Arlo 2

NoNo NaNoWriMo

When NoNo opened their new website and then the November event began, they still had not worked out the bugs. I posted my word count nearly every day, all month long, logging over 62,000 words. All of the gadgets I tried when recording words failed to take my information at the first. I kept right on writing and logging my total word count. Sometimes it would credit me with posting more than one day in a row. Then it would revert to showing my count at zero. By month's end, I had credit for zero words. I have wasted enough time with them and will not return.

Arlo #1

Query

Sent out a first query for The Hollow Planet. Planning more tomorrow.

So I got back to the western

I began on page one and began my edit. So far so good. It's much longer than The Hollow Planet.

Finished?

I finished my edit of The Hollow Planet. All that's left is to give it a few more days, then see how it fares on the final readthrough. I know the publishing world is salivating to see the final copy.

self editing

After allowing The Hollow Planet to cool these many months, I am editing what I hope will be a final copy. I am glad I waited that long, as the last time I went through it I did not like my writing at all. Now, I like what I am seeing, although extensive corrections and improvements are in order. My greatest concern is that the events of my story cannot be allowed to crowd out the narrative of the child living through it all. It is my expectation that this will end up being the best of all my efforts.  

Gahan Wilson has died

I know better

than to put my short stories on Wattpad, where I am Crail Speaker, but I dood it so far with three.

More new stuff

I've spent so much time on two stories that my short stories have gone begging. This week, I have made space to begin some new ones, notably one called Four Angry Clowns and another, about a gang of burglars.   

A Short Story

I wrote a 128 word story today about children in war. Made myself cry.

Soon it Looms

4 October days. Then NaNoWriMo begins. I will post a link to my page, where I plan to post an excerpt from my work on or about the first.

I admit I don't know how

I admit I don't know how to set up a scene. I have to blunder into it. Then I put in a few clumsy entries at a time; a process that can consume days. Then I revisit many times over. Finally, I accept what I've got written, if only provisionally. Chances are, the final revision and polishing efforts will be equally as frustrating. And you were wondering why I never seem to get a story finished, right?

My Choice for NaNoWriMo

That I am choosing Mexican Red for my project is not cheating, because it still needs lots of words. Why not fulfill both goals in one project?

Two Covers by my Daughter

NaNoWriMo begins in about a month.

I will be participating as Arlo Clyde.
https://nanowrimo.org/participants/arlo-clyde

Elmore Leonard advice

The Code of the West

The Code of the West was bullshit in some ways, but here it is explained on this website. (https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-codewest/

I described it as I did because the Code often did not prevent the murder of non-whites or the disdain for their rights. It did not prevent the wholesale slaughter of the buffalo (bison). Aside from that, it served well for the frontier, before civilization and written down laws took hold. My characters mostly uphold that Code. The ones who don't do not fare very well. 

Pushing On

I would love to get these longer works finished. Ideas for short stories crowd in with increasing frequency. I already have lost some really good ones from being slow and disorganized. I am going to make an extraordinary push, this week, to get close to the end, of Mexican Red. It's wishful thinking, in part. But, we shall see.  

Writing with my own voice

I once opened a Charles Dickens novel, with the intent to study how he built a paragraph, how he structured his sentences, how he colored a scene and brought it to life. I learned I could not hope to write well if compared with one such as he. In my opinion, such endless invention cannot be learned. So I have contented myself to muddle through by writing in my own voice. And I am sometimes contented with what I read.  

My Vision

My conception of a western tale is to keep it moving. No long involved purple prose. I never wanted to follow any long-winded tale, waiting for the next action to take place. I want the no pause roller coaster that thrills to the end and leaves the rider enervated and slightly sick in the stomach. To the best of my ability, that is what I am providing.   

Sprawling

Mexican Red is a sprawling novel that may to some appear to be plotless, but it all ties together by the ending. Running a train over the unfinished trestle may be a bit over the top. 

Back to the Western

I feel more comfortable writing about these mostly men than fictionalizing a preteen girl. I grew up loving western novels and films - Max Brand novels - Have Gun Will Travel - Maverick - High Noon - The Three Godfathers - Hondo - Cowboy. My favorite movie cowboys were Hopalong Cassidy and Gene Autrey. Roy Rogers had too much glitter for a cowboy. 

