Marci

Having you as an alpha reader would be incredible, and it's kind of you to offer. You'll have an email from me soon.

Was originally looking forward to it, but I'll be skipping again this year. I'm currently working three jobs; attempting to participate would be masochistic. Besides, it's been hard enough finding time to work on my current WIP. I owe it to myself to get the novel's second draft wrapped up before the end of this decade.

Why, hello there! *waves* It's been a heck of a long time since I've been on the forums. Just wanted to stop by to say hello, and mention that I've loved all of the submissions I've read over the last year+. I haven't been able to give critiques, but I trust that will change shortly. I also hope to start submitting the newest draft of my novel, Broken Universe, toward the end of the year. I incorporated many changes and suggestions the group offered way back when. I really appreciate the help and advice. Have a great weekend, all!

I won't be submitting on Monday as planned. Due to unforeseen Real Life circumstances, I must bow out of the group entirely for awhile. I apologize to those I still owe reviews. Thanks, and take care.

This is probably why Americanized versions of original BBC series are so painfully terrible.

Ha! Yes, we do say that, or the similar "yanking your chain."

For me, this wasn't a productive weekend at the keyboard. I don't know if Saturday morning's boring errands, or the lovely weather had anything to do with my internal restlessness and lack of focus. The air up here in northeast Indiana is crisp and clear, the sun deliciously warm. Each part of my garden is awake and growing eagerly. Part of me wants to be outside while the sun shines, because I know April showers are on the way, and locals don't refer our city as "Fort Rain" without good reason. It seems to me as if most writers have certain rituals, or set of conditions that must be met, for optimal results. I'm definitely more productive when it rains, or with the blinds closed. I'm at my best when I'm formally sitting at my desk. I listen to music most of the time; NPR, or selected podcasts some of the time; and every once in a while I'm content with the noises in and around my home when I'm the only one in residence. Sometimes I try taking my laptop into the living room while my husband watches whatever he wants on television (under the guise of "spending time with him"), but that's usually disastrous. Last night was no exception. I got sucked into a terrible summer blockbuster movie he was watching, and spent 120 minutes roasting the film aloud, in the style of Mystery Science Theatre 3000. Do any of you find you're more productive writing in a specific location, or under certain sets of circumstances? Are there tools you use to keep focused, like the Pomodoro technique, or apps that restrict access to email and/or social media?

Thanks for sharing your submission, rdpulfer! Overall, I was intrigued by the short scene, and was able to suss out what you were aiming for with the rule of three, Inspiration, etc. As others have stated, I think the significance of the three entwined souls could be clarified better, because not all souls leave the mortal plane in threes, correct? While all life is significant, the grouped souls gave lasting contributions, or brought beauty and meaning to the world, which is where the distinction comes in. I agree that the Master needs to speak with more formality. Fleshing out the physical descriptions for both Master and Apprentice would be appreciated, too. Just a few hints here and there, even describing tone or facial expression, would be helpful. I liked the forest fire metaphor! New life arising from ashes... It was mentioned already that different cultures find significance in different numbers. Perhaps a way to be more inclusive here is to introduce one or two other examples of intwined souls grouped in different numbers. Thanks again!

LOL! Sorry, sir. Won't happen again, sir. As soon as hit POST, I knew I'd spoken out of turn. To be fair, on at least two previous occasions I warned the group I was going over 5K slightly, and managed getting my count under the limit when all was said and done. I also waffled on posting both chapters until the last possible second; if I'd split them up, I would've been around 3.5K for the last submission. I think that's why I so easily forgot.

Unfortunately, with the way my weekend has shaped up thus far, there's no way I'll be ready to submit tomorrow. I apologize for claiming a spot I ultimately couldn't fill. Could I possibly move my submission to the following Monday, 3/28? Please let me know. Thanks, everyone. I look forward to reading/reviewing this week's submissions.

I'm personally cool with it. I might as well pay it forward, because I'm pretty sure I'll be in a similar position one of these days. EDIT: Oh, yeah... My last submission was over 6K. How quickly I forget!

Thanks so much for the suggestions! This discussion has been very helpful.

