson & Paul Mc Cartney

3. Karma Chameleon – Boy George

4. Beat It – Michael Jackson

5. Sara – Jefferson Starship

6. Wake Me Up Before You Go – Wham

7. Physical – Olivia Newton John

8. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

Side B

1. Take On Me – A Ha

2. When Doves Cry – Prince

3. Love Is A Battlefield – Pat Benatar

4. Hello – Lionel Ritchie

5. Who’s That Girl? – Eurythmics

6. Smooth Operator – Sade

7. Flashdance – Irene Cara

8. When Will I Be Famous – Bros