Andrew Zabriskie's Blog: The Cyfandir Project, page 4
June 16, 2015
BOTB2
6/16 - Here's another thought on writer's block: sometimes you just need to start writing. I know I sorta mentioned this before, but it is critical. Write something, anything. You can always go back and add or delete (unlike typewriters of old), but at least you'll have the ball rolling, and sometimes momentum is all that was missing in the first place.
I tend to think of any given scene as a house, consisting of multiple components. Start with the framework - the basic idea you're trying to convey in the scene. Sometimes I write this down as a statement or dialogue just to have the focus handy.
This helps get a lot of the supporting action in place - plumbing, electrical. Then add supportive dialogue - drywall. Finally, flesh it out with creative exposition - carpet, trim, fixtures, etc.
Today I bulled through what will most likely be the final scene of book 2. I've been wanting to write it for awhile, 'cause I know it's gonna be even more cliff-hangy and plot-twisty than the first. So I just started with that critical "he did what?" moment and worked backwards. It's still far from the final version, but I did manage to get some forward progress done, as well as spark a few ideas for other scenes.
Until next week...
I tend to think of any given scene as a house, consisting of multiple components. Start with the framework - the basic idea you're trying to convey in the scene. Sometimes I write this down as a statement or dialogue just to have the focus handy.
This helps get a lot of the supporting action in place - plumbing, electrical. Then add supportive dialogue - drywall. Finally, flesh it out with creative exposition - carpet, trim, fixtures, etc.
Today I bulled through what will most likely be the final scene of book 2. I've been wanting to write it for awhile, 'cause I know it's gonna be even more cliff-hangy and plot-twisty than the first. So I just started with that critical "he did what?" moment and worked backwards. It's still far from the final version, but I did manage to get some forward progress done, as well as spark a few ideas for other scenes.
Until next week...
June 10, 2015
BOTB2
6/10 - last week on my blog...
(queue montage, dramatic music)
Writer's block...cheez-its...don't panic.
And now, on my blog...
By taking my own advice (in this case, getting done several small projects around the house), I was able to move past last week's writer's block and crank out another two chapters in Keila's story arc and a chapter in Captain Sollin's story arc.
Sollin was originally supposed to be a small side character, but as I've been developing his personality, I can see just how relatable he is to the rest of us, and that's one of my primary goals in sharing this story with the world. Hopefully what he learns and the choices he makes will help others in real life.
I've discovered a certain delight in introducing new characters in an unassuming way that I know will become major players later on. I guess it's that whole "humble beginnings" thing.
I've been toying with the idea of unique names for each blog entry. Any thoughts?
Had a great discussion with a dear friend over lunch regarding faith and convictions - what is essential for unity? Better put on your floaties, 'cause this end of the pool is suuuuper deep.
Anyway, that's it for now.
P.S. If I tweeted #poundsign, would twitter explode?
(queue montage, dramatic music)
Writer's block...cheez-its...don't panic.
And now, on my blog...
By taking my own advice (in this case, getting done several small projects around the house), I was able to move past last week's writer's block and crank out another two chapters in Keila's story arc and a chapter in Captain Sollin's story arc.
Sollin was originally supposed to be a small side character, but as I've been developing his personality, I can see just how relatable he is to the rest of us, and that's one of my primary goals in sharing this story with the world. Hopefully what he learns and the choices he makes will help others in real life.
I've discovered a certain delight in introducing new characters in an unassuming way that I know will become major players later on. I guess it's that whole "humble beginnings" thing.
I've been toying with the idea of unique names for each blog entry. Any thoughts?
Had a great discussion with a dear friend over lunch regarding faith and convictions - what is essential for unity? Better put on your floaties, 'cause this end of the pool is suuuuper deep.
Anyway, that's it for now.
P.S. If I tweeted #poundsign, would twitter explode?
June 3, 2015
BOTB2
6/3 - Ok, so I'm going to shoot for one post a week. Here goes...
Today I'll share about the complex, emotionally turbulent state of writer's block (made exponentially more difficult without Colby flavored Cheez-its; I'm just keepin' it real, folks).
Writer's block is, in fact, an unpleasant hot mess. It can produce copious amounts of frustration and anxiety. I say 'can', because it's a choice. Not necessarily an easy one mind you, but a choice nonetheless.
The understanding that I have no deadlines to an editor or publisher help tremendously, but I still want to write, to feel productive. I'm excited to see where the story goes and what gets revealed as much as the reader.
Writer's block scared me during the first book, because I was afraid I'd be stuck forever. This time around, I find myself relaxing and letting it take its course. If you try to force creativity, you get crap, which then results in a ton of re-writes. Ain't nobody got time for that.
So, step 1 in dealing with writer's block: don't panic - which is exactly what Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy teaches us. It really is sound advice.
Step 2: Devote your attention and energy wholeheartedly into something else for a short time. In this way distractions are practically medicinal. I feel that it gives the part of your subconscious that's completely committed to the book a chance to reboot.
