I get to create stories for a living. I get to daydream for a job. I also, fair enough, have to work extremely hard and cocoon myself in solitude until the book is finished, but that's beside the point. The point is, I get to be a writer, which is something so few people who ALSO want to be writers get to do.
I've just made the very last changes to LSODM I can possibly make. We're in the final type-setting stage now— that is when they take the words you've written in the manuscript and arrange them onto a book page, ready to be printed. And I now know how many pages there are going to be...
KOTW was 607 pages in the hardback version. LSODM, which is a little under 30,000 words longer, will be... ready for this?... it will be...
604 pages.
Woohooo!!!!!
Now, wait a moment, before you scratch your heads and ask how does that work, it is quite simple. If they had continued to use the same font size as they used from the very start, my publishers would be releasing a book of, according to my vague and approximate mathematical skills, 900 pages. Which is a tad BIG.
So instead they've just reduced the size of the font, to squeeze more words in. Yay! You'll be able to lift up the book when you read it! Result!
Anyway, where was I?
Yes, now that I have approved the type-setting pages, and sent in the dedication and the author biography, I can now get back to the business of being a writer. Which is, y'know, to write... and stuff...
Coming up very soon, I have a non-Skulduggery short story to write, I have to start planning out Book Nine in greater detail (and actually get started on it), and I need to write a load of Skulduggery mini-adventures for the short story collection, in 2014.
But right NOW, my main focus is on another non-Skulduggery short story, for a collection that'll be coming out in the winter of next year. I've been thinking about this for a while now, trying to figure out what to write. It can be any genre, any style... My options are unlimited. But, see, that's where the problem lies.
Limitations are useful. If I'd been told that my story had to be, say, dystopian future sci fi, then I'd have nodded and gone off and written a great dystopian future sic fi story. But because it CAN be a dystopian future sci fi OR a modern day fantasy OR a comedy about a kettle shop OR a first person narrative about a boy who has lost his dog... I now have too many options. How can I settle on one idea if I might find a better one in a different genre?
Before I wrote Skulduggery Pleasant, I embarked upon a hundred half-finished and abandoned stories, books and scripts. Any of you who write will know what I'm talking about. We flit from story to story because we get bored or we get a better idea or this one we're writing now is just not working, or it's too hard, or it's not coming out like we wanted... We flit because our imaginations are running too wild. Our creativity will not settle down.
But of course it won't. It's imagination. It's creativity. Their whole purpose is to go crazy. Their whole purpose is to run wild. But we, as writers, need to get on our horses and gallop after them, lasso them, pull them back, slow them down and herd them into a pen (and this is where the metaphor gets extravagant, as this is both a livestock pen AND an author's pen). We don't want them tame, of course we don't. We want them rearing and kicking— but we want them to do it in that enclosure, within those boundaries and those limitations. That's the only way we'll be able to use that creativity to write a story.
So, that's what I'm doing now. I'm thinking about limitations, and boundaries, and genres. What do I WANT to write about? What style do I WANT to write in? What genre? Once I know all that I'll be able to think of a story and a character and sit down and write the damn thing.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
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4,991 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 4601 – 4800 of 4991 Newer› Newest»Nice ded, Trip! [high fives everyone]
#ChaseForBook9
Trip, your whispering has a lot to be desired
Hmmm. *scratches the back of her head* Tweet Derek that you're stalking him.
Oh, yeah, sorry- since I'm here, Alastair might very well be watching... Actually, I think the only thing he doesn't do is read my emails.
Wait, when you guys say defeat, you don't mean you're trying to kill him... Are you?
#ChaseForBook9
#ChaseForBook9
Alastair, yes. Niccolo, no.
Okay then. Assuming Twitter will work. [goes to try]
#ChaseForBook9
Not kill. Well maybe kill. Beat. I wouldn't mind punching him a lot though...
#ChaseForBook9
[Shrugs]
I'm not sure if that was mentioned in the plan.
#ChaseForBook9
And done, Adra.
Ari, are you playing?
#ChaseForBook9
I'm playing!
#ChaseForBook9
Okay then, Trip, truth or dare?
#ChaseForBook9
How...? Well, you probably can't tell me on here. I guess, if there's anything more you guys need to know, you can ask me. I know Niccolò pretty well. But how do you guys know whatever you're going to try will work? I mean, I hate Alastair as much as the next guy- no, actually, a lot more than that- but I won't risk Niccolò's life.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh, I feel cowardly, truth.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh, I feel cowardly, truth.
#ChaseForBook9
I'll play!
Because what's going to happen next is, well... Top secret.
Okay then, Trip. If you were standing upside down on top of a twelve-foot tall volcano, would you remember to bring snacks?
