#42 I Need Dem All + Nanowrimo 103

 Happy Blog Day Everyone!

Today is the last of my articles (read: waffling) about Nanowrimo (starts Wednesday!). Before that though, let's see what Riz is getting up to...

The Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz

This is most certainly true in my experiences...just not that many to fill an entire office.

Please note the potential layout of Brennan and Riz's office there, first time I've ever had to think about it!

Join us next week for the concluding part of this little look at Riz’s writing exploits...I'll apologise for the joke ahead of time.

Nanowrimo 103

So, here's the last I'll say about Nanowrimo (this is a lie as I hope to provide weekly updates on my own progress from next Wednesday...which will be interesting as I normally write this on a Tuesday!).

The topic this time?

Keeping the writing going, and other bits of advice while doing Nanowrimo.

As November drags on and on, you might find your motivation wanes. Some people don't have this issue as they just breath out words like carbon dioxide, ending up with 50k words in the blink of an eye. Other's won't be so lucky.

In a lot of ways, my advice mirrors what I've said about writers block in the past, being that if you don't feel like you can write, don't force yourself. If you try and bruteforce the block, you'll end up making things far more worse than they need to be.

According to Nanowrimo, the average amount of words per day you need to accomplish the 50k by November 30th, is 1667, if memory serves. Unless you've got the inspiration, keep at this level, if you can. I often prefer writing little and often. Instead of letting that 1667 look daunting (that's about 3-4 A4 pages) break it down into manageable chunks based around what time you have. I write on my phone as well as my laptop (using Google Docs to sync the two up) this means I can turn that 1667 into seven blocks of about 250 words, adding more to them if I'm able. This may work for you, or it may not. I swear, there will be a way forward.

One other bit of advice? Don't lose heart if you fall behind. All you'll be doing is kicking yourself and making things worse. If you don't do the 50k, pick yourself up and be happy with what you did manage to accomplish. Not everyone may find the month clear sailing to get writing in.

Remember, writing is about expressing yourself and sharing a story (or matters if non-fiction) close to you. Doing things under duress won't make them better.

Also at the end, you may not like the 50k words you wrote. This is natural. Use it as a stepping stone to get to where you want the manuscript at. I said before that I wrote Draft 1 of A Boy and A Rat for Nanowrimo then immediately scrapped it. The story it became from those ashes was only possible because of what I wrote for Nano.

So, there it is.

A week today it all starts.

If you're participating in Nanowrimo, then good luck. Keep calm and try your best. I'll see you in the writing trenches.

Till next week,

Keep on writing!

Peter James Martin

Quick Links

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Volume 1

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Book 1: A Boy and A Rat

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Volume 2

Malarkey's Imaginomnibus Volume 1

Malarkey's Imaginomnibus Volume 2

Harvey Duckman Presents Volume 13

#41 The Forbidden Text + Nanowrimo 102

 Happy Blog Day Everyone!

This week is a continuation of my brief talk about Nanowrimo (next week is the last as the week after...it begins!). We also have Riz tackling his own little writing mission in today's Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz!

Finally, we'll have the last batch of this months spooky 7DayTale (spread over 13 days!) Drawings.

Let's get on with the show!

Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz

Eratica Erotica is a joke book of course...thankfully. I would not want to have to write that many poems dealing with Riz’s desires. It would most certainly put me on someone's to watch list! The name was suggested to me by a fellow twitter (of X, if you'd really prefer to use that) user and it stuck. I've done a fair use jokes in my daily Very Short Stories (VSS for short) on that part of social media. Of course this is the first time it's turned up in comic form. 

7DayTale: 13 Days of Halloween

When we last left off, poor Daniel was having a bad time at the carnival...can it get worse? Of course it can!

(First posted 9th October 2023)

Daniel fell to the #ground, his hand on his mouth. He watched the blood from his friend circle a drain on the floor. Half of the broken mask wallowing in the gore.

None of the crowd reacted to Daniel's plight they just kept throwing balls at Lance's corpse.

(First posted 10th October 2023)

Daniel felt like the #analogue signals in his brain were being mixed up. He reached for the nearest person. Wanting answers he grabbed them, causing their mask to fall. Daniel stared into his own face, and slowly, started to cackle madly.

(First posted 11th October 2023)

Daniel was hysterical as he looked around the carnival more. Every guest was a version of him, and they had all killed his 'friends. Their deaths playing out before in gruesome fashion. Behind him, the ringmaster approached like a farmer, ready to #harvest.

