I just finished the first draft of Treasure Hunter Tales: The Spirit of Steel. It is the second novel in my trilogy and weighs in at 220 pages (62,000 words). It is an accomplishment that is difficult to describe, but I know that my work is far from complete.
Time to start editing. Okay…maybe I’ll wait till tomorrow. I’ll already need a pot of coffee to get up for church. If I’m shaking it’s not because I’m filled with the spirit, just caffine. Time for bed!
I’m working on: The final conflict! Finally! I’m on page 206, with less than thirty to go.
I’m listening to: Fleurs du Mal by Sarah Brightman.
I’m happy because: I’m nearly done with the first draft of my second novel
The devil on my shoulder says: NO need to sleep. Just write till you finish. May the coffee gods be with you.
I had hoped for another 4,000 word night, but I fell short with 1,200. I am going crazy as I have entered into the books final conflict and only have about 10,000 words to go. Ahhhh! The intense instrumental was at work, but not inspiring enough.
Have I been tricked? Were the two cups of coffee decaf? Time to let my brain continue the story while I sleep. Write brain is being ghosted.
My house was invaded by women and suitcases of jewelry last night, so I took the opportunity to write (despite how much I love hanging with a room full of ladies). With a little help from my Lord of the Rings soundtracks to cover the racous laughter, I produced over 4,000 words (about 15 pages).
A few more nights like this and I will have a first draft of my second novel complete. I wonder what I could do with a tastefully simple party going on in the background?
Sometimes I have to force myself to write to avoid the terrible state of mind known as “writers block.” That is why when the godesses of creativity are smiling upon you, you have to write! write! write!
I’m working on: The beginning of the climax. The treasure hunt in getting dangerous and I am sensing a twist and a tradgedy.
I’m listening to: Soundtrack: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
I’m happy because: I’m going to jump out of a plane and experience flying like superman.
The devil on my shoulder says: Forget about everything else. You’ve got a book to finish.
I’m working on: The transition from my current place to the final conflict resolution in the Spirit of Steel. I have about 20,000 words to go, and I am nearing some serious action, which always writes fast.
I’m listening to: Absolute silence with the occasional passing train.
I’m happy because: I am headed north again, this time to Mackinaw. Anywhere north feels like a good place to write.
The devil on my shoulder says: Forget about cleaning the basement! You have a book to finish!
Finally , I found a place to use my laptop. Internet on the phone is so finicky.
I’ve written over two thousand words on the Spirit of Steel so far this week. I also have a rough draft of a short story completed at about two thousand words.
I’m listening to cafe music right now.
I’m happy because a major part of the conflict resolution for the Spirit of Steel came to me this morning.
The devil on my shoulder is saying: Another Latte won’t hurt.
I’m working on: Treasure Hunter Tales: The Spirit of Steel, book two of my trilogy. I just topped the 150 page mark.
I’m listening to: The Half Blood Prince soundtrack. Instrumental does a writer good.
I’m happy because: I’m leaving for vacation tomorrow.
The devil on my shoulder says: Just eat the brownies, she’ll never know.
I am working on a website for my trilogy, the Treasure Hunter Tales. I am going to provide excerpts, character bios, information on the world and races that are involved, and some short stories. I can’t wait to have it up and running.
More to come…
Author J.R. Roper 