[...I'm rubbish with truths. XD]
Um, yeah, we can't tell you here. And we don't know it'll work, but it's a plan everyone seems to agree on, and I can't think of how I would avoid it if I were Niccolo. Though, there is something we still might have to worry about...
#ChaseForBook9
No. I would be too preoccupied by being able to stand upside down. I can't do that at the moment.
#ChaseForBook9
Interesting. [nods at Trip]
#ChaseForBook9
[Sorry, I disappeared to get a tea and ended up having a conversation with my dad about the origins of tea and conjoined twins.]
[I don't even think I'm here . . .
Yeah, I'm going. :(
Hopefully see you awesome people tomorrow before I leave? *hugs*
I hate how I haven't been here hardly at all for this awesome roleplaying this week, but I've just been SO BUSY.
Oh well.
HOPEFULLY IT'LL STILL BE RUNNING STEADY COME NEXT WEEK.
Fours!
Don't forgoet - you're all awesome and I love you all. *hugs*
#ChaseForBookNine]
So it's my turn now?
#ChaseForBook9
(Bye Star!)
#ChaseForBook9
(LOVE YOU STARLARK!)
([hugs Star] Bye)
Yep, Trip.
#ChaseForBook9
Um....
Aretha! Are you still here?
#ChaseForBook9
Yep, it's your turn, Trip!
#ChaseForBook9
Aretha! Truth or Dare?
#ChaseForBook9
Um... Dare? I never do those, so yeah. Dare.
I dare you... to do a facekeyboard? Is that what you call it?
#ChaseForBook9
Ok... Next comment will be my facekeyboard. Plus a #ChaseForBook9 at the end.
#ChaseForBook9
#ChaseForBook9
Mm kay.
#ChaseForBook9
.;;;;;;;rt45jkhgfdrfgvbnmghbh yb.comb .com.comc 6ik l. vecv
#ChaseForBook9
Loki dokey! (totally got that from Cassidy)
#ChaseForBook9
Fabi! Truth or dare?
Truth, since I just did a dare.
#ChaseForBook9
*gets up* Anyone need a refill?
#ChaseForBook9
I do! That is, if you don't mind :)
Not at all. *goes and gets more coke and gives it to Adra.* There you go! Anyone else?
#ChaseForBook9
Ok. Um... *tries to think of interesting truth*
Thanks dear! :)
No trouble. *takes a swig of tumblefizz*
#ChaseForBook9
Uhm.... If you could give one fictional character a life of their own, who would you pick and why?
#ChaseForBook9
#ChaseForBook9
Aretha! Did I get you a drink?
#ChaseForBook9
Actually, guys I'm just saying but fttb, we should keep our guards up... Just in case, you know?
Probably one who died in the book they were in...
Maybe Junai from Tamora Pierce's Trickster's Choice/Trickster's Queen. She's the first one who comes to mind... If you ask me again when I'm in a different mood, though, I might answer differently.
#ChaseForBook9
No, but I don't drink. Thanks anyways, though, Trip. I just hate the taste of alcohol- and technically I'm underage, anyway.
#ChaseforBook9
Ah! We'll be fine!
#ChaseForBook9
I have soft drinks too! In fact, I have any drink imaginable.
#ChaseForBook9
*raises coke* He doesn't have just alcohol, you know.
And Trip, where did the cautious guy from earlier?
Sorry I'm distant...
Adra, does "keeping our guard up" involve stopping the game? If not, truth or dare?
#ChaseForBook9
*go
He ran from the alcohol.
#ChaseForBook9
Dare. Totally.
And no, it doesn't! Just be aware that he might show up
Just kidding, I'm not drunk. I'm just more relaxed in my pub.
#ChaseForBook9
Alright then... Could I have a root beer? Only if it's not too much trouble, of course! I wouldn't want to bother you...
#ChaseForBook9
Aretha! Here, I'm a bartender! Of course it's no trouble! *goes and gets root beer, and gives it to Aretha.* There you go.
#ChaseForBook9
Okay then.
I dare you to comment a random fact in pig-Latin, replacing every fifth letter with a number.
Not sure why.
And okay. [nods]
#ChaseForBook9
*takes root beer* Thanks, Trip!
#ChaseForBook9
Iay i1l-way 3-bay e7e-hay!!!
I really don't know how to speak in pig latin
[laughs]
I don't really, either, so.
At any rate, that was amusing! XD
#ChaseForBook9
Ta.
Trip, truth or dare?
*puts feet on the table, swigs drink*
Ah!
#ChaseForBook9
Hello?
#ChaseForBook9
Hello! Yes!
[Points to Adra's comment]
#ChaseForBook9
(I'm still here!) Truth or dare?
Truth.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh, sorry, didn't hear ya.
