Genesis of a Novel – Part VII – Scene by Scene

Now I’m into the ‘meat’ of a novel. The daily slog and joy of writing each scene out. I’m a planner, and I love writing them in order that they will be in the book. Not everyone writes like that. Diana Gabaldon, for instance, has said she writes random scenes all over the timeline and then connects them. I’ve got to see my path, the winding turns, and the crossroads before I start walking. Of course, it can change.

At the moment, my wordcount is 23,253. Most of the novels in this series are around 100K to 120K words long, so this isn’t even 25% through. However, I do keep track of my progress. I have 65 scenes planned out, and I’ve done 16 of them. That means my ending wordcount as it is looks to be about 95K words.  A little on the light side, but I’ll go back and beef up some scenes with action or description later. Or I could add three scenes were one was (just did that).

I was supposed to be writing 2,000 words a weekday, and I started three weeks ago, so technically I should have 30,000 words written. However, I went to Dragoncon, so that was five days I wasn’t writing. It happens. It’s not tragic. It’s understandable. Back to the grindstone, though!

Also, new subplots might pop up. That just happened in my last scene. The main character, a 65-year old grandmother, might have a love interest. An old soldier, chief raider, cousin to her king. Of course, she’s cousin to the king as well. Most of the older folk of the clan are related in some way to the king. It’s called a derbfine, anyone who shares a grandfather to the king. It’s from the derbfine that the next king is usually chosen, not necessarily the son of the present king. That means a king has to groom his chosen successor, and still it won’t be assured. Men of the clan must choose the wisest leader.

Oh, I’m digressing down the path of historical research. Sorry! I do that a lot while writing. I get caught into a rabbit hole. Hopefully that research pays off later, but often it’s just background information I keep in mind while writing.

It is certainly possible to get so lost in the incidental research that you forget to write. Don’t let it happen too often, or you’ll never finish!

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I write historical fantasy novels, mostly set in Ireland, and a contemporary romance based on my parents’ 30-year search for true love. Don’t miss information on Celtic myth and history, as well as practical travel planning tips, and hidden places, in my travel books.

• Call of the Morrigú – Historical fantasy set in 1797 Ireland.
• The Enchanted Swans– Historical fantasy set in 500 BCE Ireland, based on The Children of Lir, an Irish Fairy Tale.
• Better To Have Loved– Contemporary romance based on the true story of my parents’ 30-year search for love
• Legacy of Hunger– Historical fantasy set in 1846 Ireland. Druid’s Brooch #1 (Now available in PRINT!)
• Legacy of Truth– Historical fantasy set around 1800 Ireland. Druid’s Brooch #2
• Legacy of Luck – Historical fantasy set in 1745 Ireland and Scotland. Druid’s Brooch #3
• Misfortune of Vision – Historical fantasy set in 12th century Ireland. Druid’s Brooch #4 (release date January 10, 2018)
• Misfortune of Song – Historical fantasy set in 12th century Ireland. Druid’s Brooch #5 (projected release date April 2018)
• Misfortune of Time – Historical fantasy set in 11th century Ireland. Druid’s Brooch #6 (first draft done – in editing)
• Turlough’s Tale – Short Story in The Druid’s Brooch series, set ten years before Legacy of Luck.
• Stunning, Strange and Secret: A Guide to Hidden Scotland
• Mythical, Magical, Mystical: A Guide to Hidden Ireland

More info at Green Dragon Artist :: Home ,

Christy Jackson Nicholas, Author , and

Tirgearr Publishing – Christy Nicholas

Green Dragon Artist Blog