This post contains 4 glittery term(s): damn, fuck, fucking, shitty.
The End is Nigh – #AtoZChallenge #ROW80
What do you mean, “The end is nigh”?
And yesterday was the beginning of Round 2 for participants of A Round of Words in 80 Days {#ROW80}.
To say “The End is Nigh” seems like rushing things a bit, given our proximity to the start line. But it’s something we all need to think about, both writers and non-writers alike.
Especially when we’re so far behind.
Who ME? Behind?
With AtoZ I am a couple days off schedule. By which I mean to say, I’m a WEEK off schedule, because I had meant to catch up over this last weekend. But really, then, I’m TWO weeks behind, because I’d meant to start off a week ahead.
With Camp NaNoWriMo — um, yeah. I haven’t even added a single damn word to my work-in-progress. Which sucks, obvs. Because I have mad enthusiasm for the project, and serious plans, and lots of ideas.
Just, you know, I haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Oh, and I missed Insecure Writers Support Group {#IWSG} last Wednesday, too. You know, while we’re on the subject of shitty fails.
At least I’m not completely behind {yet} with #ROW80. Yesterday we were urged to state our quarterly goals. Which is a great place to jump into talking about my novel.
Here’s the thing.
“REPENT: THE END IS EXTREMELY FUCKING NIGH” — image still from the excellent zombie film 28 DAYS LATER.
You really need to begin with the end in mind.
That’s what I mean when I say unto thee, “The end is nigh.”
Sure, the phrase actually means to imply that we are coming up on the conclusion, those magical words, “The End”.
I get that.
I’m taking a bit of artistic license here.
GO WITH ME.
LOCK it up.
I’ve developed a simple set of foundational principles called the LOCK system.
LOCK stands for Lead , Objective , Confrontation , and Knockout .
An interesting and compelling main character , with an intense desire either to get something or to get away from something , must overcome opposition in such a way that the story’s questions arrive at a satisfying resolution and leave a lasting impression .
Bell also points out,
A weak ending can ruin an otherwise wonderful book.
A strong ending can redeem an otherwise mediocre book.
In order to reach that knockout finale, try this:
2. Write the back cover summary of the book, and then answer the questions:
…Can the main character escape and/or win?
…Will the main character overcome the opposite and triumph?
…How is the main character going to resolve all the issues?
…What happens to everyone else?
3. Consider what sort of feeling you want the reader to take away from the story.
Whether you are a plotter, a pantser, or a tweener, you should have some idea of where you are headed.
You’re the only one who can tell us.
What about those goals?
First and foremost, I need to get a fix on how I want my book to end. Especially since it’s the first in a series. Currently I only have the most vague of impressions, some scenes I know will take place, some deaths and sacrifices, and an important discovery. The rest is all a bit murky. That’s not a good thing. Remember: The end is nigh.
- During the month of April, I plan to complete my rewrite of Act 1, regardless of word count, although I do have myself signed up to hit 36k words for Camp NaNoWriMo. Whatever happens, happens.
- For the duration of Round 2 of #ROW80, which runs through the month of June, I plan to complete Act 2, up to and including the midpoint.
- Throughout the months of July, August, and September, I plan to complete the rest of Act 2, or what I like to refer to as Act 3, since I work from a 4-Act structure … but I digress . *wink*
- I would like to hit “The End” before 2014 wraps up, but we’ll see how that goes.
Visit My April AtoZ 2014 Posse to see who I’m making time for this month.
Or stop by my post The Great and Powerful AtoZ Challenge Theme Reveal to see a list of all my AtoZ entries for 2014.
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