#ChaseForBook9
I'm still here, too, just for the record!
#ChaseForBook9
Hmm.... Truth, truth, truth, truth... I don't know. OH WAIT! How old are you? I've wondered!
(and star trek any series or doctor who)
Hmmmm. Now, I've been deliberately keeping this a secret, because I believe we all need secrets, and also. Well. Meh I'm 12.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh! Voyager. Tuvoc, was just... awesome. But wouldn't be able to choose between them.
#ChaseForBook9
That's not too bad! (I'm 14!) yeah, Emerald Melody, 22/23? is the oldest here...
AH! TNG FOR THE WIN, THOUGH!
Um, who's still here?
#ChaseForBook9
I'm still here! *raises hand excitedly*
#ChaseForBook9
Um, well I asked you last time, so... Adra! Truth or dare?
#ChaseForBook9
Again. Dare!
I'm not.
[Shrugs and hides behind Ari]
G'bye.
#ChaseForBook9
Oooh! Pick a random letter, then type it into google with 'How to' in front of it and tell us the result!
#ChaseForBook9
oh god...
Bye Fabi! :3
Bye Fabi!
#ChaseForBook9
How to...
naturally induce labor
not be depressed
not get shot
not eat
not cry
negotiate a used car
not get tired
Bye Fabi!!
#ChaseForBook9
Aretha, truth or dare?
Um... Well, which would be more interesting?
#ChaseForBook9
*grins* Dare
Ok then, I'll pick dare.
#ChaseForBook9
Huzzah!
#ChaseForBook9
Dare... steal a car!
Um....
Anyone need a refill?
#ChaseForBook9
I'm good!
Dan Brown = ONE OF THE BEST AUTHORS EVER HOLYPOOPHISBOOKSAREAMAZING
(not here)
*awkward silence*
#ChaseForBook9
Oh. Well, that's... Hm. *sits and thinks for a moment* *slowly begins to nod* Ok, I can do that. *travels by map to Connecticut* *runs up to house in suburban town, gets in car and drives to local movie theatre* How's that?
#ChaseForBook9
heh heh heh...
xP
Sorry, I'm a bit distant- simultaneously working on a project-thingy... Yeah.
#ChaseForBook9
Ok! And good job *giggles*
Ok, then. *travels by map back to Blogland*
Trip! Truth or dare?
#ChaseForBook9
Dare!
#ChaseForBook9
VICTORY!!! *giggles* Ok, I dare you to... Kiss Adra! *giggles uncontrollably*
#ChaseforBook9
Well. If it's OK with Adra.
#ChaseForBook9
*growls* Aretha.... *sighs*
I regret my life choices.... Fine.
Ummmm. *kisses Adra*
There...
#ChaseForBook9
TADRA!! YES!!!! *jumps up and down*
#ChaseForBook9
Does someone owe you digital cookies now or something?
#ChaseForBook9
*blushes* oh my gosh...
No, I just really wanted to make that happen because TADRA!
#ChaseForBook9
Ah, she blushed!
#ChaseForBook9
Um. *rubs back of neck, sits down.* Um, Adra, truth or dare?
#ChaseForBook9
I'm not going to even contribute to this
*swigs drink*
#ChaseForBook9
dare
Um... punch Aretha.
#ChaseForBook9
[laughs softly]
[probably isn't here]
#ChaseForBook9
Oh, come on! *sighs* Well, I guess I was asking for it.
#ChaseForBook9
*taps Aretha's shoulder softly*
*smiles* laugh it up Fabi...
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs, and gets to her feet* I'm going to work on another remedy for Alistair... *back to the drawing board on the swingset*
Adra, I know you're behind me. You can just... Oh, forget it. *turns around*
*sighs, goes behind bar and starts cleaning glasses.*
#ChaseForBook9
If there's anything you need to know about him, you can ask me- I might have answers. Niccolò... Well, let's say he showed me a lot.
#ChaseForBook9
#ChaseForBook9
Behind you? how so?
Hello i am here iPod was overheating
That comment posted a little late- I was talking about when you tapped my shoulder.
#ChaseForBook9
Right
I'm... gonna go upstairs. *walks up into the attic*
#ChaseForBook9
Bye everyone!
Bye Ari.
#ChaseForBook9
oh. Bye!
Trip! *yells from outside* I'll be at the library if you need me! Be back in a few minutes!!!
OK! Bye...
#ChaseForBook9
*lies down on bed*
#ChaseForBook9
*drives her motorcycle to the library and dashes inside* Booksbooksbooksbooksbooks!
*runs along the aisles doing handsprings, giggling*
*pulls out old worn novel from case* Aaaah.
#ChaseForBook9
*climbs up one of the bookcases and takes down an Alchemy book* Alright... Let's figure out what that thing was...
