Work out the problems with Chapter Nineteen
because Chapter Nineteen had become the undisputed bane of my existence. Something was wrong with it, something was off, and I just could not figure out what that something was.
And I know that if you happened to read last Friday's post, or follow me on Twitter or Facebook (and if you did or do any or all of these things, Thank You!) you already know where this story is headed and are probably wishing I'd just shut up about it, so that's what I'm going to do—Well, right after I say this:
Last Wednesday, I worked out the problems with Chapter Nineteen.
And the even better part is that after all these days later, the solution still holds up.
Of course I had that moment early Thursday when I was looking at the storyboard on my dining room wall, still glowing from the sanity (well, what's left of it) saving revelation, and realized that it was truly the only solution to be had. And that it was (now) so blatantly obvious that I really should have thought of it sooner.
But whatever. I still accomplished my goal (finally) and I still get to feel like this:
And I get to set new goals for this week.
Which leads me into the second part of today's post. The stressed part. See, I was looking at the storyboard on the dining room wall (I've been doing that a lot since I put it up) the other day (Friday, I think) and it occurred to me just how much more story there is to tell in this particular WIP because there is just so much more story to tell.
And it overwhelmed me a bit. And by 'a bit', I mean 'a lot.'
I mean, the manuscript's already over 135,000 words. It's over 350 pages long and I still have so much more that needs to come out. Back in May, I guesstimated that it would end up being around 220k when finished. I have no idea if that's lowballing it, but that's what I feel like. Second Nature is a monster of a book, and it's because I'm juggling a lot of characters and a lot of storylines (they don't call it epic fantasy for nothing, I guess), and it needs to end in a very specific spot and the story is taking its sweet old time getting to that very specific spot.
Then, because I am
Which led to a very small freak out. Which led to this week's goals:
1. Don't get ahead of yourself.
I think that's pretty self-explanatory. And, considering the fact that I'm me, potentially impossible. But, I'm going to do my very best. The story needs to be told how it needs to be told (how's that for deep?) and if it takes another 100,000 words, then so be it. Gack.
2. Chapters 18-20
As a result of the Chapter Nineteen Solution, there are now seven scenes under construction between these three chapters. My mission this week—should I choose to accept it—is to finish those seven scenes.
And if I do all that, you'll never have to hear about Chapter Nineteen ever again.
Cue the dance of joy...
What are your goals for the week? Have a great Monday, everyone, and thanks for stopping by.