Friday, September 24, 2010
Run away with me
I hoped for 70,000 words, sort of planned for it - as if the pathetic amount of planning I do would make a difference, I'm at 56,000 and I'm worried. Can I finish this story in 14,000 words? I'm not sure. Three or four chapters - doesn't sound possible to me. I'm beginning to think I write naturally to 100,000 ish. Of course, there was a whopper that reached 160,000 but it was a thriller and I chopped and chopped until I got it to 125,000. Still too long. But characters that come alive as I type, just have to be as they are and if I have to take this beyond 70,000, then I suppose I'll have to. But I'm going to be peeved! Means I have to try again for 70,000 and chances are I won't make it next time either.
And then, instead of the unthinkable(writing less than your characters need, expect, deserve)you'll find another way, or another story, to hold 5 books in print.
ReplyDeleteI won't be looking for ways to loose weight, as anything that seems overstated I'd mention regardless, and I'm too invested in stone to want the end to come before it should.