Friday 8 November 2013

NaNoWriMovember Update - Week 1

Here we are at the end of Week 1! How's everyone doing in NaNoLand? (And Movember Land, I know you're out there somewhere!) So far, I've been moderately pleased with my progress. In terms of word count, I've stayed just above the bar to stay on track, but literally by a dozen or so words. I was hoping to build up more of a bank, but in between various ailments, kids being off school and doctors' appointments, it hasn't happened yet. I'll see how next week goes.

In terms of story, so far it's been fairly linear. I'm planning to shake that up, though, with looks at other events for characters apart from my MC, and snippets of the past. I'm also looking forward to testing my MC's mettle in a big way. This is the second time I've written from a female POV, and I'm surprised by how easy it's been, although that could be due to the fact my protag is fairly "normal" as opposed to a psychopath. It remains to be seen what my CPs (all women) will make of it, though!

Here's a reminder of my blurb, and a little excerpt. I chose it because it doesn't give anything away that isn't in the blurb.

  • Novel: Truth Hurts (Working Title)

  • Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

  • Current Word Count: 13,374

  • Synopsis:
  • Sandra thought her world had fallen apart when her mum died, but she wasn't prepared for what was to follow. An overheard conversation at the funeral reveals that the woman who had nurtured and raised her - while her father was largely absent - was not her real mother.

    Confronting her booze-sodden father that night, he says that in not telling her, they had been protecting her. Sandra demands to know if her birth mother is still alive and, upon receiving no answer, storms out of the house on a quest to unearth the truth.

    Her trail of discovery starts to lead her down some very dubious and dangerous roads, and she starts to think that maybe her father was right. But why has he not come after her?

Excerpt:

There was nothing she wanted more than to run up to her room, slam the door and bawl her eyes out, but she had to see this through for her mother’s sake. She was the one, in charge, after all, for better or worse. As she made her way through the black-clad army of her father’s extended family, everyone felt like a potential enemy, even though there were some she barely knew. Apologetic smiles met her, but looked like they had been plastered onto faces. It was only five metres from the door to the coffee table, but it felt like a mile.

She straightened up, relieved at setting down her load - her physical load, at any rate. Subdued thanks emanated from those seated on the couches, who gave her the barest glance before helping themselves to more tea.

How long until everyone would start heading home? She glanced at her watch. Another couple of hours at least. This was suffocating, and she wanted these people out of the house. The grief was building up like a dam about to burst. She could be forgiven for taking five minutes to compose herself, couldn’t she? Fresh air would hopefully help. On the way to the French doors, she caught sight of her father, who had already had one too many, the glass of whisky in his hand waving through the air. She couldn’t make out his slurred speech, but he appeared to be laughing, sharing a joke with one of his brothers, relaxed and enjoying himself. Well, she couldn’t say she was too surprised.

The French doors were already open, as there were yet more mourners already out here - the smoking variety. A couple reflecting on the day’s events in between life-shortening puffs of nicotine - her Aunt Betsy and Uncle Stuart. They didn’t seem to register her presence as she stepped outside and sank into one of the ironcast chairs.

“Don’t know how she’s going to cope,” said Aunt Betsy. “We all know Michael is next to useless, and as a young girl, it shouldn’t be up to her to look after him.”

“Leanne did a good job of that, didn’t she? The woman was a saint, in my book.” Stuart took another deep drag of his cigarette and blew out a thin stream of smoke. “A lesser woman would have bolted long ago.”

“Yes, and raising a child that wasn’t even her own. You’ve got to give her credit, she loved that girl with her whole heart.”

Sandra had been staring down at the brickwork of the patio, but now everything swam out of focus. It felt as if someone had plunged her head under water and was holding it there. All sound disappeared but the roaring in her ears, and when she tried to look up, her aunt’s and uncle’s movements were slowed down, their arms making jerky movements as they raised their cigarettes, as if they were puppets. The world tilted on its axis.

WHHHHHHHAAAAAAATTTTT??? Not a word, but an earthquake going off in her head. She got up somehow, and took a couple of steps forward. To do what? Confront her father? Two steps were all she managed before everything went black.


