Rasufelle has done a tremendous amount of good for this site with her contests. If you doubt that, just take a look at the current smorgasbord of offerings. Through her efforts, it appears that we have twice as many stories as usual.
When she announced her contest I had coincidentally been considering a new story idea. I decided to support my dear friend's contest even though I'm not a "serial" writer. My plan was to write a four-chapter story, with chapters 1,500 to 2,000 words each. As I told the story, it grew like corn. (Fun fact: researchers have proven that you can actually hear corn growing.)
About three days before the first day to post stories under Rasufelle's (Melanie's) contest I sat up in bed and said, "My story is written all wrong." I knew that it needed major surgery, but decided to post it as is -- since I didn't have the time to correct it and it was a palatable story as is. It just is NOT the story I wanted. The story arcs are all there, they just need to be put in proper order and told properly.
I expect this will involve quite a few more chapters and probably 50 - 75% percent more words.
I've discussed this with Erin. When that project is completed I will donate the book to Erin for her to publish with all the proceeds going to support the site.
As such, as soon as Rasufelle's contest is over I will unpublish The Womb of the Unknown Cheerleader.
Jill
Comments
Great Writer
I applaud your ability to recognize this was not your best effort as an author. I also realize why when at the Addendum it was explained as close to home. Most of the time stories close to home need an outsider giving hints as to script, how and where it belongs or doesn't belong. We politely call them editors in public. In private we call them names that would get our mouths washed out with soap if our mother heard us. Let me dispel a misconception. Most editors really don't hate writers..., usually. LOL hugs doll.
I wish you the best, Angela
always,
Barb
Oklahoma born and raised cowgirl
You're an incredibly careful wordsmith, Angie,
which is why you favor non-series/serialized content so much. You like to know that all the words are where they need to be when they need to be there, and that's a lot easier when you have everything together in one chunk.
Thank you for pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone on this one. It means a lot to me :)
Melanie E.
I'm Awed, Melanie
Those who can write an actual serial leave me awestruck. I often don't know what my first sentence will be in a story until I've written the last sentence.
I've been thinking about how to describe the relationship between Tammy and Owen after they finish their education. I've settled on Tammy being a true partner, who is largely responsible for the creative side of their business. Her secondary job will be as a cheerleader to motivate Owen. The hard part will be to steer clear of the sexist nonsense that surrounds the term "cheerleader." Every organization needs a cheerleader. JFK was a cheerleader for the moon project. Reagan was a cheerleader for making us a global leader.
You have a different rule. You inspire. There are a lot of do-ers in the world. What we lack are those who inspire.
One day you'll find a way to plug into your inspirational skill in RL and your life will change drastically. I'm just happy you give so much of that to BC. I consider you to be one of the indispensable people here.
Thank you.
Jill
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)