Monday, September 22, 2008

Inspiration

I'm still reading Writing the Breakout Novel and it's gotten to the point that I have to have all my notebooks spread out around me while I read. Most of what the book explains is common sense but it's triggered all kinds of ideas for my novel. I kept jumping up and running over to my desk, so I finally gave in and brought my desk to the couch.

One particular comment about drawing out the details to really highlight a scene in the reader's mind inspired a whole new scene. For another book. One that had never occurred to me. I quickly wrote the opening scene - including an awesome hook - but I don't know what will happen after that. It starts with a murder, not something I thought I'd do, but I'll keep it in mind for a possible NaNo work. You're not supposed to have anything already written but I think 100 words is acceptable. (I'll check on that. If not, please don't tell.) You are permitted to outline and work on character development, so I can pour any new ideas into that over the next month.

I edited another 2500 words yesterday, bringing my count to roughly 16K. I'm not quite to the halfway mark of my notebook so I think my original guesstimate of 40K written is pretty accurate. Hopefully it's a little more. I hope to get it to at least 60K on this draft, but more would be fine too.

In other news, Ibis started smoothing the counter this morning and is currently out buying a new trowel (he'd borrowed the other one). After smoothing comes sealing, then we can put the kitchen back together. Smoothing isn't very exciting so I'll skip the pictures for today. ;)

16 comments:

WendyCinNYC said...

I have that book on my shelf and I need to read it over again. It really is inspiring.

Nadine said...

Yay for the kitchen!! It's almost done!!

I think I may have to go buy this book you are reading - it sounds quite inspiring!

Jen said...

I don't have that book, but I do have the workbook that goes along with it. When I get the chance, though, I'm gonna get the book!

The countertops sound (and look) fascinating. I didn't know you could do that with concrete. Learn something new every day, right? Neat!

colbymarshall said...

Sounds like I need to read this book.

Robin said...

You are the world's best reviewer for that book, Melanie. I'm going to buy it, too!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Wendy, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Nadine & Jen, let me know if you do!

Colby, yes, yes you do.

Robin, lol. I'm glad I sound excited and not just demented.

Lauren said...

I love that book and the workbook that goes along with it. It's got such awesome ideas.

Good luck with finishing up the kitchen and good luck with typing up the book!

Ed Wyrd said...

So, you take notes as you read?

Maybe that's what I'm doing wrong when I read writing books. I just read them.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks Lauren. I chose not to get the workbook because I'm not really a "workbook" kinds gal. I hate anything that resembles busy work.

Shadow, I'm not taking notes, the book keeps giving me ideas for my novel. How to improve things, that sort of thing. I do mark things in the actual book, which really hurts me, but that way I can flip back and easily find the best stuff.

Spy Scribbler said...

I am thinking of taking October off, as far as writing, and doing a TON of reading. And then doing NaNo.

I'm so burnt out and fried at the moment. Ah well. I need a recharge. But DH will be home in 17 days! That'll be a load off.

I'll have all my projects done by Oct. 1.

Spy Scribbler said...

That was all about me. Sheesh, I'm embarrassed. I was spinning off your NaNo comment. LOL, oh well. I'm off to bed.

Have fun with DM! I do just that with writing books: read and write. They sure inspire!

Rachel Burton said...

My brother does concrete countertops. They come out looking really spiffy!

Now I must go read this book...

Anonymous said...

This totally sounds like an interesting book. Congrats on getting the groundwork started for another WIP!

Zoe Winters said...

yay, i'm glad you're in the zone with the writing and editing stuff.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Spy, you deserve a break! Especially with DH coming home. I still feel so bad for you with your timeline - I hope you were able to recreate it.

And it took me a minute to figure out who DM was. Darling Man? Darling Melanie? Hmmm... oh! Donald Maass, lol.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Rachel, it's coming along!

Thanks Aaron & Zoe.