And what of Movember? Well, here is the latest photo update (as of last night, anyway). Apparently I don't know where to look when someone's taking a picture on the iPad!



P.S. I know I said I wouldn't post anything except NaNoWriMovember during November, but make sure to check back on Monday for something big you won't want to miss!

59 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sounds like Sandra is in for quite a journey. Keep at it, Nick!
And hey, at least Andrew knew where to look.

Heather R. Holden said...

Your NaNo progress so far is incredibly impressive, especially since you've been so busy!

Also, loving this excerpt! I already feel so, so sorry for Sandra. I can't imagine what else you have in store for her!

Emily R. King said...

You're kicking butt, Nick!

Great pic. :) I'll be back on Monday!

JeffO said...

Rockin' the stache, great excerpt, too!

Kelly Hashway said...

Good luck with NaNo!

Cherie Reich said...

Wonderful excerpt, Nick! I'm thinking of you and your family.

PK HREZO said...

Nick, I hope it's okay to post this here, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Our hearts are all with you right now.If you need anything, there are writers around the blogosphere who are here for you.

((hugs))

Unknown said...

Dear Nick and family,
I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Even though there isn't much that most of us writers can do, being spread across the world, but just know that there are soooo many of us who are "with you" in spirit right now.
xx Rachel

dolorah said...

So sorry for your loss Nick. I know how special Andrew was, how much he was loved, and what a hole he will leave in your lives.

......dhole

Suzanne Furness said...

Just had to visit and offer my sincere condolences to you all Nick. I know how special Andrew was, and will always be to you all. Sending love and prayers to you.
Suzanne x

Shannon Lawrence said...

Hi Nick, I'm very sorry for your loss. Andrew was such a beacon of light. Your family is in my thoughts.

~Shannon

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Dear Nick ... oh how very sad - especially when he looks so happy here with you ...

Losing Andrew must be one enormous shock ... you were an amazing family supporting him, and encouraging him to pursue his dreams ... the wonderful thing is ... that he knew he was loved ... and you all, especially your wife ... gave him hope and loved him as only a mother could ...

My heart is with you and I shall be thinking of you all in the coming days and weeks .. Hilary

Mark Koopmans said...

Aloha Nick and family,

Like everyone, it was such a terrible shock to hear the news about Andrew.

Whatever you need, mate, if there's a way *any* of us can be of help, you know we will be...

Prayers, condolences and sincere best wishes upon you and the family.

Rest in Peace, Andrew.

DRC said...

Oh Nick! I'm so very sorry to hear the news. My condolences to you and your family...and as everyone has made clear, the blogosphere is here for you should you ever need anything...

Bevimus said...

My prayers join the thousands already headed your way during this difficult time. We love you Nick- hang in there.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Nick, I just wanted to send my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your son. Thanks to Alex, and other bloggers, you'll get many well-wishes over the next few days.

Anonymous said...

Nick I enjoyed your excerpt. I was so sad to hear about the recent loss of your son and send heartfelt hugs across the Internet waves at this difficult time.

M Pax said...

Hugs to you, Nick and to your wife and family. Yell if I can be of any use.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Nick, I am so sorry about Andrew. There can be nothing more devastating than the loss of a child. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Julie

Sherry Ellis said...

Nick, I heard about Andrew. I am so sorry! My heart goes out to you and your family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Luna said...

I hope you don't mind me posting this here, but I wanted you to know how sorry I am to hear about your son, Andrew. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Take care...

Gwen Gardner said...

Thinking and praying for you and your family, Nick. God Bless you all.

Carrie-Anne said...

Very sorry to hear the sad news about Andrew. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May Andrew's light shine forever.

J.L. Murphey said...

Nick, My deep Sympathies. Prayers of comfort being said for you and your family.

Trisha said...

What the?!?! I only just realised something happend to Andrew. I'm so sorry :(

I was going to comment on your NaNo and congratulate you on your progress, but now I know there are more important things to comment on.

*big hugs from Australia*

Nick Wilford said...