Don't worry; it'll let you know when its fully reloaded, which is why I mentioned that the distraction should only be for a short time. A long time means a part of you has given up. A short time means you trust your subconscious to work through its hang-ups.
For me, this is anywhere from a week to a month. If inspiration hasn't flounder-slapped me in the face after a month, then I'll sit down and force myself to write something, anything, just to prime the pump. And yes, it's usually garbage, but in those rare occasions it's the exercise that counts, not the content quality. Don't allow yourself to atrophy, but let me stress that it's rare that this happens - maybe twice over the six-year period of writing the first book.
I actually started writing this post yesterday because I'd been hung up on a major plot logistic involving Keila's storyline. So I put down the keyboard(?) and walked away. It's been about two weeks. The solution to the problem popped into my head this morning (after two cups of coffee, of course).
I'm not sure if said progress makes this post ironic or not, but I'm ready to change one element slightly and move forward, which is often times the issue with writer's block. Be willing to reconsider your structure: three guys walk into a bar at night. What about two? What about three girls? What if it's not a bar? How about noon? That kinda thing.
Wow, so this is my longest post EVER...which isn't anywhere near impressive since I've only made like eight of these. Hopefully it was encouraging to fellow writers and entertaining to everyone else. Until next week...
Today I'll share about the complex, emotionally turbulent state of writer's block (made exponentially more difficult without Colby flavored Cheez-its; I'm just keepin' it real, folks).
Writer's block is, in fact, an unpleasant hot mess. It can produce copious amounts of frustration and anxiety. I say 'can', because it's a choice. Not necessarily an easy one mind you, but a choice nonetheless.
The understanding that I have no deadlines to an editor or publisher help tremendously, but I still want to write, to feel productive. I'm excited to see where the story goes and what gets revealed as much as the reader.
Writer's block scared me during the first book, because I was afraid I'd be stuck forever. This time around, I find myself relaxing and letting it take its course. If you try to force creativity, you get crap, which then results in a ton of re-writes. Ain't nobody got time for that.
So, step 1 in dealing with writer's block: don't panic - which is exactly what Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy teaches us. It really is sound advice.
Step 2: Devote your attention and energy wholeheartedly into something else for a short time. In this way distractions are practically medicinal. I feel that it gives the part of your subconscious that's completely committed to the book a chance to reboot.
Don't worry; it'll let you know when its fully reloaded, which is why I mentioned that the distraction should only be for a short time. A long time means a part of you has given up. A short time means you trust your subconscious to work through its hang-ups.
For me, this is anywhere from a week to a month. If inspiration hasn't flounder-slapped me in the face after a month, then I'll sit down and force myself to write something, anything, just to prime the pump. And yes, it's usually garbage, but in those rare occasions it's the exercise that counts, not the content quality. Don't allow yourself to atrophy, but let me stress that it's rare that this happens - maybe twice over the six-year period of writing the first book.
I actually started writing this post yesterday because I'd been hung up on a major plot logistic involving Keila's storyline. So I put down the keyboard(?) and walked away. It's been about two weeks. The solution to the problem popped into my head this morning (after two cups of coffee, of course).
I'm not sure if said progress makes this post ironic or not, but I'm ready to change one element slightly and move forward, which is often times the issue with writer's block. Be willing to reconsider your structure: three guys walk into a bar at night. What about two? What about three girls? What if it's not a bar? How about noon? That kinda thing.
Wow, so this is my longest post EVER...which isn't anywhere near impressive since I've only made like eight of these. Hopefully it was encouraging to fellow writers and entertaining to everyone else. Until next week...
May 27, 2015
Paradox of the Day
"We have only one rule here: there are no rules."
Ok, so obviously the fact that there are no rules is a rule unto itself, especially since it's stated as the only rule. But for grins and giggles, let's play this one out.
Now let's say you attempt to enforce that rule, because apparently someone has broken it by establishing another rule (what a fascist).
Would that action effectively eliminate all rules, including the first, and therefore allow for rules to be made, thus instantly reestablishing that first rule and creating an infinite loop?
Discuss among yourselves.
I will neither confirm nor deny that this kept me up last night.
Ok, so obviously the fact that there are no rules is a rule unto itself, especially since it's stated as the only rule. But for grins and giggles, let's play this one out.
Now let's say you attempt to enforce that rule, because apparently someone has broken it by establishing another rule (what a fascist).
Would that action effectively eliminate all rules, including the first, and therefore allow for rules to be made, thus instantly reestablishing that first rule and creating an infinite loop?
Discuss among yourselves.
I will neither confirm nor deny that this kept me up last night.
May 26, 2015
BOTB2
5/26 - Got a good chunk of writing done on Memorial Day weekend.
Getting to know Varzeth more with little glimpses beneath his many complex layers of motivation. Who is he, really?
Also started on a chapter focusing on Lark Prentice, Keila's fiancé from book 1. He was always intended for hero status, so book 2 will feature him more prominently, and more so in book 3.
Struggling to move on from losing the love of his life, Lark begins a search for a way to level the playing field with the Azrahterans, but will he lose himself in his obsession?
