It all came to 2800 words today. I’m always apprehensive, but it feels right to me.
It started with Serang’s army making plans for a major attack. They have to keep the moon phase in mind because of the Fulminites and their special ability.
What I didn’t care for was the three page chapter. I try not to do those, but I got everything I needed down and didn’t want to add filler just to make this section ten pages. I see these in books from time to time, so I figure I’m safe. It is what it must be.
I switched to James and Lanternfish, but handled this a bit differently. By this time, readers have experienced sea battles, so I told a bit to move the story along. We joined James at the aftermath of a battle where they wound up rescuing some Prelonian prisoners from the Hollish.
Then they went ashore to examine a signal from Diego Palumbo. In one of his previous sections, Diego left a bit of intelligence behind in hopes James might find it. Back in HMS Lanternfish, they used special lanterns for this purpose.
I turned recovery of the data into a root monster competition where the prize was getting a name. It became quite an event with monsters being thrown off a cliff, lots of laughter, and some confusion over what James might want. All told four monsters got names: Papers, Buckle, Fishbone, and Splat.
In brief, the army is in place with a plan. The “navy” is in the right spot, but needs to review their treasure. Even Diego and Camila are set up for their next adventure. I also have a cool sequence planned for Mal the witch doctor. And it all wrapped up with root monsters.
I’m pretty happy. The next stretch behind the keyboard will have to be James interpreting the data, but then all hell is going to break loose on multiple fronts.
Tomorrow is my errand day, then I drive to Nevada for a visit. Mom doesn’t have wifi, but I can pigtale to my phone if anyone needs me. I’m up at Story Empire with an interesting story structure. I’ll monitor comments, then check them once more before my drive. I will be out of range until I get to my parent’s home, but I can check again there.
Long drives are heavenly for spending with my Muse. I discovered a new song that gave me a character. It will be a couple of years before I can use him, but I might get an idea how a special grave digger fits into Lizzie’s universe over in the hat series. The song is too obscure for her band to play, but it’s a cool character idea.
That is good going 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jim. I’m pretty happy with it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad of that, a day with that number of words under your belt shows you’re doing something right 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s been a long time coming. I hope once the action starts I can keep the momentum going.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like you had a good one, Craig.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was great, thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like an occasional short chapter!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I try not to do it, but sometimes it just happens.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! Even more progress today. I lost most of yesterday and today with family things. Our daughter came a day early for St. Patrick’s Day, and that was fun. I stayed with my cousin today so my sister could go get her first Covid vaccine. But tomorrow, I can hit the keys again. It feels like you’ve built up enough steam to sail through words for a while. And I love Mal, the witch doctor! Glad he gets something fun in the new book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have to do my family things starting tomorrow. Might get another chance on Monday.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great on the progress. 3 page chapters are strange, but I’ve seen 3-5 pagers in the books my son reads in school. So, the rule is a chapter is as long as it needs to be.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s what I see, too. I’d prefer not to, but it beats just padding the section.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a great word count. Congrats!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love when root monsters get names. I can’t wait to see how Splat earns his!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Mae. Hope it comes across well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope your muse is a good companion for you. Safe travels, and enjoy your visit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m tending to comments and coffee-ing up. Then I’ll go on my errand run. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like great progress. And short chapters are fine in my book (sorry for the awful pun! tee he hee). Safe journey, Craig, and here’s hoping for a fun visit 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the short chapter was the way to go. Not my preference, but not a foul either. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is beautiful! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a fantastic writing day to me. Hope all goes well with errands and your trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice long drive. I’m visiting for the rest of the weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
2800!!! WHOOT! 😀 … I’ve had a few sub-par days in a row … distracting myself from the stresses of packing/sorting/etc by watching dumb YouTube compilation videos, until my writing time for the day is gone. No more YouTube for me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I might get some time tomorrow, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like the story is coming together, Craig! I look forward to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a lot to do, still. I like progress, though.
LikeLike
Yikes. Missed this post. Sorry!
I rather like a three-page chapter here and there. It breaks up the longer chapters. Enjoy your time with your mom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. We all had a nice visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Long drives are great for muse-related inspiration. I enjoy chapters of different lengths (if done correctly). I’ve read many books like this and, if the author makes it work, it’s nice to break up the reading of really long chapters. Moving ahead, not looking back, as always. 🙂 Have a great week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It was a productive drive and a nice visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person