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It just seems like a random number, right?
But to me it's wonderful, astonishing, and beautiful.
It's the number of words I wrote this week.
Now, I'm sure you're saying...big deal...so what? I can write that and more in a day...
But I haven't written anything in a long, long, long, long time. So to have come up with an idea, gathered my thoughts into something coherent, and actually put them on a page is nothing short of a miracle. Seriously. I've broken through a dry spell and there's no other feeling like it in the world.
What did I do to break out? Well, I'm organizing promotion for The Vampire and the Vixen and I signed up for a blog visit which required me to write a piece of Flash Fiction. With a deadline and a required word count, it was a little bit like being back in school and having an assignment due. And it got me going. I brainstormed an idea. I jotted notes. And I WROTE! I've even done some editing and revising. And I still have one major task ahead. The story was supposed to be around 1000 words, but the blog host said as long as I kept it under 2000 I'd be okay. But I'm going to try to whittle it down. Just for the fun and challenge of it.
I also ventured into uncharted territory for me and wrote the story in first person. Well, actually I wrote the story in third person and converted it. I've read books/stories in first person, so I'm familiar with it, but I've never written anything in it myself.
Which brings me to a question for all of you out there reading this post (g)...
Do I say:
I frame his face in my hands.
or
I framed his face in my hands.
Is it:
He kisses my forehead.
or
He kissed my forehead.
To me both sound correct, but I'm not sure if one is the correct tense over the other. Any thoughts or advice?
When I figure it out, I'll be sure to post the link so you can read the entire story when I do my blog visit!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! I know how hard that can be and I'm so thrilled for you.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your question, I think it depends on whether or not you're writing in 1st person present or past. What tense is the rest of the paragraph/scene in?
Many congrats, Debra! Hope you're now back in the writing groove again.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Jen said i.e. it all depends on whether the rest of the story is in the present or past tense.
I guess I'd say the entire story is happening in the present.
ReplyDeleteWhat tense(s) did you use for the sentences before the examples you've given?
ReplyDeleteHere's the one...
ReplyDeleteDamien arrives at my apartment after sunset. He takes one look at my face and pulls me into his arms. I nestle against his strong chest, breathing in the smell of leather and cotton and his own unique scent.
"Ah, cara mia, this is torturing you." He kisses the top of my head. "Perhaps I should just erase myself from your memory and let you get on with your life."
And the other...
I frame his face in my hands. "For us. And no, I don't want you to erase my memories of them." I tamp down the pain of loss. It would fade in time. And time I'll have plenty of soon. "I want to remember them. And I want to remember that I chose you."
Everything seems to be in that present tense...right? I just want to make sure that's the correct tense to use.
Yep, go with the present tense all the way through :-)
ReplyDeleteI concur about present tense throughout.
ReplyDeleteFirst person present is a lovely challenge, Debra. We're so used to writing third person past tense.
Way to go!
Yes, present tense throughout!
ReplyDeleteYes, present tense throughout!
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to tackle those extra 300or so words tonight and try to whittle it down to 1000.
I did it! It's down to 999 words!
ReplyDeleteEdited 1000 words! Your muse is in gear, Debra!
ReplyDeleteWTG, Debra. Cutting words is a great way to tighten up your writing!
ReplyDelete