Monday, July 27, 2009

In over my head.

I'm making progress. Managed to outline the plot for the first novel, but the complexities of the whole damn thing has made me feel at a loss. Of course that's what rough drafts, editors and such are for.

Still...I can't help feeling as though I'm lost in my crazy world of planning with so many things to think about. All of the characters, the country, outside the country and the story's whole world.

It's all so damn epic that I can say without a doubt, I will probably write something flippant and/or short for next Nano to give my poor brain a rest.

Perhaps I need help or a fresh pair of eyes. Or to just write the whole story of this world and events down so that I can sort through it objectively--instead of letting in mill around abstractly in my head. July is ending soon, so I better get cracking.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

A shift in villainy

After a lot of thought, I've figured out the grand scheme of my main "villains" in the series. Since the story will probably span three stories, these characters will make it into the limelight and then step back for the next one to take their place.

Tier 1: The Orvilles
The main antagonists of the original draft of the story, but with the story expanding their roles will change later on. So while they might be antagonists for the first book, they will also be the protagonist's link to her past and surrogate father figures in the future. In fact, it will turn out that their villainy is a misconception that comes from lies and secrets they must keep. With them appearances are definitely not what they seem.

Tier 2: "Magnus Edison"
Technically a new character, but I believe him to be an essential one. He steps into the role that the Orvilles once had of mentor and leader of a company/organization. He is responsible for a lot of the issues, but not the main cause. He is generally good intentioned and despite his best attempts they have backfired. He has become what he is out of desperation and a desire to preserve what he wants most in life: control.

Tier 3: "Cromwell"
As far as the overall story and world goes, she's the main antagonist, the top villain, the lady to beat. It is because of her actions and choices that everyone is in this mess. And so she will affect and alter the lives of everyone involved, even if she does not directly interact with them. This is similar to the original story, but the history, character traits (he is now a she) and role overall have changed drastically.

I have figured out a great deal about this intriguing lady and plan to make a much longer post later. But here are the key facts:
a. She is a woman with a plan and will see that plan to the bitter end.
b. She is the living representation of Minotaur, a person who has unleashed a lot of death and suffering--whether she intended it that way or not. And she is something both Magnus (based on Minos) and Vincent (based on Daedalus) feel responsible for and wish to deal with.
c. While she has dealt with similar issues to my protagonist, she has made the wrong choices and not learned from them--because of that, her end is inevitable.
d. She believes that her actions are in the best interest of her people.


So far...a good start.

Next time, a bit more about "Cromwell".

Friday, July 3, 2009

JulNoWriMo

So this month begins another NaNoWriMo spin-off, for July of course.
I know a few folks who will be participating, including Penny. As for me, I'm not sure if I will be able to participate at all.

Technically I could start writing the first couple of chapters of the novel, as the current planning doesn't directly affect it. However, I really want to figure out the key plot elements before starting.

So if anything, I will use JulNoWriMo to create a chronicle of the historical facts, characters backgrounds, maps, etc. It technically counts as writing after all.

Either way, I don't think I'll start writing until next Monday. Sure I'll fall behind, but it's still possible to catch up and surpass if you try hard enough [something I've done quite a few Nanos.

We'll see how it goes.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Update!

So my rough [very rough] timeline is drafted.
I've mostly figured out the overall conflict--although it still needs some tweaking.
Most of the world/country history and technology is falling into place.

Now I just need to breakdown the plot across the three stories and do a bit of character work before I can start writing.

So much still to do!

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