My trial separation with Colby has been a tough love/hate roller coaster ride, but I'm afraid that full-on divorce is looming just over the horizon.
It was so good in the beginning, you know? But a handful here and there to get through writer's block turned into an inability to write at all without a box at arm's reach. Then it was half a box a day, writing or not.
Oh, how we tend to love the things that ultimately bring about our destruction...
Getting to know Varzeth more with little glimpses beneath his many complex layers of motivation. Who is he, really?
Also started on a chapter focusing on Lark Prentice, Keila's fiancé from book 1. He was always intended for hero status, so book 2 will feature him more prominently, and more so in book 3.
Struggling to move on from losing the love of his life, Lark begins a search for a way to level the playing field with the Azrahterans, but will he lose himself in his obsession?
My trial separation with Colby has been a tough love/hate roller coaster ride, but I'm afraid that full-on divorce is looming just over the horizon.
It was so good in the beginning, you know? But a handful here and there to get through writer's block turned into an inability to write at all without a box at arm's reach. Then it was half a box a day, writing or not.
Oh, how we tend to love the things that ultimately bring about our destruction...
May 15, 2015
BOTB2
5/15 - Two posts in one month, look out! Funny how some habits are easier to start and/or break than others (I want Colby Cheez-its, I miss Colby Cheez-its, I've shared too much).
After tearing myself away from Keila and Rayvn, I've made great progress with the brotherhood (which is a good thing, since they're the title characters).
With them I'm really hoping to capture the spiritual battle many of us face every day as we deal with our fears and failings, making both good and bad decisions like everyone else, and learning to live with mistakes by processing guilt and regret in a healthy manner. The goal of my "heroes" is not necessarily to save the day, but to simply get through it.
Teaser: one of these kids is doin' his own thing.
Great.
Greater.
Greatest.
Grateful?
English is broken. :(
After tearing myself away from Keila and Rayvn, I've made great progress with the brotherhood (which is a good thing, since they're the title characters).
With them I'm really hoping to capture the spiritual battle many of us face every day as we deal with our fears and failings, making both good and bad decisions like everyone else, and learning to live with mistakes by processing guilt and regret in a healthy manner. The goal of my "heroes" is not necessarily to save the day, but to simply get through it.
Teaser: one of these kids is doin' his own thing.
Great.
Greater.
Greatest.
Grateful?
English is broken. :(
May 11, 2015
BOTB2
5/11 - So....it's been a while. My apologies; blogging has yet to become a habit.
April was stupid busy, but when I did find time to write, it was extremely productive. Keila's story arc is nearly finished, as is Rayvn's. They've become my two most favorite characters, which is ironic since the series title suggests that the focus is/should be on the Brotherhood. I shrug and chalk it up to organic story development.
For those who haven't given up on my sporadic posting, here's a couple of teasers: Rayvn makes a friend, and Keila discovers...ok, maybe just one teaser. :)
I'll try to do better with the blog. To tell you the truth, I was surprised to see it had received any views in the first place, so thanks!
April was stupid busy, but when I did find time to write, it was extremely productive. Keila's story arc is nearly finished, as is Rayvn's. They've become my two most favorite characters, which is ironic since the series title suggests that the focus is/should be on the Brotherhood. I shrug and chalk it up to organic story development.
For those who haven't given up on my sporadic posting, here's a couple of teasers: Rayvn makes a friend, and Keila discovers...ok, maybe just one teaser. :)
I'll try to do better with the blog. To tell you the truth, I was surprised to see it had received any views in the first place, so thanks!
March 31, 2015
BOTB2
3/31 - By popular request I went back and created a glossary for the first book. I'll be adding it to the published ebook shortly! Hopefully it will help with pronunciation. It may also entertain and offer a subtle hint or two...
Cranking out chapters left and right. Outlining is the bomb. Looking forward to having Good Friday off; gonna write and eat Colby flavored Cheez-its all. day. long. If things continue to go this well, I could have book 2 ready for publication by the end of this year!
Cranking out chapters left and right. Outlining is the bomb. Looking forward to having Good Friday off; gonna write and eat Colby flavored Cheez-its all. day. long. If things continue to go this well, I could have book 2 ready for publication by the end of this year!
February 16, 2015
BOTB2
2/16 - Had the day off (President's Day). Just wrote Captain Sollin's first scene in Volume 2. The tough thing about a sequel is balancing and blending recap with moving the plot forward. Sollin gets a nickname.....
February 11, 2015
The Brotherhood of the Blade, Volume 2
2/11 - Hard at work on Volume 2! Thanks to my new and improved outlining process, the ideas are flowing, and I'm simply trying to keep pace and get them all down. I separated the various story arcs into their own word documents, so when I hit a block in one I can switch mental gears and jump to another. It also helps maintain continuity within each arc.
The Cyfandir Project
Mostly weekly updates following the progress of my multi-book series within the world of Cyfandir, as well as writing tips, amusing anecdotes, and questions for thought and discussion. I'm currently w
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