... The Plot
Well, I don’t really know how this happened, but I seem to have plotted the rest of my novel. I now know what happens in each chapter between now and the end. I know some people wouldn’t even dream of starting without knowing that, but I’m not big on plotting so for me it’s quite an achievement. I also think there are advantages to writing the first draft not knowing all the answers because it gives you the same sense of inquisitiveness as the reader.
I’m nearly at the 60% point, and I’m hoping that my speed will pick up now that I have a good idea what’s happening. I keep recalculating the number of words per day that I need to do in order to finish by the end of the year. At the moment it’s about 475. I do find that I end up missing days – due to the ‘real’ job, sick cat, domestic disasters etc But when that happens I just make it up by doing more the next day.
I’m still using the prompts to help me come up with ideas on character motivation and the detail of events.
One of my prompts has got me stumped though.
I asked myself, ‘What was Gareth up to and why does Rachel keep dreaming about his jacket?’
And I have to say, I have absolutely no idea.
So if anyone would like to suggest why Rachel might keep dreaming about Gareth’s jacket, I’d be very grateful. Best suggestions will go in the novel!
(BTW Gareth is Rachel’s ex boss)
SmudgeWatch – he still has a good appetite and isn’t in pain, but the tumour is growing so it’s all a bit depressing.
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13 comments:
If Gareth was annoyed when Rachel left: He wants to cause her aggravation/distress. He knows she loves bonsai trees; he has someting in his pocket he keeps sprinkling on THE bonsai tree and it's slowly killing it. So if Rachel needs to find the stuff in his pocket and replace it with something that looks similar but is a 'healthy grow' for bonsais.
Hugs for you and Smudge. Bl**dy tumour, I keep willing the thing to shrink or stop growing.
xxPat
What a great feeling to know what's going to happen in every chapter! So pleased for you.
Get Well wishes being sent for Smudge x
Well done with your plotting that's great. I keep seeing your words done on 100 words per day and can tell you're steaming ahead with your novel.
Sodding tumour, glad to hear Smudge isn't in pain though, big hugs to you both.
Maybe subconsciously she wants to be protected by Gareth. In romantic films the man always gives the woman his coat to keep warm because she's too dippy to have remembered one herself.
Love to Smudge as always. x
I totally identify with your approach to plotting. I can't forward plan until about this stage of a novel. Rats on the tumour front. Sure you're lavishing love on Smudge!
Pat - yes, I keep hoping the tumour will stop growing x That's a great plot idea, thanks.
Amanda - yes, it is a good feeling and should make the rest of the process easier.
Debs - you're turning in some huge word counts as well. Long may it continue.
Lane - Rachel is quite dippy!
Stephen - I kept thinking I should be forward planning at an earlier stage but never quite managed it!
Sounds like you are on a roll, Helen, and knowing what's happening in each chapter must help. Your characters might still surprise you though!
I think Lane's suggestion is brilliant! Well done on plotting the novel, great news. Love to Smudge.
Well done for your organisation of plot. If you're worried about losing the organic/creative side of things, then you could always try a hybrid mix.
Why was Rachel dreaming about Gareth's jacket? A few ideas...
* He once lent it to her in the rain.
* She found something in his pocket.
* It smelled funny.
* It reminded her of someone else's jacket.
Not very inspiring, I know but it's all I could think of.
I hope Smudge stays pain-free.
I found it very helpful when I got to that point both with the teen novel and the chicklit novel. I'm not there with teen novel #2 or teen novel #3 and I think that's why I'm struggling a little with them.
Glad Smudge is his usually self, even if he's looking a little less dashing these days. x x
There's an award for you over at mine.x
Womag - I'm sure they will still have a few things up their sleeves.
Yvonne - yes - it feels like progress, I'm looking forward to doing the editing now.
Captain - I like the idea of it reminding her of someone else's jacket ... maybe Julian's . Hmmmm
Tam - sadly he looks like a little alien with his funny eye :(
Debs - thanks my dear
Hello Helen
I've just popped over to say a big thank you for welcoming me into blogland. I know it's a late thank you, sorry, but i don't think i thanked you before.
Good luck with your novel.
Poor Smudge, i'll send some positive thinking and healing thoughts over for him.
Thank you again :-)x
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