Slow going
Not much done on Cold Witness this weekend. I think I've worked out the plot for my final chapter (so close!), but I just can't seem to get myself to write it. I think I've entered another mini-block period again; my writing time seems to be overtaken with endless sessions of procrastination.
The problem is this: how to tie up all the remaining subplots. I have a number of threads that have yet to be fully resolved, and I'm finding it difficult to work out how I can bring them all together. I refuse to be drawn into a situation where Major Wheatley, knowing his victims won't survive, decides to tell Foyle and the others about everything he's been doing. It's cliched. You know; 'You're not going to live to tell the tale, so there's no harm in telling you all how I carried out my dastardly plan.' Not only is it cliched, it also qualifies as exposition, and that's something I want to avoid. So how do I reveal these elements to Foyle and the others in a dramatic, Show-Don't-Tell-type way?
In an attempt to solve the problem, I've started reading through the bulk of the book to pick up all the details of the previous subplots I have yet to resolve. Although it's cut into my writing time, it's been a very valuable experience; I've discovered that the whole subplot connected with the Bentwaters/Woodbridge complex and the UFOs doesn't seem to have any bearing on the overall plot. As things stand, it's a loose end, so I have to find a way of integrating this into the climax as well. How am I going to do that? I've only got 30-35 pages in this chapter!
I'll get over this mini-block. When I get stuck, a few days of rest always helps. It's been fun reading through Cold Witness, too; despite a few inconsistencies, it's a good story to read. I'm thankful that I've had strong characters to help me through the hard parts. I can't claim all the credit: Colonel Foyle, Christina, Johnny, Doctor Morgan and the rest of them have written most of the story. They've been great people to work with, and I'll miss them. But writing must go on!
I'm starting to look ahead. Beyond Cold Witness lies part II of The Twilight Trilogy, and although I feel that PCW is my best work to date, I really want to be back in the world of Rhys, Cathany and Hadrin. One can only take so much of the cold and dark of Orfordness before you start wanting a change of scenery. It's winter in the Inner Lands at the moment, so when I get back there I should be treated to some stunning mountain views. See you there! :)
Not much done on Cold Witness this weekend. I think I've worked out the plot for my final chapter (so close!), but I just can't seem to get myself to write it. I think I've entered another mini-block period again; my writing time seems to be overtaken with endless sessions of procrastination.
The problem is this: how to tie up all the remaining subplots. I have a number of threads that have yet to be fully resolved, and I'm finding it difficult to work out how I can bring them all together. I refuse to be drawn into a situation where Major Wheatley, knowing his victims won't survive, decides to tell Foyle and the others about everything he's been doing. It's cliched. You know; 'You're not going to live to tell the tale, so there's no harm in telling you all how I carried out my dastardly plan.' Not only is it cliched, it also qualifies as exposition, and that's something I want to avoid. So how do I reveal these elements to Foyle and the others in a dramatic, Show-Don't-Tell-type way?
In an attempt to solve the problem, I've started reading through the bulk of the book to pick up all the details of the previous subplots I have yet to resolve. Although it's cut into my writing time, it's been a very valuable experience; I've discovered that the whole subplot connected with the Bentwaters/Woodbridge complex and the UFOs doesn't seem to have any bearing on the overall plot. As things stand, it's a loose end, so I have to find a way of integrating this into the climax as well. How am I going to do that? I've only got 30-35 pages in this chapter!
I'll get over this mini-block. When I get stuck, a few days of rest always helps. It's been fun reading through Cold Witness, too; despite a few inconsistencies, it's a good story to read. I'm thankful that I've had strong characters to help me through the hard parts. I can't claim all the credit: Colonel Foyle, Christina, Johnny, Doctor Morgan and the rest of them have written most of the story. They've been great people to work with, and I'll miss them. But writing must go on!
I'm starting to look ahead. Beyond Cold Witness lies part II of The Twilight Trilogy, and although I feel that PCW is my best work to date, I really want to be back in the world of Rhys, Cathany and Hadrin. One can only take so much of the cold and dark of Orfordness before you start wanting a change of scenery. It's winter in the Inner Lands at the moment, so when I get back there I should be treated to some stunning mountain views. See you there! :)
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