Wednesday 21 March Report (Previous Report)
Where My Word Count Should Be: 22,500 words
Where My Word Count Is: 22,508 words
- Overview
Crucible was a lot slower today than it has been in other weeks, but that is not a bad thing. The story called for a break in the action and a section for the reader to learn more about the world and some of the characters in it. For Crucible, the reprieve allows the reader to take a breather and take in what they finished reading. Do not forget that this week comes off the major advancement in Lumi and Ash’s relationship when they shared a kiss.
I did decide to do something different. I admit that I am not an all action writer, and no novel is complete with quiet drama scenes. It is the drama that keeps the reader engaged with the story as it is that drama that makes the characters sympathetic and interesting.
- What I Did Today
Today was all about Lumi getting to know a little more about those she travels with and about why Ash and her clan are in the position they are in. It is a humanising experience for the reader, or at least I hope it is, given that Crucible focused on very few characters until this point. It also gives more depth to Ash herself, as she is not the Wicked Witch of the West in today’s writing. It shows that she is tough because she needs to be.
- The Best Sample From Today
Today’s best sample is the part where Ash informs Lumi as to the history between the clan of the antagonist and her own clan. It’s designed to be a very symbolic sequence and an homage to religion without giving any indication or preference to which one. Even though I am not religious, I do like to showcase that there is a place for belief in almost every piece of writing.
“Nothing wrong with asking about it. It’s important for others to know. Blizzard clan did this to my people. Many years ago we numbered in the thousands. We were the greatest clan this side of Laas Neda and others respected our power. Then I rose to the Fiery Throne and that is when Blizzard attacked. I didn’t think they existed, but one day they charged down from the mountains. It was a massacre. Their leader, Frost, is a conniving and dangerous foe. She knew everything about how Fire clan fought. I made the call to split our force. We could not stand in a pitched battle. I heard nothing from the other leaders since. It pains me to lose more of my clan, but every death brings me closer to the salvation of all. When we get to Laas Neda, I need to you to stay next to me at all times, Lumi. Frost claims she is the undisputed ruler of all the clans and she sits upon the Throne of the Sun. Her people roam the streets of Laas Neda and look for the one the oracles predicted to find and activate the Crucible. You are the one the oracles decreed would save us all Lumi. I hope I answered your question well enough,” Ash said.
There is not much to say about it, but it does reveal how Ash perceives the quest to find the Crucible. Sure, having her people die for her cause is a terrible thing to do, but the implication is that every sacrifice was a willing one because of belief in Ash.
- How Productive I Felt I Was
Today was yet another bottle episode, but it was a vital one. It helps build the conflict of Act II without taking anything away from what makes a novel good – presenting characters that you, the reader, can relate with. I proved to myself that I can write quiet drama scenes that keep the tension.
I said last week I would be building toward the definitive end of Act I as I continued moving the story to Laas Neda. I did a good job doing that. I will not say it is what I envisioned, but I did add stuff I did not think of last week, so I feel it improves the overall feel of the scene. I made sure not to go off track, so overall, I did a great job this week.
- What I Intend To Write Next Week
Next week is more of the last leg of the journey to Laas Neda. I intend to give the reader the first glimpse of the city and continue to build the backstory of the antagonist. I intend for this antagonist to feel special, so they will appear as little as possible. I look forward to seeing what I can do.
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