I swear I thought I was getting better at this. I write posts in my head all of the time, but they never seem to find their way onto the page. I can blame it on writing actual stories, which isn't a bad thing, but this place ends up pretty lonely.
As an apology, I'd like to offer a very positive update... Drum Roll...
My glimmer of an idea for a feminine rage story (based on Taylor Swift's Who's Afraid of Little Old Me) has become a finished draft! I was hoping that in the last year things would have dramatically improved, and my story wouldn't have a place in the world... (insert delusional laughter).
So, I officially typed The End at the start of January, making this a record for finishing a first draft. I was also finishing edits on my second story at the time, so I'm patting myself on the back for this accomplishment. My job now is to sort through my outline and try to make it match up with what actually made it onto the page. I realize that sounds backwards, considering the book is written. But ever since I became a plotter, an outline is the easiest way to keep myself on track, versus wandering off the map that I've drawn. Even with that, plot lines move, new ideas are added, and the end product doesn't match the original outline. So, I go back and update the outline so that the chapters, scenes, and overall ideas match up to what is actually written in each section. Yes, it ends up being a lengthy process, but I have found that in transcribing the information, I've picked up on a couple of discrepancies that would have been very easily overlooked otherwise. It also makes it easier to see where things get boring or a main character doesn't appear enough. Once the outline is complete, I'll make notes on anything I feel needs to be fixed. Once I make the big changes, I'll go line by line to cut anything that doesn't add to the story (ugh, so hard.) I'll also analyze each line for word choice, anything to make the story flow better. Last will be grammar and punctuation....and then send it off to my critique partners, who I hope will love it while also finding ways to help me make it even better.
Now the ways that I have been filling my well these past few months...
Music
- Sofia Isella - I'm amazed at someone so young who is so unafraid to put it all out there in terms of lyrics and anger. A couple of her songs were on my playlist for my Who's Afraid story.
- Taylor Swift - Life of a Showgirl - All of the songs get stuck in your head, but especially Father Figure.
- Hayley Williams - Ego Death at a Bachelor Party - I've loved her since Paramore, but this feels like a much rawer version. True Believer speaks volumes about our world.
- Bury our Bones in the Midnight Soil Playlist - V.E. Schwab is my favorite author. If she shares a playlist for a book, you can be sure I'm adding it to my list. I'm embarrassed to say that I've yet to read this book. I bought it as soon as it came out, but her books are so big to me that I need to have the perfect space and time to read them. I'm hoping this next month will be it.
Books
- I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me - Jamison Shea - This was on my list for my spooky reading season, but it took months for it to be available in Libby. As someone with two left feet, I loved learning the secrets of being a ballerina (and maybe thankful I never had that ability!) The writing was evocative in the creepiest way.
- Iron Flame - Rebecca Yarros - I started the paper copy months ago, and just as I would get into it, a Libby hold would come in. I'm about three chapters from being done lol. I'm amazed by people who can write trilogies and with other worlds and that much detail. I had resisted these books for a while, but glad I gave in...and now I want an orange dragon with a teenage attitude. IYKYK.
- Yerba Buena - Nina LaCour - I've always loved the writing style of Nina's YA books. It's quiet but so powerful. This was the first adult novel that I've read of hers, and I was just as blown away by the writing.
TV
Stranger Things - I'm still in mourning that it's over. As a child of the 80's, this show was the literal definition of comfort. I'm also a sucker for found family stories, so I miss the kids and their babysitters. (God Bless the Duffer brothers for letting Steve live.)
Schitt's Creek - This is another one of my comfort shows. The passing of Catherine O'Hara was devastating, so this will continue to be what I turn to.
Derry Girls - My father-in-law was born in Belfast, and my husband loves all things Irish. We finally traveled there a few years back and talk constantly about going again. I'm only a few episodes in; the story lines are insane, but so incredibly funny.
Hope you're finding ways to fill your well and wishing you light and hope in the world.
~ Adrienne