Okay, now that's it's not 3 a.m., and have a sufficient amount of coffee in me... I love Memento, and parts of it have inspired me where Baxter's story is concerned, but I have serious doubts as to whether I could pull off something that brilliantly manic and complicated. I keep returning to how many missed opportunities there were in the first 25K words submitted here so far. Just thinking about it makes my inner perfectionist's eye twitch. But, I digress. The real reason I'm posting here again is off topic, but I'm an epic fangirl and feel the need to spread my love of cinema around. There's an incredible, over-the-top epic Bollywood version of Memento out there called Ghajini (the 2008 version starring Aamir Khan), and it's probably one of my most favorite things, ever. (I know I make such claims often, but for reals, guys. For reals.) I think I've forced my DVD copy on all of my friends and family at least once. The husband, who haaaaaates musicals of any kind (especially when there's dance numbers involved), absolutely loved it. Anyway, y'all should totally check it out!

Sooo, literally in bed right now. I really gotta turn off Google Inbox notifications. The new sound introduced in the last app update is becoming an issue. It's funny how Memento was brought up. Baxter is a writer, and happens to share my obsession with paper, ink pens, and sticky notes. He's always jotting things down, grabbing anything to hand. His personal landscape is cluttered with cryptic reminders. These definitely come in handy as the story progresses.

Phew! I feel better about the passport thing already. I'm stopping by the post office this afternoon to pick up the forms. Thanks, Mandamon! I wondered about getting a room/transportation once in FL. Flying out of FWA usually involves turboprops, overbooking, delays, or cancellations, so I'd definitely want to start traveling at least a day early.

OMG WOO! \o/ Also: Littlefoot's mom.

I'll happily send everything your way. When I submit on Monday, you'll have my email address. If interested, drop me a direct line and I'll forward you the previous submissions. Just keep in mind this rough draft is rough; I've already made drastic revisions based on feedback from the group, but those aren't fit to be seen quite yet.

Okay, guys. Kinda freaking out, here. The husband has given his blessing. All I need do is work up the courage to book my trip... And get a passport. Sigh. Navigating a post-9/11 world is a pain in the tail. The last time I took a cruise (the Disney Magic's maiden voyage, back in '99), a passport wasn't required. Technically, that's the last time I've left the contiguous 48. I mean, this kid's never even been west of the Mississippi! /o\ What would Baxter do, what would Baxter do, what would Baxter do?

Oh, good. I don't feel so angsty and alone. This novel of mine has been both curse and boon companion over the years. It's tormented me in the wee sleepless hours of the night, and kept me company on countless road trips and flight delays. The characters and their relationships are what's kept this project going. I'm pretty sure I can pinpoint (maybe even to the day, if I consulted an '89 calendar) when Baxter's character first took shape. I'm reminded of this interview of Diane Gabaldon's I once read, where she talked about Claire Fraser's character, and where her distinctive narrative voice originated. I'm roughly paraphrasing here, but Gabaldon said something like: "Claire simply appeared, stormed up to me and said, 'I'm Claire, who the hell are you?'" And that's pretty much how Baxter went about it, only with more sarcasm. Heh. Anyway, I've carried that dude around with me for so long it's not even funny, and I feel compelled to do him justice. Here's to hoping. *crosses fingers*

You're very welcome! And I feel your pain, these many years in the making. I've been working on my current novel in some form or another since *gulps* 1989. I don't know if I'm embarrassed just having dated myself, or if I'm proud for being so tenacious and enthusiastic for going on nearly two decades. I will get this thing right, someday.

It totes does! Brainstorming is one of my most favorite things. I think the sister's thirst for truth and knowledge is an excellent plot driver on its own. Moiraine? This girl don't need no stinkin' Moiraine! Being stubborn or pedantic where her convictions are concerned could make for a fantastic character weakness, and set up meaningful conflict between she and her brother as she tries bringing him around to her way of thinking.

Well, I sure hope the scenes I consider wow moments translate into wow moments for readers! If I can get them to hang in there with me, that is. Are your siblings aware of their separate research right off the bat?

I have a similar problem with my novel. My main character has cognitive issues, amnesia being the least of these, and doesn't have a true understanding of what he's doing, what's real, and what's entirely in his own head. Some of his issues extend to one of the major supporting characters, and since both play their cards close to their chest, they don't start figuring things out until farther along in the story. They have to grow into their knowledge and power as the story goes along. So far, that's led to confusion and a fair amount of frustration with readers here in the group. The hints I've dropped so far haven't been enough, and since I can't reveal details the main character can't readily access, I feel stuck. I've basically written myself into a corner as far as that's concerned! Are your mains paired up when the story begins, or are they drawn together somehow farther along?