Well, today was a bust.
I hit a hurdle, but it’s one I was able to figure out eventually. The solution required me to scrap today’s work and start over though, so I’m just saving that for tomorrow morning. Today, I realized a problem and was able to figure out its solution–that’s enough for me.
What the problem actually was: I went for another new perspective–that of Modis’ dad, Athus. Not because I was eager to add another’s character’s viewpoint, but because that’s what I thought would work best for the scene. And parts of it were good, but problems arose when Sydney and Modis showed up, and I started switching between their perspectives. What was supposed to be a hectic reunion preceding an escape turned into a slog through the feelings of multiple characters.
A sin that I’ve written about, lovingly known as “the Tea Party.”
A few pages into everyone’s feelings, I realized I was a few pages too deep. Not because characters’ emotions don’t matter, but because, as readers, we like variety. And also because there’s logically a time for running first, asking questions later.
Fortunately, this entire realization came with the certainty that cutting out Athus’ feelings would solve things. Not because I dislike him or something… but because he’s not prominent in the rest of the story and I have to prioritize.
As a man who generally keeps a tight lid on perspective, this was an interesting lesson for me. Although I’ve read novels where a bunch of perspectives where handled with omniscient third person no problem, I just don’t like having too many detailed perspectives in one scene, regardless of freedom of perspective. For me, “too many” means more than two. And priority for those two always has to go to Modis and Sydney, even if they’re in a scene with Silestein–currently the only other character who gets the perspective treatment. It’s just cleaner. And better.
And I like cleaner and better. Especially now that I realize there are just two more sessions before the end of 30 Days. It’s actually going to be a struggle to finish chapter two in two sessions.
But, I mean, of course it will be. Why would I think there wouldn’t be a tense deadline at the end of this thing? It’s writing!
But whatever, man. I can do two scenes a day. That’s right–you heard me, deadlines. Fight me on the streets.
Words for the Day: 0
NaNoWriMo Total: 11,887
House of Error 
I think you’ve made a wise decision to cut out multiple viewpoints. No problem going omniscient, especially in fantasy, but a rule of thumb is to stick to one pov per scene. Nice to see the words are flowing, though.
Thanks, Mote. Yeah, I have to do a little more research on perspectives–maybe try some writing exercises to challenge myself on that front–but at the moment, fewer POV’s always feels better. Especially if you’re like me and have a tendency to get lost in character emotions.
But anyway, thanks again, sir. And, in case you don’t comment tomorrow, seriously, thank you for all of your encouragement this month. You’ve really helped me get through these posts and work out all of the issues I’ve had with this NaNoWriMo. I really appreciate it and I hope your writing is going well too, sir!
My pleasure, Louis. I’d be interested to see how the book turns out. If you need a beta reader when it’s finished, I’d be happy to oblige. We can keep in touch via this blog. All the best. Tom.