(First posted 12th October 2023)

"How is it?" the ringmaster asked, grinning. Daniel stared at him.

"What is going on?"

"Don't you remember?" the ringmaster said. "You asked for this! I'm Gabriel, the #demon merchant. You found my card and wanted revenge on your bullies. We made a deal."

(First posted 13th October 2023)

Daniel thought back to then. His 'friends' controlled and abused him

 It pushed him further into the abyss.

"Cheer up!" Gabriel laughed. "I've seen #Scotsmen break faster! You've got a show to finish." He held out his hand for Daniel to reach up and grab.

(First posted 14th October 2023 Last Part!)

At once, Daniel's clothes changed into that of the ringmaster.

"Until first light, this circus, and your friends souls, is yours. #Bear the responsibility well, kid!" Gabriel laughed, as Daniel danced off with maniacal glee, ready for more murderous fun.

END

These you have it! Gabriel gets to say he's helped another poor unfortunate soul...When will they learn!

As much as I enjoy drawing for these events, it's pretty time consuming. Hopefully I can get back to Rose's trials soon enough.

Nanowrimo 102

Last week I went through all my previous projects from each successive Nano I've done. This week, I want to start with a question.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

For those who don't know, they're two types of writers. The first is the type that has everything planned before they even start the manuscript. They'll have everything planned out and a mood board/ music playlist to match. The second, is those flying by the seat of their pants from the get go (hence the name!). The pantser does no planning, they'll just start with an idea and then they'll run with it.

There's even a fusion of these two, the plantser (I think that's the spelling anyway.) This type does a little planning, but nothing too constrictive, more general guidelines, and then they're off  letting the writing take them wherever it wants.

I generally try to be a planner. I find that often, I get more done when I know what I'm aiming for. However, the path to hell is paved with good intentions, and its backfired on me multiple occasions as I've ended up being burnt out by the process and needing more flexibility and then there's the tines where I've planned...Only to then fling the idea I've done the prep for.

If you're a planner, a few things to consider.

• You only have to do 50,000. That's just over half way through if you're idea is new. Use that information to you're advantage.
• There is never a thing of having too much prep time.
• Don't be hard on yourself if your plans go awry. Your plans can change on the fly if needs be. Be flexible!

If you're a pantser, consider this:

• ...or not, since you know, you are writing this without a care in the world.
• You'll find it easier to write, the more invested in your premise you are. Got an interesting cast of characters you want to unleash? Do it! Let them run rampant!

If you want to check out my Nanowrimo profile, click here. Next time, in our last Nanowrimo conversation, I'll go over what to do to keep your word count up high.

Till then,

Keep on writing!

Peter James Martin

Quick Links

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Volume 1

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Book 1: A Boy and A Rat

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Volume 2

Malarkey's Imaginomnibus Volume 1

Malarkey's Imaginomnibus Volume 2

Harvey Duckman Presents Volume 13

#40 Alls Well That Ends Well + Nanowrimo 101

 Happy Blog Day Everyone!

We've finally reached the end of the Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz's first epic storyline! And this week, I'm going to talk a little bit of your first step to Nanowrimo success, choosing a project!

The Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz

Where else could I enc it for our brave, constant suffering heroes? Seriously though, this storyline has taught me a lot, a few things I did right, and a lot I did wrong. I'm still planning on doing a shorter Xmas story, so, fingers crossed, I can do better there. For now though, the boys will be back to more regular planning next week.

7DayTale: 13 Days of Halloween

Some of you might remember that back in May I posted a series of pictures and tweets from a hashtag, 7DayTale. It's a popular prompt on Twitter/X where you're given a theme and then you write 1 tweet about the story per day for 7 days...hence the name.

October is special though, as instead of 7 days, you get 13 to play with!

So without further ado:

D1

(First posted 2nd October 2023)

Daniel stood at the threshold of the big top, watching as the last of his friends disappeared into the darkness. He noted how worn everything looked, the stench of decay. Yet, following his friends seemed an #onerous task. He heard them calling for him...

D2

(First posted 3rd October 2023)

As he made his way into the darkness, he thought he heard them laughing at him, the sound driving into his #skull. He found his friends were waiting, wearing jovial masks they'd found. In the centre of the ring, a figure appeared, surrounded by shadows.

