New Year Novella

Having never written a novella before, I'm wondering what everyone is doing. So I've done some short stories and 3 novels, but never one of these middle-of-the-road ones.

So what are you doing differently than:

* Short Stories
* SoCNoC/NaNoWriMo

Andrew Chilton - http://kapiti.geek.nz/

Well, I picked an idea with pretty much no sub plots or other things to complicate the story line - hopefully meaning that it will be short enough to fit into the 20K plan.... on the other hand, it's exploring some possibly more complex issues than can be dealt with within a short story (I am sure some people could, just not me).
Fingers crossed it pans out! will let you know.
At the moment I am having a blast with it, laying down some back story. I am writing it in first person as well, which is a massive change for me as normally I write in 3rd.

WIP: Ayden: 92,043/95,000 (estimated total).
Rough Editing: Lifelines: 104/104 pages.

J.C Hart

*twitches nervously* Actually, I was gonna use this challenge to start a novel for erm, mumblepublishabook2008challenge, so it PROBABLY won't finish at 20K anyway, it won't be too much different from the usual(?!) novelling... two birds in one stone? XD

And congrats, Cassie, just looked at your wordcount, ahead at 4K already!! Wow!! Good going!!

Thank you :-) It's been so much fun so far!
Good luck with writing the new novel for the publishing challenge! Hope this manages to kick start you off nicely.

WIP: Ayden: 92,043/95,000 (estimated total).
Rough Editing: Lifelines: 104/104 pages.

J.C Hart

I'm approaching this much like I do any other challenge. As a chance to try something. Not necessarily something NEW. But just something different I guess. No expectations. Never written an novella length, so I'm taking it all as a rather big experiment.

I'm writing pulp genre. 10 chapters. 2k each. That leaves no room for messing around. For me, who tends to ramble, and since I've been trying 3k short stories, 2k chapters is an interesting challenge. So it will all be high fun and action, nipping along to 20k I expect!

4k! muttermuttermutter ...

Well I was going to re-invent dinosaurs into the present world, but... after lots of research I would be trying to convert Dino genes into Mamamals, two entirely different species, so not very probable. Only birds apparently are regarded as Dino species.

Sooooo, I'm doing a bum on seat thinking as I go approach, (again) and have a male MC (which is different to my other stories) who is living in a virtual world. Believing that he has done some horrific things in the real world, when in fact he hasn't left his seat at his computer in his pathetic little apartment room.

http://gay_belle.livejournal.com

'Southern Scriber.'

That sounds like fun!! And it could totally happen! Virtual worlds are strange places indeed.

WIP: Ayden: 92,043/95,000 (estimated total).
Rough Editing: Lifelines: 104/104 pages.

J.C Hart

My story is strange though cassie. Unusual for me, after a 1,000 words and no dialogue. I use it a lot normally.
No particular place, or time so far. Just about an intelligent child growing up who prefers to be a loner.
Certainly is different to how I have been writing. There doesn't seem to be any depth. Think I'll go back over it, sometimes it can be the mood you are in at the time. Mind you I have a husband at home causing distractions. :)

http://gay_belle.livejournal.com

'Southern Scriber.'

Giving myself less time to write..LOL Not on purpose.
This just means I have to get to the point of the plot faster and have resolution happen without all the fancy descriptions.
I am surprised though by the number of people that like novellas. To me they just seem like you get your toes wet and then they are over.. But hey I was the kinda kid who would take out the longest book they could find just so the librarians didnt ask if they had "home troubles" again.. I didnt I just loved to read!

No plotting for me this time unlike NaNO and SoCNoC
Less get to know the character time
Less pretty curtains watch them blow in the breeze descriptions
Fast paced fun and magic.

My idea of hell is being trapped in a room with no books!

Ah well that's interesting, maybe that was why I felt my story so far lacked depth. Not so much description.
I went back over it, and developed the reason why the boy detested his mother. Her smothering manner, especially her large breasts when he was breastfeeding he felt were suffocating him.
The trouble is he is nearly grown up at 2,000 words, but had to build up his character for his behaviour to follow.

Certainly is quite different. I like sagas and continuing books that take up the story further when I read something.
Oh well its all a learning curve. :)

http://gay_belle.livejournal.com

'Southern Scriber.'

Gaye, your story sounds really interesting!!

And yes, I agree with all the comments about experimenting/trying new things. I love it how everyone likes to experiment and try different things with their writing here through the challenges. :) Look forward to watching how your stories progress, gaye and maui-potiki.

Writing with a baby in the house! Who is, apparently, cross-cutting top molars. *sigh*
I've never tried a novella and I"m not sure where it's going to go yet; I'm kind of just letting the story tell me.

Good on ya. Must be really hard with the little one having molars come in, not a lot of fun for anyone in your house at the moment i imagine!

WIP: Ayden: 92,043/95,000 (estimated total).
Rough Editing: Lifelines: 104/104 pages.

J.C Hart

Could be worse. I had a German Shepherd puppy teething during Socnoc Challenge. Chewed the furniture legs, cushions, big rag rug, numerous shoes, socks, belts, library books, the contents of my purse, caught her in time attacking the camera chewing on the case (heard the camera fall to the floor.)
Even though she had chew toys.

Not much fun for the little feller, and the heat as well. Bring on the next stage, crawling and toddling. :)

http://gay_belle.livejournal.com

'Southern Scriber.'

Today's been a long day. He woke up at 6am and was then basically awake for 12 hours. Gone to bed now, but it's hubby and my time to have some tea and watch a movie, so the writing may go by the by until tomorrow.

Eek, sounds tough. *gives bibliocat a hug*

Hmmm ... I feel like I've hijacked the thread a little bit!
Thank you! We lucked out with an easy, placid baby, so when stuff like this happens, it throws us because we're not used to it.
But, as Scarlett said, tomorrah is another day ....