I was able to finish editing the novel… well, maybe finish is too strong a word. Abandoned is a better word. Yes, abandoned is far more accurate term for what happened Saturday. Now, I am looking for beta readers. What is a beta reader you ask? A beta reader was explained to me as someone who reads a piece and points out places where the story can be shored up here and there. The phrase that was offered up to me as an explanation was: ‘read it like you hate it’ – the idea being that the beta reader who hates it will be looking for problems to point out with glee and abandon. The final word count was around the 65K range and I was looking at the final count to be 85K, so I’ve got 20K words worth of room to play with (…and that was my math trick for the day!) and I want to really flesh out the book. I don’t know if there is going to be a sequel – I did leave it open for that and I have some older ideas that I can fold into that particular world. If you are reading this particular blog and (I haven’t already pestered you to the point of distraction) want to volunteer to be a beta reader for this project, leave a comment on the blog with an email address and I’ll send you a copy.

Now, onto the outline – this novel outline is surprising me. Someone may say: but Mr. Apathy, you’re the writer: how the heck can something you’re creating be surprising to you? First: call me Seething…Mr. Apathy is my dad. Second: yes, the characters can surprise me because in my head, they are fully formed people. I’m just there writing everything down as fast as I can. Given that this is pen and paper writing, it’s a slow process for me and why I’m using only a green ink pen is beyond me.

Not pictured: Hand cramps.

I am going to continue with the outline and hopefully get it finished before the end of October (3 weeks until vacation!) so I can go from it right to NanoWrimo with little holding me back as far as time, sleep and other infirmities of the flesh.

Tyro’s novel continues along at its pace. I have begun introducing the hunda and Looks-Afar which will signal the end of the happy times there and the ushabit’s further running from their Master. I am kinda looking forward to this in as much as its going to further along the story and with any luck, I have gotten past my 200 or 300 word count days and can get back to the 1,000 to 1,500 word counts and finish this novel a lot sooner than I am anticipating. I am still aiming for 2014 to be the year that I release one novel. If I get lucky, I might release two and hopefully get out of the hole I’m in right now.

And on a personal note: The father of a good friend of mine is currently having severe health issues in the hospital. Prayers for his speedy and complete recovery will be welcomed.

I hope y’all have a good day.

Sincerely,

Seething Apathy