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The Laurel Stories (my ms still needs a working title, and that isn't it)

I'm feeling rather inspired with my writing. I guess it stems from deciding on a jumping off point: beginning with my main character's childhood. Waves of euphoria rush around in my brain as I rework two short stories into the beginning of my manuscript - fingers fly across the keyboard as I type the words I penned so thoughtfully years ago. My eyes are focused downward, in my lap, where the short stories live on yellowed pages.

The word count soars upward, which is fullfilling, and it's interesting work, too. I've made changes to certain sections, adding more depth to the characters, extending certain scenes, giving a more solid voice to the talking heads in Laurel's early life.

But, the unwritten lingers in the back of my mind. Now, I can't wait to work on the rest of the book. I think that the majority of my previous frustrations hinged on a strong desire to start from Laurel's childhood. Because, as much as the story is about her attempt to cope with the suicide of her exboyfriend, I've discovered that, really, the story is more or less just about her.

When she meets David in chapter four or five, the audience will understand who she is and what brought her to him. Once I finish the early chapters, I'll get to delve into the first obstacle in Laurel and David's relationship: it's temporarily long distance.

I think I am on the right track. It feels good fabulous to say that out loud, which I just did.

Comments

Travener said…
Cool. There is a point in one's writing, I've discovered, that's like a train finally getting up to speed and roaring ahead. It's a great feeling.
Regina Quentin said…
Yay. I'm glad to hear that you've found the correct starting point for your story. Being that the story is more about her than it is about the way she coped with this event, it makes a lot of sense to start in her childhood. Good luck!
Wendy Sparrow said…
How about the "Rest of Laurel" as it's sort of like "resting on your laurels" but not....

Never mind. I'm still waking up.

That's awesome that you've found a good starting point. I think that's a HUGE accomplishment. Good job!
Tina Lynn said…
Yay! It always feels good to find out what's been stumping you and move past it. *raises glass* Here's to a productive end of the year for you...and for me:)
Thanks to Travener, Regina, and Tina Lynn... for celebrating with me.

Wendy, don't sell yourself short. I happen to LIKE "Rest of Laurel" as a jumping off point. :)

Believe me, I have tried to turn the phrase "don't rest on your laurels" into a title, but so far, I have not fallen in love with anything at all. Yet.
Guillermo said…
Guillermo de la Varner likes this.

I have started three short stories recently and have given up on all of them, but I am really good at the quitting part of writing so I will stick with that.
fantastic! i finally came up with a title for my book...it is hard writing a book without a title, LOL!

much love
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