Just thinking.

Just digging through some old files and I came across another book that I'd started after I'd finished Marysvale. When B'lue, and a few others found out that I'd stopped writing Alyth in favor of something else, I had a mini riot on my hands. In my defense, I didn't think anything would happen with Marysvale. I didn't even know if Marysvale was good. I believed it was, but I didn't know for sure. I mean, everyone thinks their kids, and books, are the cutest. Anyway, It got me thinking, which I know can be dangerous, but I'm not ready to give up on it just yet. I enjoy it, especially without distractions, and especially in Moab in the winter. I know what your thinking. "Does everything break down to Moab?" Why yes, yes it does. Although, I'd accept a few other southern Utah destinations in place of Moab, but I digress. So, what was I thinking about? Well, I'm not sure what to make of this whole writing experience. It definitely is a stretch outside my comfort zone, which is good. I suppose it's like anything when you're trying something new, it has its ups and downs. I don't know where this writing thing will take me. I've committed to finishing up the Marysvale series, but after that I'm not sure what I'll do. There are days where I long for the simplicity of the way things use to be, meaning I actually have free time, but I also love creating, getting positive feedback, and meeting people who enjoy the story. I think I'll continue writing, at least for fun, perhaps I'll share them when I'm done. I have three more stories building in my head and I have to keep shoving them out of the way so I can finish Alyth. Quite frankly, I'm okay with whatever God has in mind for me...or at least that's the way I feel today.

Just Writing

I'm home writing Alyth and looking out the window upon a very dismal day. I miss Moab. It's usually sunny and dismal free, even if it is cold. The camera at Red Cliffs Lodge is showing gorgeous red rock just begging to be hiked or ridden all over, and they sky is sooo blue. The sun is just setting, bringing to life that deep red color. I love it. Okay, this isn't what I really wanted to talk about. So, back on topic. I'm well over half way done, in fact I only have about a third left of Alyth to finish. What I find interesting, is that I've written two thirds of the story, but I'm at a point where I though it would only take a few chapters to get to. I'm on Chapter 19 if you counting...assuming the chapters stay intact at their current breaks. So does that mean that I'm not really two thirds done? Is it going to be longer than Marysvale? I was thinking it was going to be a few thousand words shorter, but now I'm not sure. And last time I added in all the change requests to the Marysvale manuscript, I added nearly 10,000 words! In case you're wondering, the average length of a novel is roughly between 80,000-120,000 words. This is generally speaking. It varies depending on who you are and what category you write in. Marysvale clocked in at 101K words after editing.