On Writing…

Unfortunately, I don’t have funny or third person Status Updates for ya’ll today, as I have been consumed with working on my book. Seriously, this project is taking over my life.

I finally completed Chapter Six last Friday, which you can feel free to read HERE. Since people were having issues getting past the security, I have unlocked the chapter for now. However, I will be password protecting it within the next few days. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the latest chapter and I truly look forward to hearing what you think!

When I took out my original draft of Chapter Six (written way back in 2003 – talk about procrastination) I had incorporated the use of my real / actual journal entries. But, I wasn’t sure if I should use them or not. After some feedback from a few people, the votes came in and the answer is – I should use them – as often as possible, maybe even begin each chapter with a real / actual journal entry. But, I wasn’t sure I would have enough material to come up with real / actual journal entries for every single chapter.

I spent three nights cleaning out my closet, digging through boxes and piles of old papers, and reading my old journals. As it turns out, I think I have more than enough material in those pages to work with.

I thought I would have to go ALL THE WAY BACK to Chapter ONE and insert some journal excerpts. I was thanking my lucky stars I am only on Chapter SIX and not Chapter SIXTY before making the decision to use these.

However, when I tried to splice in my original and true journal entry into Chapter One, it just didn’t feel right. It just didn’t work. The journal entry did NOT belong whatsoever.

Therefore, I am not going to use Journal Entries in every single chapter. Each chapter does not warrant the use of them. And I also don’t want to give too much away when I am trying to build a reader’s anticipation.

The beginning of the book grabs the reader enough. I think bringing in the journal entries later on in the book only draws the reader in even deeper, which is exactly what I am going for over here.

I like the journal entries beginning in Chapter Six. I just think I need a better segue to introduce the usage of them at that point. (Segues are not exactly my strong suit.)  The three journal entries that I did use in Chapter Six, are quite the prelude for what lies ahead in the next few chapters.

I realize that I will eventually need implement some kind of uniform / pattern when using these journal entries but I am positive allowing the book to take on a life of its own and simply trusting the writing process, the way to transition in the journal entries will present itself.

In the meantime, I am moving along to work on Chapter Seven.

I am on a roll!

About Meleah

Mother. Writer. Television Junkie. Pajama Jean Enthusiast.
This entry was posted in Off The Pole, Work, Writing. Bookmark the permalink.

27 Responses to On Writing…

  1. Stephanie says:

    I just read and commented on your latest chapter, Sweetie. Its terrific. …and I’ll say again, you’re doing the right thing by trusting the writing process. Allowing it to flow unimpeded for now. xoxo

  2. Ricardo says:

    Glad you’re on a roll. this is an excellent status update. You’re getting there.

  3. terri says:

    I need to catch up on a few chapters, but I am so proud of you for writing. You’re going crazy with this. Just let the spirit keep moving you!

  4. Meleah says:

    Steph:
    Im doing my best to stay focused without getting all kinds of sidetracked over what to do with these raw journal entries. Thank you for your continued support and total belief in me. xoxoxo

    Ricardo:
    Im working my ass off on my book.
    I havent had any time for fun and games!
    Thank you for checking in over here!
    🙂

    Terri:
    Take your time. I know you will read the chapters when you have time. Besides, I think you might even like it better when you can read a few In A Row!
    🙂

  5. Very cool! I think it’s fantastic you’re working on your book.

  6. dcr says:

    I left a comment about your latest chapter on that blog.

    2003 is nothing. I have a story I haven’t worked on since 1994. (BTW, one of the lead characters in that one is named “Mel.”) I have another I haven’t worked on since 1996. There is one I haven’t worked on since 2004, two since 2005 and one since 2006. Apparently, I didn’t work on any major writing projects in 2007.

    On the other hand, I am 85% finished writing my eBook. So, since February 23, I’ve gone from 50% done to 85% done, which is pretty bad now that I think about it. I should be done by now!

  7. Meleah says:

    Drowsey!
    Girl where have you been?
    I guess I’ll have to swing by your blog and FIND OUT!

    DCR:
    Thank you so much for your comment on the book. Obviously, I am still debating certain things.

    Wow, I feel better knowing I am not the ONLY person that starts writing projects and takes a million decades to complete them. You MUST tell me when your ebook is finished so I can grab it!

    PS: “(BTW, one of the lead characters in that one is named “Mel.”) HA HA HA

  8. Arv says:

    am glad that you got to finish that chapter… am still working on mine for a long time now 😛

    i will be over to read it all soon…

    take care mate… cheers…

  9. HOOOOORAY Meleah!!! … sounds like you are definately on track.

  10. Read, enjoyed and commentated!

  11. Meleah says:

    Arv:
    Thank you!

    Speedy:
    I sure am!

    Ella:
    You rule.
    xoxox

  12. luragano says:

    so so so good to hear this! i can’t wait to scoot over to read it! you are a real writer now, aren’t you???

  13. maria says:

    congratulations meleah. being on a roll is such a good feeling! go you! 🙂

  14. Meleah says:

    Luragano:
    Well, I am surely starting to feel like a real writer!
    I cannot wait to hear what YOU think of the latest chapter.
    xoxoxox

    Maria:
    Thank you, and yes, it is an amazing feeling.
    What a sense of accomplishment.
    🙂

  15. Selma says:

    I am so impressed you are sticking with. It is hard work but will definitely be worth it in the end. Thank you for always inspiring me. Coming over to read the latest chapter right now!

  16. Selma says:

    It. Sticking with it. I am tired. Sorry about that.

  17. Meleah – No apologies. We will all be so proud when your published. I will walk telling everyone who will listen that I know you 🙂

  18. Meleah says:

    Selma:
    No need to apologize! I can speak Type-O
    🙂

    Looking forward to your thoughts on my latest chapter

    The Girl:
    And you will BUY a million copies and make everyone else you know buy them too – right?

  19. Natural says:

    cool. i will add this to my reads when i’m on vacation. 🙂

  20. Meleah says:

    Thanks Sweety. I hope you get to it by next Monday the because I will be locking chapters 3-6 on that day!

  21. A Sneak Preview is 6 chapters?

  22. Meleah says:

    Yep! Take a peek and tell me what you think?

  23. DAMN girl you rock – Keep it going you have the momentum so do not stop now!! Your fans await the finished product!!

  24. All right, um, I don’t have the password to read chapter 6. Can you help me out here?

  25. Meleah says:

    Cathy:
    I am doing my best!

    Richard:
    As long as you entered your real/correct email in the comments here, I have your email address so that I can send you the password.

  26. Meleah says:

    Just emailed it to you!

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