It needs major surgery.

The Hollow Planet is woefully underwritten. I am going through just now, to make it coherent, but after I complete Mexican Red, I will have to take a sledgehammer and some legos to reconstruct much of it.

Taking a few days

Going over The Hollow Planet a few times before continuing with Mexican Red. This story is finished, but in the rough. Got to do mucho polishing.

Who does this?

I'm taking a chance, introducing the primary protagonist so deep into the story, but hopefully a reader would forgive me, based on what they have already read.

Recovered

My physical discomfort, after so much labor, kept me from getting any writing done. That's valuable time lost, to a man about to turn 77. I only have about thirty five more productive years ahead of me. I should not waste a day of it.

I have Mexican Red moving again. Searching for a name for Red's horse. But that does not prevent him from seeking a meeting with the man who could best his cousin, as Tim did.

Home Struggles

Been trying to refloor the house with roll vinyl, while struggling to replace my refrigerator. Both jobs are exhausting, keeping me from much progress with my story. Hopefully, Monday will see me doing better.

Future Plans

I likely will stick to only short stories and a few novelettes after I finish the current work. It takes far too long to do novels. Some writers have been known to turn out completed novels in a couple of weeks. I could never join their ranks. But I will persevere, until Mexican Red and the rest of the good guys and bad guys meet for the final showdown.   

Speculation: Artists vs Writers

I mentioned earlier that my Gwenn Wrenn story might make a good graphic novel. I still think it. But, after subscribing to a group dedicated to comic book artists looking for work, I realize it's a project for those with money to spend. They don't want to work on speculation. It's hard to blame them, but it's what I do as a writer. I think my brother Sam would have liked the project enough to do it, but that's just a guess. I once wrote him a script for a comic strip, at his request. He said it would sell, in his opinion, but he didn't wish to work on it. I contacted other artists, without success. So, you never know, dealing with artists. They could be more temperamental than writers, even.

Elmer a link to other important characters

The Elmer Ford thing is a paraphrased excerpt. His character was used as a link to introduce an important kid from his ranch - a 17 year old, who becomes a dangerous man, in a short time. The kid in turn leads us to Emilio Cortez's cousin, the biggest, baddest, hombre of them all.

Writing Habits

Some days I don't add a word to the current project, or more than a couple of sentences. But it's because I don't know how I want to proceed with an episode. I constantly wrestle with it all day and sometimes for multiple days. I don't consider it writing time wasted, because it helps me do the best I know how, in the final analysis. I know where I want to go, but not always how to get there. 

Poor Elmer Ford

When Elmer Ford caught some men returning his loose cows, he mistook them for rustlers and dealt a raw justice that saw them dead.When Dan, foreman for Sam Precker, brought some hands to the ranch, Elmer sat alone on the porch. They asked him if they could use one of his horses, which he allowed. A fine paint was brought around and Elmer placed upon it. After the rope was placed upon his neck, Elmer said he understood that he had to pay for the innocent lives lost, but that he was innocent of murder at the moment of killing them, because he had judged them rustlers, caught red handed. "I guess that's all," were his final words.

Social Commentary

There is bare minimum social commentary in my novel. But I threw in a few bones. Mostly about attitudes toward Mexicans and Indians. But, at one point, Dan tells his wife, he believes when the land becomes settled, folks won't have much need of guns. His new wife responds by laughing it off. "There will always be polecats needing to be killed," she counters. There is no actual preaching in any of it.

Corrida

Not official, as in Mexico. Not a real matador. Jose, the reluctant, to star. 

Call Him Rojo

Call him Red. He is Emilio Cortez's half brother. He's bigger, rides harder, shoots better. The law is no friend of Red's. He steals cows. He hurts people - like the deputy, Jose.

Moving along - The Cattle Drive is Over

They are coming in, thirsty and raucous, and filling the street at an opportune moment for Tim Medina. Get on your Hooraw, boys.

Mexican Red

Thinking about giving the book that title.

Back in the saddle

The reworking of much of the wording gave the opportunity to refine the plot further. Problem, now: the good guys are running short on manpower.

