On Writing & Storytelling: The Third Chapter is ‘In the Can’ (at Least in First Draft Mode) – So, We’ll Meet Again…Tomorrow

Hi, everyone. It’s early afternoon here in Lithia, Florida, on Thursday, April 27, 2023. I just finished the fifth and final scene of the third chapter of The New Story, and as soon as I finish this post, I am taking the rest of the day off from writing. I’m tired; not only did I write close to 1,400 words (a more “normal” amount of writing), but I woke up super early – like yesterday, for no apparent reason, except maybe a need to press on with the story. (I’m not complaining, mind you. I’m just stating facts.)

Anyway, yeah. As I said in last night’s blog post, I thought that the scene I wrote yesterday capped the story’s third chapter and that I would start the fourth with today’s output. The story – which, I swear, has a mind of its own – had other ideas, so I wrote an added scene that takes place a few hours after the previous one. I’ve read it a few times before popping in to write this post for A Certain Point of View, Too, and – in my biased opinion – it looks pretty good so far.

I would show you at least a little bit from today’s output, but, alas and alack, it has way too many spoilers, and there’s no way I could edit it to keep the cat in the bag, so, you’ll just have to take my word for it when I say that this is some of the best writing I’ve done so far.

What I can say is that I managed to create a story with believable, likable characters in relatable situations, with a blend of reality, drama, comedy, and even some elements of romance. And, of course, there’s music in the mix, as well, as proved by the music video below.

Unlike yesterday, I will not be adding any more words to The New Story today. I wrote just a bit more than the 1,000 words per day minimum Stephen King recommends in his magnificent On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, and I did finish an entire chapter. Thus, my work for the day is done; anyone who says I’m lazy or worse because I need to take a break either has never written anything beyond a forged hall pass in high school or is just a heartless jerk.

Well, enough chitchat, folks. I hope your Thursday has been as productive and rewarding as mine. Until next time, stay safe, stay healthy, and I’ll catch you on the sunny side of things.