This week, I started writing the new book, ‘The Ridge House’. I have an opening page or so – not masses, but neatly tied in with the planning work I have done. I haven’t made a final decision on the writing software, but all the notes and character profiling I’ve done is just as good (for my purposes) right now.
If you were to look on my computer, or in my notebooks, you would see sections on characters (including background and personality traits; I based my notes on the Epiguide.com character chart with a few tweaks); on the house; on the health issues covered in the story; on the plot and structure and key plot point and milestones within the story. I’ve also got all archived notes, segments of writing I might want to use, ideas that are repeated throughout, and more.
I really feel that there is a proper path in this story from start to finish – and from chapter to chapter. I also feel there’s enough in it for a good 80,000 word story so there’s no risk of having to fill in gaps; this was identified and resolved when I was working through the plot on retreat and I found a logical way to resolve it that was in keeping with the storyline.
Seeing how in-depth the planning and organising is for this book, compared to what I did for the Woods one, I know how that went so wrong. I still love the characters and still see the merits of the tale but it’s clear that in its current format I don’t have the tools I need to bring it back in line with the intention. There is no path marked, so you can’t see where it started heading down the wrong one!
Once I’ve drafted up the first version of The Ridge House I’m going back to basics on the other – archiving the whole of the writing as a resource if needed but starting once again with the plot planning.
I said when I started this blog that I would share lessons I learnt along the way and I think that’s one of the biggest really – a great idea can’t become a great book just based on hope. It’s a bit like building a house – you must have solid foundations or it can’t stand on its own.
Anyway, over the next week I hope to get most of the first chapter of The Ridge House done and then we get to the spookier parts – which I’m really looking forward to writing 🙂
In other news – we’re on book 33 of the 100 novels list: Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser. I have a copy of this so hope to read it soon, mainly because I read that it should be devoured quickly and I’m falling behind on my reading targets!
And finally – I’d like to say hi to all my new (and continuing) followers; it’s so exciting to see that little plus sign pop up, and I really appreciate the support I get from people who e-mail, follow, comment or just pop into the blog to have a look around. Over time this blog has really changed and I hope you enjoy what I post – if there’s anything in particular you’d like to see just let me know, I’m always up for a challenge!
Happy writing,
EJ
🙂
Becoming a writer 
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