Sunday Update: Plots, Progress, and Weighty Romantic Entanglements

The first draft I started last Wednesday is progressing nicely. I’ve met my test mile of at least 500 words each day, and I’m just one hundred words from the cumulative goal of an average of 1,000 a day needed to write this novella during August.

Here’s my word count since the last check-in:
Wed – 600
Thur – 1,200
Fri – 700
Sat – 1,700
Sun – 700
Another thing I should mention is that I’ve plotted more of book five, the final book in the series. I had a big EUREKA! moment the other day, as I considered the powers of the characters in the final book. It just clicked and I knew how the final battle plays out. Yes, yes, yes!! So now I feel confident about where I’m headed, and the major points of action at the series climax. I know where each character fits in the overarching plot and ending of the series, and that is a major plus as I draft book four.
One area where I’m having a bit of trouble: This story isn’t quite romantic enough yet. My characters will come together, but there’s a lot of drama right up front since this is a couple with a weighty history driven back together by events beyond their control after years apart. I love the female character, but I don’t feel like I’m quite in tune with my hero. I spent some time Saturday reading back over his parts in Vessel and Flight, trying to feel out more depth there… it will come. No worries. I’ve made great progress this week.
For anyone else who writes romance series, here’s a question for you: When your characters are particularly closed-mouthed, what tricks do you use to bring them out of their shell? I could use a couple of tricks with this fella, but I have a sneaking suspicion he’ll be well worth the trouble.
I hope everyone’s having luck beating out the summer heat, and making progress on those writing goals! Here’s to another productive week everyone!

About J.R. Pearse Nelson

J.R. Pearse Nelson is a fantasy and romance writer from Oregon, USA. She lives with her husband and two daughters among the plentiful trees and clouds of the beautiful Willamette Valley. J.R. is always searching for the magic in our world. She weaves tales rooted in mythology, bringing legend to life in modern-day and fantasy settings. J.R. is the author of the Of the Blood fantasy romance series, the Foulweather Twins fantasy series, and the Water Rites fantasy series. You can connect with J.R. and learn more about her fiction at her website. Visit jrpearsenelson.com.

4 comments on “Sunday Update: Plots, Progress, and Weighty Romantic Entanglements

  1. I’m not sure I have any characters who are close-mouthed. LOL. Sometimes it’s hard to get that exact feel you want with the characters, isn’t it?

    That’s an impressive word count! You seem to really be on a roll lately. 🙂

  2. I write loudmouthed men, so I wouldn’t know. Maybe I should try it sometime and stretch my writer muscles. Good job on the word count.

  3. Maybe your closed mouth hero is the type who would show his feelings through actions such as protectiveness, affection or loyalty… there are more ways to communicate than words, it may be a show not tell situation.

    Congratulations on steady progress! I love your enthusiasm and commitment to pulling together an excellent series.

    Best wishes and may the writing muse bring you much joy.
    Cate (ROW80)

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