So in October, I planned to work with my writing mentor on the first book in my children’s series. I had a wonderful conversation with Julia, where I had the chance to ask her all my questions and listen to her wise answers. Some of what I need to do is the small stuff – adding in a few details, deleting a paragraph or two because I’m labouring the point too much. But the big stuff requires some deep thinking and well, I just haven’t had time to do that this month. Maybe in November – I would love to have it finished before Christmas.
I also wanted to plan out the second book as I’m going to write it for NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month. The idea is that you write a 50,000 word novel in a month, which means 1,666 words a day. I have a sketchy plan and I know most of my characters so I vaguely know where I’m going. I’m writing about twelve-year-old Calvin, who loves to paint street art. And I know that his art puts him on the shortlist in an environmental competition, and then he works on his project again to try to win. And I know that he will have to make a stand between his art and the environment and maybe his friends at some stage of the novel, that these aspects will cause him conflict. And I know the antagonist has his own environmental concerns about the Yarra River, and starts off being a new friend to Calvin but then has his own agenda which clashes with Calvin’s needs. But that’s all I know! If you have any ideas of what my street art-loving Calvin might get up to, I’d be so grateful!
Mr 11 designed a fabulous cover for me – see above – with the working title If I stand.
I had a great time in two grade four classrooms this week, teaching an Aboriginal Dreamtime writing workshop. The kids were really engaged, we had a lot of fun playing a few word association games, and I have left them with a plan for their collaborative writing story. Looking forward to seeing the results.
Yesterday, I received another knockback for one of my short stories. Add it to the collection. Proof that at least I’m sending my writing out there. Better than staying invisible on my computer.
And as for November writing, well 50,000 words is a good start! And I am also applying for one, maybe two writing mentorship programs. And I will dip in and out of my first book. And there is a rather large editing job heading my way. Looks like my family will be living on ten-minute pastas, cooked chook salads and weekend barbeques!
Perhaps Calvin can mingle with skateboarders, country kids and fun grandparents? ?
Fun grandparents are essential – already in the outline!
Maybe somehow his school get behind him and recognize his talent with a commission to paint a wall , or do artwork for the school website ?
Yes! Love that idea of a commissioned school wall … I am already thinking of how this would fit in with friendships … thanks Emily!
I love that you have a cover for story #2!! Manifestation magic! xx
Fingers crossed the Universe approves of the cover!
Would or should Calvin run into trouble with eg local councils for extending his art work to “prohibited” places? This might lead to some interesting council discussions about engaging vs prosecuting the local kids.
Yes! I have already planned that Calvin will face conflict between his need to express himself with his street art and the lack of available space in which to do so. And perhaps there might be a bit of peer group pressure mixed in with that, too. Thank you for the suggestion, David!
Sounds great Karen! Maybe you could delve into the issue of learning who you can trust/true friends with the character who is his friend but with has own agenda? I think my daughter would like this book 🙂
Thanks, Kelly! I agree – learning who you can trust is important for this age group. In fact, I’m thinking ‘If I trust’ could also be a good title for this book. And your daughter clearly has excellent literary taste!