Did I Write That?

One of the wondrous things about reading your own work back after many months, or in some cases, years (school book work), is how shocking your work is. Both in terms of great writing, and appalling composition.

The notes I made back in October 2006, which I am currently writing up, showed me some interesting insight to events and back story for the supporting characters. But I'm stuck at the moment how to bring these past gems into the narrative. I have instead produced a character list and story elements as well as past stories that I'd like to bring into the story to emphasise historical magnitudes.

For example, if one character has had an experience with being taken for a fool, or having had money or wealth taken from them by deception, they will be wary (if they are clever enough) of it happening a second time. So they may when presented with a new situation or opportunity, decline it and remark on a past event, that neither the opposing character or reader is aware of. As a writer it adds to the character depth, as a reader it heightens believability, but also it enables me to perhaps develop that history event should I feel the reader deserves it.

This is one of my story writing skills which I hope to improve, does anyone else have little story devices which either trick or fool a reader into "understanding" a character better?

Back on the Writing Horse

Mother in law has gone back home for 2 months, which means no gaming, but oddly I have found myself with time to return back to my book. I havent written any new material, as I am writing up notes I made back in October 2005. Has it really been that long, 3 months. It feels like a lifetime.

I imagine I have enough notes to keep me busy until next week, but then the printing and writing begins again. I was working on the chapter where I introduce the main antagonist. The interesting part of this character, is that he evolves from being the antagonist to the "hero", to being the protagonist. It is a difficult road to walk/write, but Im hoping positive feedback from my muses will assist in making sure Norreys isn't the fool he initially presented himself as.

I am at 103,000 words, and while my original deadline of November 2006 was missed by a mile, I am going to be more realistic and say, December 2007, the final draft to be completed. Of the 35 chapters scheduled, only 4 have been written to a draft standard, but they are not in sequence as yet. Still wrestling with the prologue as it sets the tone for the whole novel.

Anyway, with my RPG gaming group on hold (we were playing WHFRP v2.0 to great enjoyment), the writing takes the forefront. I used to write on the train during the 3 hour commute, but having now changed jobs this is virtually impossible. Im starting the gym this week too, so I need a way to exercise and write/vocalise my ideas at the same time. Any ideas?

Brief Updates

I feel bad having not written a whole word for this or any of my blogs, let alone my book.
Spent Christmas in Spain with my eldest daughter visiting my family.
Ran into an old friend before New Years Day and banged heads about old times and the future.
New job going very well, but not getting much time to spend online.