Rewriting

I needed to backtrack on a subplot, so went to the beginning to smooth the writing, before getting on with the telling.

Possible other story to write

I have a few song poems that might be adaptable into works of prose. Example:

Daisy Plumtree, Outlaw

Daisy Plumtree was a lusty one,
She loved an old buffalo gun.
She'd shoot her round, 
Then stand her ground,
Where many men might run.

If her ways was rough and raw,
She learned it from her paw;
Who killed eight men,
Then made it ten,
Which set his fate with the law.

She was Daisy Missy Plumtree
Rough and ready
Rode the outlaw trail
To rob the outbound mail
Missy Daisy Daisy Plumtree
(repeat)

She went on the lam in Mexico
And fell in with Two Feathers Crow
She leaned her gun
In Crow's wigwam
Made from hides of buffalo

But the soldiers killed her man
He was crossing the Rio Grande
Daisy got hung
Before she swung
Said Daisy Crow is who I am

She was Daisy Missy Plumtree
Rough and ready
Rode the outlaw trail
To rob the outbound mail
Missy Daisy Daisy Plumtree 

Self Publishing XXXX

Self publishing likely works for some, but as for me, I have no resources to pour into it and I suck at self promotion. I did self publish a few things, not so many years ago, but what is left of the enterprise languishes on a Lulu owned website. My most recent effort was with a publisher that talks a good game, and I thought they would help promote my work, but it was in the end all up to me. So, most likely, if I don't interest a real publisher, none of my work will reach the public. Nevertheless, I intend to keep writing, until I no longer can work a keyboard.

When friends turn

Troubles alluded to in my last post have led two of the five heroes to become set against one another. Just one will survive.

Developments

Got one hero back shot, but surviving. Another suspected of murdering the store owner and being the back shooter. Meanwhile Sam Precker had a spell and is recovering at home.    

Trying to educate myself as I write

Eating with a bit - The Horse Forum

https://www.horseforum.com/horse-talk/eating-bit-31601/

Most horses will snatch a bite of grass while riding through tall grass,lol! I try not to let them eat grass with a bit in,as it makes for a dirty bit and its' also harder for them to chew .The only time I have seen horses eatwith a bit in is when they are greedy grain eaters.The bit will keep them from eating their grain too fast.

Synopsis, anybody?

Last night I began a synopsis of Gwenn Wrenn. I am not sure how many words an editor is willing to read, but some of my explanations require a good bit of explaining. For the time being I will keep improving on the presentation, without regard to length. Then I may have to revise it after making a final edit of the work itself. I had rather be a dentist to chickens than work this hard on a project I had thought to be beyond such torture.

The Graphic Novel

I discovered a dynamic group of comic book writers and artists, which caused me to consider to offer Gwenn Wrenn, or The Hollow Planet, for collaboration as a graphic novel. I don't know enough about the market or steps involved, so have been hesitating. I don't mind sharing 50% credit with another person. But it would put a burden on the artist to cut up the words and translate them to art, as well as navigate the process of approaching a publisher. I would be riding his/her wave. I would assist the project as best I could, but I feel inadequate to uphold my end.

plot turn

A mystery develops when a prominent character dies from a knife wound, inflicted by Emilio Cortez's knife.

My first ever book

It was a pathetic tale of a mouse-size boy; inspiration not derived from Stuart Little, but Tom Thumb. A publisher said "Stuart Little." Whatever. One character in it was a boy whom I gave the name, Hadji Mustapha. Having no working knowledge of Muslims, I glossed over the cultural aspects to concentrate on personalities. For years I had no idea how incorrect it was to use Hadjii as a given name. Both boys were exemplary - I no longer recall the plot, but I do wish it had worked out, to add one more positive in the play between cultures.   

Publishers and Publishers

When I offered up my manuscript, "Beyond the Dark Water," and the publisher accepted, I was naive enough to believe they were going to work to help me make sales. The contract was written in language that I interpreted to mean that. In reality, the total burden was on me, and I have no resources to pursue that sort of thing. The book itself was cheaply made, but for the cover, and overpriced at $15. Then they had the nerve, after the deal was made, to suggest the writers pool their royalties and award our money to a select individual. Small as my checks were, I kept mine.

