little blackbird of truth, by Vera Merlot

[threeplusfire]

So, I did actually sign up for National Novel Writing Month and only partly because I wanted an icon of a bird using a typewriter.

But the most brilliant part is that for the first time since I was a child I will attempt to write something with an actual plot, as opposed to small scenes and vignettes and character analysis. I think I have an acutal bare bones sort of plot laid out. After finally locating my missing notebook, I started outlining details of the setting and story. I'd forgotten how hard it is to name something.

When I was nine, I wanted to write novels about dragons under the name of Cassandra Daniels. (I was going through a period of hating my name and my identity, and really did tell my mother I was going to change my name to Cassandra.) I suppose if I ever did publish a novel, I would most likely use my own name. But just in case I came up with a random pen name and I should probably buy a new hat just for that. When I'm wearing it, I will insist that everyone call me Vera Merlot and I will drink vast quantities of tea.

Comments

[geoectomy.livejournal.com]

Welcome to the club, Vera.

Wonder if we should put together a little support group? You and thothmeister are friends I've written with, both, but never actually met, who are doing it this year. It's his fault I even tried it last year...

--J

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

I have the feeling I should buy lots of good luck candles from the grocery for this thing. Perhaps I should make a little writing shrine and ritually fan the flames every night for all of us? ;)

Mostly I hope I can stick to it. I get distracted easily.

[hankshiny.livejournal.com]

I'm considering joining the crowd too, though a serious appraisal of how busy I'll be in November might be in order before I commit. Good luck.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

I figure I'm not doing anything other than working. ;) Thanks, and I hope your situation straightens out soon.

[silentjack.livejournal.com]

Maybe joining this will give me the push that I need. I like their quasi-pedagogical approach: even if one writes 50,000 words of crap, they a) know it can be done, and b) know what -not- to do next time and b2) willl have a better understanding that for every ten projects there are maybe two that reach an end, and maybe only one that is moderately good. It's the same approach I take when writing "music" -- churning the waters brings the dregs to the surface, but every once in a while there's a good lump of clay to be had.

I'm thinking about a nom de plume, and right now, Philip Svoboda seems like the top one. I have no idea why. But it cries out for Budvar and a fedora.

[tsarina.livejournal.com]

That is a really fabulous name, and I can't put my finger on why...