D3

(First posted 4th October 2023)

The spotlights illuminated the figure, dispelling the shadows around him.

"Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for..." the figure said. "Lost and alone, #wisdom can't help you any more. Welcome to the greatest show!" The ringmaster sang out.

D4

(First posted 5th October 2023)

Daniel didn't know who this ringmaster was, but he recognised the voice from a half-forgotten dream, #cosy, yet sinister.

"Feel free to look around for. I'm sure we'll have something to suit your every taste and whim!" the ringmaster proclaimed.

D5

(First posted 6th October 2023)

Shaken, and having lost sight of his friends, Daniel ventured outside, hoping to #recover his senses. Every amusement was busy, but one had a larger crowd than the rest. From there, a voice pleaded for help. His friend, Lance tied up like a target.

D6

(First posted 7th October 2023)

"Danny! Get me down now!" Lance yelled. 

"He made them laugh at you didn’t he?" the ringmaster's voice echoing in his head. Daniel remembered the constant humiliation. Without realising it, he had a spiked ball in his hand, blood dripping like a #sigil.

D7

(First posted 8th October 2023)

"What the fuck you doing, you idiot!" Lance screamed. Daniel's arm moved on it's own, working on instinct. Time slowed to an #aeons crawl as the spiked spear left his hand and impaled Lance through the forehead, shattering his mask and killing him instantly.

For the Eagle eyed amongst you, yes  the ringmaster is Gabriel, I do try and maintain visual consistency.

I'll drop the final 6 next week once everything is finished!

Nanowrimo 101

So, you've decided to do Nanowrimo this year? You're itching to get words down on the page, just one question...What are you writing?

Choosing a project can make or break your Nanowrimo attempt.

When I first signed up, I knew precisely what I was doing, not that it helped of course. As I said last week, that project turned out to be Daemon Soul: Avalon, a manuscript that I actually lost for a little while, though I've since archived it.

What about my other Nanowrimos though? Particularly the ones I did manage to achieve?

Well, in 2018, fresh off the adrenaline rush of having my first published short story collection, I dived straight into the first Brennan and Riz novel...or at least, the very first draft of a Boy and a Rat. Comparing the Nanowrimo draft and the published version, I'd say there's almost no similarities anymore other than they're telling the same story. As pretty much the first thing I did in December of that year? Was to junk that draft and start over.

Another year later and I was ready for action! This time, I wanted to do something different, focus on someone different...for 2019, I wrote Valarie: In Her Own Words. This was Valarie writing her memoirs essentially, taking the form of 3 novellas. The first one told of the time before she met Brennan and Riz. The second was when she was forced to sign up with the Ministry of Otherworldly Business in exchange for them helping with Faine...you don't remember that part? Oh, that's right, that was completely nuked during the great rewrite of 2021. That sets the tone of what would eventually befall this manuscript. The third story was going to be one where she would reluctantly team up with Riz to save Brennan.

However, it was never finished as I had to deal with other deadlines and when I came back to it, it was all apocrypha. Valarie’s backstory had changed completely more or less.

Better luck with 2020 right? Yeah about that...

By this point, it'd been 2 years since I started A Boy and A Rat, and the current (at that time) draft was with the publisher for a look over. Thinking it was clear sailing, I decided for Nano 2020, to do the sequel, enter Brennan and Riz: The Long Night! This one is annoying as I had the drive to finish it but plot matters kept tripping me up. I'd already written some tantalising scenes, including a pay off on my cryptic hints about the pair dealing with a dragon but alas, it died a slow and painful death. The final nail in it's coffin was the feedback I eventually got from the publisher and the decision to do more prequel novels rather than advancing the modern day stuff. There is a silver lining of sorts as I can repurpose this manuscript for a fourth novel (if we get that far). We'll see what happens though.

2021 brought with it a change of pace...sort of. Instead of using the 50,000 words for one story, I used them to complete several short stories. This was to be the 2nd short story collection for Brennan and Riz, and while still unpublished currently, the stories are all there, waiting for their moment.

This brings us to last year, and while my Nanowrimo profile says I worked on War of the Fae (the 2nd Brennan and Riz novel) that isn't accurate. I was pumped going in, but a week in, my motivation fell apart and I went sour on writing for the pair. In the end, I used the 50k on other stories here and there (like ghost Duty) and...on Daemon Soul: Avalon. Quite funny how I went full circle back to that.