*looks around the empty library* Good. I'm pretty sure climbing on bookcases is illegal
*closes book* I'm not getting anywhere with this.
*gets up, pads over to cupboard* I never thought I would look at a cupboard for no apparent reason. But here we are...
#ChaseForBook9
Hello...
#ChaseForBook9
Hiya, Fabi
Hey Fabi!
#ChaseForBook9
Hi Adra, hi Trip.
Any progress? Stuff I could help with? [shrugs]
#ChaseForBook9
Ask Adra. I'm just chillin' in my loft...
#ChaseForBook9
We've got things handled... For now, at least.
*sighs and sits amongst a pile of books* I just want him to get here already. It's so BORING
*leans against book case* I can almost feel him watching us. He usually shows up when I get this feeling...
AND I JUST CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING ANYMORE
I'VE FORGOTTEN WHAT I STARTED FIGHTING FOR!
#ChaseForBook9
[Waits in the silence]
#ChaseForBook9
He is around ugh SOMEONE EMAIL ME PLAN
I TOLD YOU ON SKYPE, ZAF!
No you went in no detail
*stays out of it*
#ChaseForBook9
Ugh. I can't tell you right now... But later.
Yeah whatever if he comes on i guess i wont help whatever
*leaves*
*rolls her eyes* Drama Queen.
Well this is awkward.
#ChaseForBook9
Erm...
#ChaseForBook9
Um, well Once he gets here I'll tell you, but right now I'm still trying to keep it confidential.
Oh so im not important enough to know? Gee thanks leave me in the dark why dont you i guess im not wanted involved at all anyway
[Fidgets]
Heck, I don't know most of the details, Zaf.
#ChaseForBook9
I know shite i know its a plan i dont know HOW or when or anything just oh we have a plan
*sits in silence*
#ChaseForBook9
*glowers* What do you want? Sympathy? Because you're not getting any! The only three people who know are us, because we were there so don't think that it's everyone v.s. you! It's not! That's just incredibly narcissistic to think that you're the only one who doesn't know!
(Sorry guys)
I said that I'll tell you when it gets closer to go time, Zaf! Good lord!
ALL RIGHT EVERYONE CALM DOWN!
Just everyone cool it, ok? Does anyone want a drink?
#ChaseForBook9
I do!
What would you like?
#ChaseForBook9
...I'm going to run and hide now.
I can email her the basic plan, it isn't worth this...this fighting. And Alastair might be stalking the comments now, but he can't read her email.
[runs and hides]
#ChaseForBook9
Fire Whiskey. Actual fire whiskey
Im just gonna go walk around i need to calm down
OK... *goes and gets bottle of fire whiskey and a shot glass. Puts it on table in front of Adra. Gets water for self*
There you go.
#ChaseForBook9
Thank you *drinks*
*head hits the table* This tastes like petrol as well... Ughnnjlkbsndjkbnleb
Until i know SOMETHING i wont he helping Adra thats my decision
*sits in tree*
Are you sure you don't just not like whiskey? This is from the magical wheelbarrow.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh my lord... It's awful... Oh lord. *takes another shot* but you can get used to it quickly... Thank god I can hold my alcohol
Am i allowed a drink?
*sighs*
Why ask it'll be a no
Zaf, of course you can! What do you want?
#ChaseForBook9
I've got whiskey. *slides the bottle over* take a shot
*passes shot glass*
#ChaseForBook9
*pours and has shot*
Thanks
I return. Sorry about that.
Trip, does your bar have hot chocolate?
Zaf, check your email.
#ChaseForBook9
*nods* *takes another* ah lord....
You know, Zaf... This plan might not even work. A whole day on the blog.. *shrugs* wasted. But we'll get him. And avenge the others
My bar has everything Fabi.
*goes and gets hot chocolat* there you go Fabi.
#ChaseForBook9
Avenge?
#ChaseForBook9
Thanks. [sips hot chocolate]
#ChaseForBook9
First comment.
I dedicate to our plan working. And everything else. And staying true to ourselves, and letting good triumph evil.
We're the heros right? The good guys?
And here we are, at a bar, waiting for the bad guy to make a show. How pathetic. But you know, I have to say it's worth it. I've grown closer to you guys. And even though Zaf and I just blew up in each others faces, we're still friends. Relationships like that don't come around that often, so we best hold on to them while we can.
*raises glass*
To being better than who we are now, and being true to our beliefs. And to saving the world.
To avenge someone = To get revenge on the person who killed that someone.
#ChaseForBook9
Well, the sun's set. I'm going to start a bonfire... And hope I don't go up in flames from that whiskey.
[Vanishes momentarily, muttering about leftover marshmallows]
#ChaseForBook9
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