I am embarrassing myself this way as a caution to others who may be interested in getting published. I know that this sort of thing can be beneficial to those who know how to work it. That's not most of us, in my opinion.

  

Western Novel

I'm letting the sci/fantasy story sit awhile, before tearing into it again. I'm resuming work on my western novel, about Tim Medina. When I left off, the central five characters were homeward bound, with loads of bob wire fencing, prepared to shoot their way in, against Precker's hired guns. It promised to be your standard range war gun battle, but my time away from writing on it gave me the opportunity to think of and go a different direction with it. First, I intend going through what I have, from the beginning, and consider what should change.

Story complete now, still revising

I grew up on a fare of Walt Disney films - also, Bugs Bunny, Woody Woodpecker, Popeye and the like. I dwelt on such unreality an inordinant amount of time. So it was not a great stretch for me in later years to imagine an author/scientist turning his novel about a made up planet, into reality, in its own fake dimension, with an option to launch the fictional planet into the real universe. It's just as real as anything in those films. Then to create a cast of many characters to carry the concept to a logical (in an unreal sense) conclusion is only natural. Gwenn Wrenn, or, The Hollow Planet, is complete, all but the final editing and I am not sorry.          

Still revising

Some passages are much better than anticipated, but many, while readable and okay, are not properly paced or set up. This will be just the first of a number of revisions, as I want the final product to be as near to flawless as can be. 

Don't blame me. I'm just the messenger.

While I have not written down the final pages of the story, I am close enough that I have gone back to the beginning for a thorough revision, right up to that point. Character development and cohesion are the primary concerns.

Did I mention - ?

Gwenn, and her Birdpeople friends, has been locked outside the sealed bunker, meaning they have to seek shelter on their own, for when the planets collide. She puts her trust in the Goop Birds.

Mars in View

The countdown has begun. With the rocket running full throttle, the collision is imminent.

A lucrative market

Stealing Goop Bird's eggs can be a lucrative enterprise. Just don't get caught.

Goop Birds

Ah, yes. The Goop Birds. Did I forget to mention them? Gwenn is seeking their help, right now. 

Spotting the Writer's Mill

Writer Mill

To each his own.

Update on Gwenn Wrenn

My story is in two parts, with about half of part two left to write. Part one: "The Hollow Planet"
Part Two: "Gwenn of Mars"

At this point they are searching out clues for the missing boy, Tyler Meekem. They don't know if he survived the great calamity, or even which planet he is on.

Early works

My first published efforts were hosted by Lulu. The largest volume, Complete Works, shows my work from early awkwardness and then some stories after I had greatly improved. Much of that work is still available here: Charles Turner's Books and Publications.  

dogs for Mars

two Labrador Retrievers, rescue dogs picked out and brought along by Mom, who could not bear living in a world where no dogs exist. They were Tatum and Pear.

One black, the other golden

Gwenn of Mars

Her family back to Pi and ultimately on to Mars.

Well, crap

Just got the family reunited and agents swooped and took Gwenn's Dad. Seems his science was illegal, plus it created the greatest calamity to Earth since the hit that killed the dinosaurs. Some prosecutors hint they want the death penalty. And, he's guilty on all counts.  

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

I got Gwenn back on Earth, reunited with her parents, yesterday. School woes, today.

Break

Had serious issues concerning the household plumbing, which involved digging up a sewer line. I was in no condition to write the past few days. 76 is no age to be, in these situations.

While I'm at it

I also completely reworked Chapter One. 

Working in a Coal Mine

Using a few days to smooth the language and adjust passages in the interests of cohesion and continuity.

The trap of social media

The trap of social media, for a retired person, can result in a quagmire that saps the mind of other enterprises. I lately became consumed in political jousting, to the extent that my writing projects were no longer advancing. Yesterday I managed to break away and get back to business. Got to face it that at 76 years of age, I can't afford all that wasted time. In the hours after leaving that arena, I have made substantial progress on Gwenn Wrenn. Let us see how long my resolve holds out.

A planet in a planet

Is it possible to put Mars inside a hollow world? It's being tried.

Final title selection:

Gwenn Wrenn, or, The Hollow Planet