What Are You Working On Now?

[aeriedraconia.livejournal.com]

What are you working on?

Is this your main project or do you have several going at once?

How long have you been working on this project?

Is this project part of a series or larger project or something new?

Is this project different from what you have been working on?

What is the biggest challenge?

Comments

Dandelion Lawn

[insane-poet-46.livejournal.com]

I'm trying to write a first novel - Young Adult Fiction. I'm breaking a lot of rules - mainly that I'm starting out with various thoughts that I want the novel to serve as a vehicle for, and I'm structuring the plot so that the novel will include the points I want it to make.

That being said, I'm trying hard not to be an ass about it. I'm making tha characters as real as possible, and letting the action proceed from who they are - subject to the overall direction of the plot.

The theme is conformity versus individuality - and I take sides. (Not too heavy handedly, I hope).

We first see Kaitlyn Evans in the prologue graduating from Middle School and receiving a second-hand bass guitar (Fender P-bass) from her dad and a somewhat cryptic inspirational talk about dandelions from her slightly weird but lovable Uncle Bill.

Within two years, as the story ends, she is part of a moderately successful local indie rock band called Dandelion Lawn. She has spent her Freshman year at Wood City's exclusive private prep school, Forest Academy (on scholarship) where she makes friends, has advebntures, makes hard decisions, and is officially invited not to return the following year.

Sophomore year at Wood City Central (complete with metal detectors at the doors) is very differenet. But there will be more adventures and more growth.

At some point, the band is successful enough to write their story, and Kaitlyn is chosen as the writer. So the novel will be first person in her voice.

Is this your main project or do you have several going at once?

My "main project" would be my day job, which I'm shamelessly neglecting as we speak. But this is my one and only current writing project.

How long have you been working on this project?

About 2 months, actively. About 50 years getting ready :)

Is this project part of a series or larger project or something new?

I'm obsesed with the thought of making a difference and leaving a mark of some kind. This is the latest attempt. All different - all the same. But as a literary effort it stands on its own.

Is this project different from what you have been working on?

Very different from my day job. (computers). Very in tune with the threads of my life otherwise. Will probably include as much of my poetry as can plausibly be worked into the plot.

What is the biggest challenge?

Keeping motivated. I have one friend who has been reading chapters as I finish them and likes the story. Without her input I would probably stagnate and give up.

The next biggest challenge is trying to write effectively in the voice of a person very different from myself.