Thank you so much one and all. I'm sorry I can't respond to everyone individually right now but I appreciate every single one of the warm words you have left! I'm taking a break for a while but I plan to post a huge tribute to our Superstar when I come back. :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Prayers for you and your family for strength, healing, and wonderful memories to bathe in.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I'm so sorry for your terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Mina Burrows said...

Wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and your family,Nick. God Bless. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Susan Oloier said...

(((Hugs))), Nick. I've not yet traveled that path, but I know oh-so many parents who have. Lots of love for you going forward after this deep loss.

Mark said...

You're amazing as always Nick. Just wanted to send my condolences and let you know that people you don't even know are praying for you and your family.

SpacerGuy said...

I wish to offer my sincere condolences for your loss.

Kim Van Sickler said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Nick. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Shell Flower said...

I just read about Andrew on Alex's blog. Sending you and your family lots of love during this dark time. You did so much to make Andrew's life better on Earth. May he find freedom from struggle in the spirit realm. My son is the same age as Andrew, and I can't say I know how it feels to lose a child, but I do know it's the hardest thing ever. I'm here for you. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Deniz Bevan said...

Great progress on NaNo and Mo! I'm with you - I was hoping to have more of a bank on NaNo by now, so I wouldn't feel so guilty when, for instance, I got only 200 words yesterday, but...

Romance Book Haven said...

SO sorry for your loss, Nick.

Hugs and prayers to you and your family.

Nas

Unknown said...

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts. *big hugs*

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about the loss in Nicks family. Sending prayers for peace.

It's good to hear your having a vacation. It can be so easy as writers to overlook those closest to us. I hope you guys have a lovely time.

Also, I sure hope they crank out a good Star Wars movie. I might be eternally scarred if it's not good ;)


Carrie Butler said...

Hey Nick,

I didn't want to post on your blog until I was sure it was public knowledge, but I am so sorry for your loss. I've been praying for you guys since I heard this weekend. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.

cleemckenzie said...

Go. Go. Go! I'm a NaNo sissy, so I applaud you.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Nick, so sorry for your loss. My heart and my prayers are with you and your family at this time.

N. R. Williams said...

Well done. I think it is difficult to write in the perspective of the opposite sex. I especially loved this line.

As she made her way through the black-clad army of her father’s extended family, everyone felt like a potential enemy, even though there were some she barely knew.

Cheers
Nancy

SK Anthony said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Nick.
I just found out, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Big hugs.

Jo said...

I just wanted to express my sympathies to you on the loss of your son Andrew.

nutschell said...

Nick, I heard about Andrew. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you and your family warm thoughts and prayers.
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that at the point of your deepest despair that you would feel God's love and the warm memories of your son.

Misha Gerrick said...

Oh Nick, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you and your family in this tough time.

Cynthia said...

Dear Nick,
I just heard about your loss from visiting another blog. I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. From reading all your past posts, I know Andrew was a big part of your life. I wish you and your family comfort during this difficult time. Please take care of yourself.

Cynthia

Unknown said...

Nick, I'm so sorry to hear about Andrew. He was a great inspiration and will be dearly missed. You and your family are in my prayers.

Chancelet said...

This is such a great blogging community, and I wish to join it in giving my sympathies to you and your family for your loss. My prayers are with you. Writer’s Mark

Gina Gao said...

I'm sorry to hear about Andrew.

www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

Maria said...

In case you'd like to join a writing challenge to finish your novel, there's the 100k in 100 days on Facebook. Starting on Jan 1

https://www.facebook.com/groups/125279004297437/?fref=ts

Trisha said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog, Nick - it's good to see you around, even if you're not blogging yet.

I imagine the A to Z would be heaps of fun without the stress of actually having to participate. Maybe I should have gone that way too. ;)

Carrie Butler said...

Hey, Nick! I just wanted to let you know it was great to see you around the blogosphere this week. We've really missed you. :)

Unknown said...

I echo Carrie. Good to hear from you :) still thinking of your family and sending love.

~ Emilyann

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Miss you! Was glad to see you out commenting.

Deniz Bevan said...

Thanks for coming by to visit my blog! *happy*

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Seen your comments around, especially on Kyra's blog. Miss you, Nick.

Margo Kelly said...

Hope all is well with you. Thanks for visiting my blog the other day. :)