Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Musings & Another Unofficial Poll

We've got a new blogger to visit -- a writer who is both funny and sweet. Go say hello to her at http://apprentice-writer.blogspot.com/

Happy to report that... Oh, screw it. You don't care if I go to the gym daily, do you? You want to know how my wip is coming along.
Here's me focusing *deep breath*
The word count on The Elements of Attraction has topped the 24,000 mark. I'm not doing the 70 Days of Sweat challenge - mostly because I don't like the name.
Sweat? Yuck. If it were the 70 Days of Sheen, maybe... or 70 Days of Writing-Induced-Glow, I'd be in.
Of course I jest. See this post for the real reason.

But I digress.
The challenge for me with Elements is that I have no idea how long this story is/should be. I know it won't be a full-length novel. I know it's not a short story. It may reach 30,000 - which is what I estimated for on my word meter - but it may stretch to 35 or 40,000. Which leads me to speculate; should I try and push it to 50,000, or maybe 60,000? Can I add enough plot twists to turn it into category length? Do I want to?? I haven't mastered the sub-plot yet... is this the time?
My other dilemma - will it be hot enough for EC? At this point, it doesn't look good. Which is ironic since the original story idea was definitely an EC -- it just morphed and grew into something different. I've asked a few friends this question already, but I'd like to put it out to you all in another ~
UNOFFICIAL POLL: When you write a new piece, do you have a specific publishing house/line in mind therefore write to their submission requirements, or do you just write the story and worry about finding a home for it later, even it means changing word-counts, heat levels, etc.?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Oh - and go check out Nicholas's latest post for a head-shaking chuckle.

7 comments:

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Hey, *I* care about going to the gym daily.

As for the poll, I write what's in my heart and the hell with the rest of it. There's always the option of building a self-publishing empire! (which I haven't ruled out for Trevor, especially since that's more his style)

Red Garnier said...

Well said Susan! Write what's in your heart, Wylie. We know your little heart is filled with beauty. =)

Anonymous said...

I also write the story then worry about finding a home for it later.

Elements of Attraction is sounding so interesting! Sounds like it might be a good idea to stretch it out to category length. You've got a great, awesome, solid publishing credit with Ellora's Cave, which would help with whatever you might want to do with EoA!

Anyway, I can't wait to read it! :)

Rhian said...

Wylie - that link was so dang funny and appauling - ye gawds!
But it has inspired me to start a new movement called WWWF. Ya gotta go read the comments on Nicholas' blog to find out what it stands for if you can't figure it out. (falling out of my chair and laughing my ASS off!!!)

you get the first tshirt of course!

Wylie Kinson said...

Rhi - your comment on Nicholas's blog was FREAKING HILARIOUS.

I'm running to share that one with my hubby...

Candy Minx said...

Hi Wylie...I don't know if my answer is pertinent or not...as I don't write ovels but rather screen plays.

I write sometimes thining of h who might be ina role...but I don't write thinking about who might produce the film. I usually have produced them myself with other independant people pitching in some executive production money/skills.

I believe in writng what I liek to read and think about and trying to make it interesting to me and then I'd like to believe of interest to others...

Here is my TT list:

http://gnosticminx.blogspot.com/2007/07/art-and-reading-13-things.html

I'll be back tomorrow t check on yours...

Leah Braemel said...

Hmm, with Delving Deep I definitely wrote specifically with EC in mind. But with my three other stories - the straight historical, the paranormal historical, and the hot futuristic story, no, I'm not writing to a specific publishing house.

I have an idea of their word counts - generally around 100K. I am confident enough in my writing skills/speed to be able to keep within those boundaries of word count/heat levels, etc. I figure I can edit a story based upon a specific house's requirements and, like a resume, may have several versions based upon whom I'm submitting too. Spicy or HOT HOT.