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I think in a way I can be compared, at times, to an old but sometimes trustworthy rustbucket car. At times I'll roll smoothly on, eating up the miles while the scenery rolls by. But then, for no apparent reason I'll stall, engine will cough and you'll spend the next few days on the hard shoulder trying to flag down a ride and kicking and cursing me. Then, when all seems lost and you're looking to see if you've enough for a taxi, you'll try the key once more and I'll sputter back into life, toddling on merrily for another while till I inexplicably break down again.

On occasion I can outpace a Formula 1 driver, other times snails yawn as they pass me.
 
Peter V said:
Be interesting to know how many words people think they will write? I had in mind anything between 5000 - 10000 words, although the story won't be done until it's done. Once I start, my stories tend to take on a life of their own and often take me in surprising directions.
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I am planning to write 501 words. If it gets much longer than that I’ll have to do some serious editing.
 
Currently in the planning and outlining phase. I'll make my estimate sometime after that. At this point, it could be anywhere between a 500 to 5,000 word story. These things often take on a life of their own, so there's no telling how it will turn out. Fun times.
 
I'm discovery-writing my way through this story, so go easy on me....

Well, all right. I did do a little bit of plotting--jotting down unorganized ideas and character notes does count as plotting, right? But I've got over 200 words written in the actual story that I'm happy with so far. Though I'd like to try doing at least 300 words per day. As for my end goal....

Best case scenario? A full length novel, naturally! But since it's highly unlikely I'll churn out a whole new book in a month--much as I would like to--I've told myself I'll be perfectly happy with a 10,000-word-er.

Should life intervene, or my muse run dry, I plan to write 3000 words--or perish in the attempt!
 
Seriously, I saw 'at least 500' and thought a 1500 word short story would be fine. A beautiful, concise and well crafted gift.
That is the basis I entered on And that is what you are getting!
If there is an expectation that I will get drawn into playing 5000 word a day pulp fiction macho games there is going to be mucho disappointment :giggle:
 
Astro Pen said:
Seriously, I saw 'at least 500' and thought a 1500 word short story would be fine. A beautiful, concise and well crafted gift.
That is the basis I entered on And that is what you are getting!
If there is an expectation that I will get drawn into playing 5000 word a day pulp fiction macho games there is going to be mucho disappointment :giggle:
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500 is a respectable storylength. Three times that is largess.
Remember it's the story that counts, The words, not the length so much.
A beautifully written 500 is a fine read.
 
For me, personally, the story will be as long as it needs to be. I've already said I'm over 5K and it's not quite close to being finished yet, but there are a lot of elements I want to add in to make it more interesting. I don't really mind if it's long (always) or short (hardly ever) as long (sorry) as I get the story across that I want to. I'm not going to be in competition, or see myself as being, with anyone, and if someone can write a better story than me (ie everyone here) in 500 or 1000 words, good luck to them. If it takes someone 10, 20 or more thousand words, good luck to them too. It's not necessarily a case of quality over quantity, but the former must always triumph over the latter.
 
My current idea could probably turn into a full-length novel at some point, but I'll content myself for now with sculpting the first chapter as a small story-within-a-story and leaving it at that until I can concentrate on the full version. Afraid I've no idea of the length yet, either--I've only got a nebulous outline so far, and I have a proven history of underestimating final story-lengths.... :sneaky:

As far as word-count goals...well, I've experimented with those a bit before, and I think I write better, and enjoy the process more (which does translate into focus and speed in a creative endeavor) when I'm not trying for one. Not just trying to "hit my marks" or fill a quota each day but more concentrating on making the story the best it can be. If that means slaving for an entire day over a particular 300-word section--well, then at least I've got a little bit of writing that I like rather than a lot of writing that I don't. Writing something I already know is rubbish is far more draining to the creativity than anything else I've experienced. (It really annoys my Muse, and that in turn leaks through our mental bond and annoys me.)

So, no daily goals. And no projected length yet. I'm really bad at this game, aren't I? :p
 
Alright, end of the week. Who did their writing and wants a drawing?
 
I wrapped up the week with about 200 words. Should ramp up from there (hopefully). Still debating daily goals. It would probably help me focus, which I often need. What was I just talking about?
 
Trollheart said:
Mine's done, mine's done! Just over 8000 words. Have to go through and edit it, but it's come to a satisfying conclusion!
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Here you Go!
IMG_20200712_193303.jpg
 
Mad Alice said:
I really hope "deleted" is code for "cut and pasted into a new empty document to cannibalize for other writing efforts later".
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My apologies for being so obscure.
I meant: "removed tenderly from the current document, carefully cleansed of any stains caused by blood, sweat and tears and - while profusely thanking my Muse for the time and effort invested by Her in the creation of such an abundance of words, accompanied by the assurance that this high-end of eloquence is to be safeguarded until later usage in what is to become my magnum opus - relocated to a document titled ´What was I thinking? - An Short Introduction to Aberrations the Creative Mind Is Capable Of - Vol. 6.', and saved, because I hate throwing stuff away."

But, you know, that are 98 words in stead of 1.
 
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