I finally finished the first draft of my book.
- 10 months of writing
- 70,000+ words
- Some days I wrote only a sentence, other days a few pages.
- A lot needs improving but I'm proud to have finished the story.
- This is only the beginning. Time to edit and get feedback
My web novel, THE RELUCTANTS, drops on the 5th of February. I've been working on this project since October 2022. This is a little thread detailing the journey of how I got to this point and why this book launch is so important to me.
I just want main characters to feel like real people. Real people make mistakes. They fail. They get overwhelmed. They give up. Heroes who always win and never get beaten are boring.
The percentage next to my name indicates the amount of progress I have made in writing the first draft of my novel. If it doesn't increase by at least 1% each day then I fucked up lol
I think books, more than any other medium of entertainment, allow the consumer to really get into a character's mind. I feel like a lot of authors don't utilize this, especially when there is so much potential for the readers to connect with the character on a deep level.
Nothing disappoints me more than when there's a big war and everyone comes out okay, no one's dead or even maimed. That's the fastest way to ruin a finale and sometimes, a whole series for me.
Would you eat this if there was a 50% chance of it being a devil fruit? Food poisoning sucks but imagine having rubber skin. Worth the risk if you ask me.
I'm attempting to finish the first draft of my novel in less than 40 days. I need to write about 2k words a day to pull it off. This may go horribly wrong... but I'm ready for the challenge! I'll be documenting my progress here daily.
#olubeanwrites
The front cover for the web novel is ready. I've edited the first draft, but it still needs work. Retweet or reply if you're interested in being a beta reader.
I have some sad news to tell you all today.
Apparently daydreaming about your story does not, in fact, make your story spontaneously appear fully written in your word document.
When a protagonist cannot make an intelligent decision to save their lives and is constantly choosing the dumbest, most illogical path for the sake of furthering the plot, it drives me nuts
How to be a writer:
1) Have an idea
2) Outline everything about your idea
3) Sit down to write
4) Stand back up
5) Do everything in your power to avoid writing
6) Tweet about being excited to write
7) Sit down to write
8) Open Twitter
9) Stare shamefully at your blank word doc
Have characters make sacrifices on the basis of friendship rather than love. I often feel it's really powerful and beautiful and it does not get enough page time!
Writer: *Sits down at their computer to write*
Brain: Nah. I'm tired
Writer: *Goes to bed*
Brain: Here's an outline of the next five sequels to your story
As a writer, I feel that when I write a book my target audience is always going to be me, myself, and I. I want to enjoy what I write, and if others enjoy it too, cool!
I think pacing problems in a novel are often a symptom than a disease. If the characters are interesting, the world is compelling, and the prose is solid, it almost doesn't matter to me how fast things are happening.
Villains are probably 70% the reason why I love writing. They drive the story forward so well. It's fun to write from their warped, twisted perspective.
I genuinely love my story. I'm proud of it, no matter what anyone says, despite the imperfections. It was fun to write. I hope other people will enjoy it too.
My friend is reluctant to write a novel because they're worried it won't be good.
I told him it probably won't be good but that's fine.
Don't be afraid to write a stinky first draft. You can't improve something that doesn't exist.
My web novel Rank Hero Retribution has been launched! The first 5 chapters are out and I'll be releasing three chapters a week. Thanks to all the readers who gave me feedback. This is only the beginning.
Writing update:
So I reached 30k words but the 40-day challenge I set for myself kinda flopped. I've extended the deadline to the end of April. More frequent updates from now on hopefully. :)
Death Note in a Nutshell
L: It's Light
Everyone: No
L: It's Light
Everyone: No
L: It's Light
Everyone: No
L: If I die Light Yagami is Kira
L: (dies)
Everyone: It's not Light
Near: It's Light
Everyone: OK
Writing update:
A long way to go... 22.5k words written so far. 36 days left. The challenge is going to be a lot harder than I thought. Not giving up though.
#Olubeanwrites
Message to past self: Little wins stack up. Even if you only write a few sentences a day, if you keep going, you'll have a book. You don't need one amazing writing day. You just have to be consistent.