Today was my flex day. I made no effort at all to wake up early, but was up around six o’clock. I took my time with chores, social media, email, and my standard AM process.
I turned to my manuscript, and started reading the last chapter plus. Fixed a few spelling errors and one double word.
Right now, the story involves moving the pirate ship into harm’s way once more, and doing some character building to help carry this section.
I need to make sure to build some tension as they face a well trained enemy with multiple ships, and that might be slow going as I work back and forth across it. This will lead right into the big finish scene.
There is a lot that has to happen in the finale. I’ve planted quite a few things that need to pay off now. Magic, cannon, swordsmanship, and a new monster will be involved. Then, of course, there is a denouement of some kind.
I’m mildly concerned about the big finish, because I don’t want it to feel like a battle scene that drags on. There are enough characters, and it’s a moving battle, so I get some leeway.
Denouement is another struggle. I have a happy ending I could go with, or one that leads into a possible sequel. My big issue with this involves my readers. If they don’t take to book one, will anyone be interested in book two? A second book would also eat time for something else I’d like to write.
Who knows how I’ll handle it. Honestly, I need to focus on one step at a time here.
Moving pieces around the board doesn’t sound like much progress, but it’s required in the story.
On the other hand, I wrote three blog posts this afternoon, including this one. One of them will post over at Story Empire next week. Blogging counts by my rules, so today was fairly productive.
Back to work tomorrow, but my next flex day is Monday. With a three day weekend I might even finish my novel, but it would be a stretch. I won’t rush it. If I have to wait another week, so be it, but I’m getting close here.
Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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Thank you, Kim.
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To be honest, you will always have readers who drop out after each volume of a series. It’s inevitable. Best to do what you feel is right and let the cards fall where they may.
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You’re probably right. I think I’ll finish the story, then run out a post about this specific issue. There are actually three stories competing for my attention next. One of those could lead to a novella sized prequel too.
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Sounds like fun. 👍
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Reader loyalty prediction is almost impossible. I agree with Charles. Do what you want.
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I’m sure that’s what will happen. I just responded to Charles that I’ll probably blog about my dilemma after I finish the story.
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Good idea. Will be of interest. 🙂
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Oh, and how are you feeling?
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Quite well, Thanks. Got some nice meds.
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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I am looking forward to reaching this point in my own WIP. Such an exciting time when you approach the end of a masterpiece!
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Thanks again, and I agree with the excitement.
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I love a happy ending, but I love a sequel, too. Multiple sequels, actually, when I love a world and don’t want to leave it. I know you’ll find the ending that best fits your novel. And I, for one, can’t wait to read it.
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I appreciate your attempt at help, but I’m jazzed that you want to read it.
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I can’t wait to read it!
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Sounds like a very productive day to me!
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I felt that way too. Thanks.
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