What's my point in all of this? Well, you have to choose something that motivates you, and ideally something that motivates you for the entire month. While you can swap, it'll make things harder for you.

Next week, I'll talk about what other things you need to prepare for, and the universal question, are you a planner, or a pantser?

Till next time,

Keep on writing!

Peter James Martin

Quick Links

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Volume 1

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Book 1: A Boy and A Rat

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Volume 2

Malarkey's Imaginomnibus Volume 1

Malarkey's Imaginomnibus Volume 2

Harvey Duckman Presents Volume 13

#39 Where Else + Nanowrimo Looms!

 Happy Blog Day Everyone!

This blog marks the first one in October, and that means...one month to Nanowrimo! So this month, I'll be talking a little bit about it and my experiences with it as this will be my seventh (!) Year taking part, and hopefully my sixth success.

But before that, let's catch up with Brennan and Riz!

The Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz

I'm planning next week to be the final installment...but it may be the week after. In reality I could probably do another ten weeks worth but I don't think the returns are worth the risk, especially since I now need to plan the Xmas story. Ideally I want that one done in six strips, so looking at 2/2/2 for beginning/middle/ending respectively..

Though adding a seventh for a dedicated ending may worthwhile.

Phantom Dawn: Memories of a Rose

As I said last time, I've now restarted this series (if you can call it that). Its no longer daily as that would kill me. Instead I pick and choose when to update based on the vss prompt of the day.

That said, let's get back to it!

Recap:

Rose is facing down Dagger and her sister, Haze. Unfortunately, her strongest punch didn't do what she'd hoped...

(First posted 20th September 2023)

Mason, Kurz and Neal were forced to watch as Dagger brutalised Rose.

"Get up..." Dagger roared to the downed Rose. "Get up so I can knock you down again! So I can knock you more than #black and blue!" She let loose a howl of manical laughter.

(First posted 25th September 2023)

"No! Stop it now!" Kurz yelled, he'd had enough of watching Rose be beaten over and over again. A moment later, an energy blast narrowly missed Kurz head.

"Stop your #overture now. No one is interfering with my sister's fun," Haze announced.

(First posted 27th September 2023)

Eros sat hiding one of the pillars, watching the fight. He'd hid when it all started. He hated to admit it, but there was a #chasm between his strength and theirs. The two girls were bad enough, but the one in the mask...gave even Eros chills 

(First posted 1st October 2023)

Void glanced around the room, and sighed beneath his mask:

"I know you're having fun, Dagger, but end this now!"

"I could do this #endlessly," Dagger purred to Rose. "But I want to beat the person that humiliated us before! Let me defeat her!"

Nanowrimo Looms

It was 2017 when I first heard of the Nanowrimo contest, and it was because of a monthly meeting my publisher used to do for the authors they worked with. It might have even been my first one I went to. At this point I didn't yet know if Girl in the Water had made the shortlist yet for Crossing the Tees 2017 (my first published story ever as it would turn out). I can't remember what was said about it exactly, just that it was okay if you couldn't meet the goal of 50k words in the span of 30 days. Wanting to give it a go, I set myself up an account and was off..

My first ever project (which I didn't achieve I might add, fell way short) was Daemon Soul: Avalon...or at least a version of it.

Why am I telling you this? Well, because it's that time of year again where in little under a month, thousands (and more) writers will start feverishly typing away, knocking that target down word by word. In fact, I know someone who can get it done under 15 days...

I haven't announced my project yet, but I do plan on entering again this year because I'm a creature of habit. I know what it won't be, of course, anything Brennan and Riz related at the moment, unless something changes. At this point, it's likely going to be Avalon Tales as I reckon with some luck, I can use the contest to finish the first and second novellas, propelling me into the final one. Then again, this is me, and I have completely changed projects before in the middle of the contest.

I'll plan to do a blog post focusing on Nanowrimo each week now till November hits (though if I recall, the 1st is on a Wednesday this year...) and I'll go through my past projects and what happened to them, and how I prepare for them.

Till next week,

Keep on writing!

Peter James Martin

Quick Links

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Volume 1

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Book 1: A Boy and A Rat

The Strange Tales of Brennan and Riz Volume 2

Malarkey's Imaginomnibus Volume 1

Malarkey's Imaginomnibus Volume 2

Harvey Duckman Presents Volume 13