Right now it is in outlining phase, and it looks as if it is going slowly. But the total it is measured against is the finished book, and what I’m doing, considering this is a book in a familiar environment with familiar people, is scene-blocking, which is sort of like a movie script with hints of dialogue and who’s where saying and doing what, so when it comes to actually writing it, it’s a matter of filling in the detail—sort of like a pencil sketch before you start applying the finishing touches and detail.
Writing is so variable—I have people ask me how I do this and that, and the real answer is, it’s different from book to book.
I couldn’t use this “scene-blocking outline” technique on a book that’s in a totally new world with new people: I’d have to do a ‘thinner’ outline and start writing for a while, then go back and outline what I’ve actually already done, and then try to carry the outline further forward, sort of a rolling outline a bit, then write a bit, outline what you wrote, then try to go beyond that point, like unrolling a glow in the dark hall runner in total darkness. In this one—hey, I even know the style of the furniture.
As a life-long programmer, I can tell you that progress bars have always been problematical. But xkcd says it best:
http://xkcd.com/612/
As a life-long troubleshooter and computer repairwoman, I can tell you that I generally ignore ’em! 😀
But in CJ’s case, any progress she posts is meaningful to a hungry fan. So I’m happy to see it – and she is a speedy writer compared to many. 🙂
😆
It’s also called “grey-bar land” 😉
“How long will it take?”
“I dunno, I’m in grey-bar land.”
I like the “scene-blocking outline” technique approach, especially if you already know the style of furniture. I have images of sodium vapor light filled halls replete with the LED ready lights on Kif rifles glowing in the semi-dark. Or are LEDs too passe now…? 🙂