Letters to a Friend

But I have another novel in mind. And it is already plotted out fairly thoroughly.

Well, I have an outline of the key plot that is 2500 words. And I have a really strong, deeply connected sense of the emotional arc of the four main characters. There is a sub-plot not involving them that needs to happen, but one that will, I suspect, be easy enough to insert when the time comes for it.

Only thing is...I can only think of a handful of sex scenes in it that won't be either outright rape, forced, or coerced sex. Oh, and with a good dollop of religion in there too.

It's in the same world at Room of Ministrations. I will need to work on the world building in it, but the seriously messed up power games between the two pairs (and across the pairs) are the core of it. Room feels like it needs a lot of world building, probably because it is set in the amongst the hustle and bustle of the society of the time, out in the open. Whereas this one is often quite literally underground, or hidden from society, so it feels a little less needed to flesh out scenes, though very necessary for character background. World and society, of course, influences character, and I think that what I know about the world of Room is almost enough for this one.

Both stories have eaten parts of my brain. And I think that in order to write Room with a greater clarity, I need to actually outline as I did with this one. To make it feel whole. This story feels whole. As scary as it was at first to think it could be more than just a messed up fantasy in my head, it feels right.

More later. The work that I have under my own name needs attention.

Well, I'm feeling a little better about my word count today. I do have many words to catch up on, but have worked out if I can manage 2800 a day then I will still be able to make the 50,000. This is encouraging.

The sense that most of the words that are pouring out of me are terrible is less encouraging, but I felt better about that today. Even as I write I can see some of the issues I'm going to have with world building, areas I'll need to think about more to make the plot work. Certainly learning about my weakness as a writer, which is useful to know and to think about.

I feel bad for having such an extended slump leaving me to get through copious amounts of words so late in the game. This is partly because I feel that at 1700 words, I could have had a better shot at producing less suspect prose. I think though had I thought about the novel a little more before hand I would have been more prepared for the scenes, understood their dynamics better than. My main characters, at least, are mostly adhering to how I envisioned them at first. I suspect one of them, however, I'll need to have a rethink about it. How to handle someone quite concerned with duty and fairness but also with a love of teasing. He is possibly the most interesting of my main three, but the hardest to write about effectively as well.

Today, like yesterday, was not a good day for writing. After a hectic start to the week (which I really should anticipate better since it will always be hectic until the start of summer next year) I decided I'd have a break Thursday night.

However, the break managed to extend itself into today as well. This was stupid and careless of me, as tomorrow I will be away and not taking my computer with me. I managed some writing, just under 1,200 words, which at least brings my total past 6000.

Sunday will be interesting in terms of trying to get the words out.

Perry needs a new name. It is becoming obvious it is a little too similar to Henry, and I'd really rather keep Henry than Perry. Cross as a surname is staying, but the name does need altering.

I could easily just go with Rupert, of course...will have a think about this.

Why does Lord Henry Lavenham adore this place for his sexual pleasure above all others?

And, indeed, what happens therein?

Who are the accoutrements? Why does Perry Cross (Esquire), disapprove?

And who exactly is Jem Buchanan, with his melancholy innocent eyes and quiet disposition?

These questions and many more will be explored in the forthcoming Room on Ministrations, by Emilia Schultz.