My first draft is due to the editor three weeks from today. Yikes! I've got the draft of a first chapter completed - all three "teams" are preparing for their journey to the New World. Chapter two will be focused on the journey itself. Chapter three is the arrival. Chapter four, wraps it all up.
So, I guess I'm 25% there -- except for back matter, glossary, bibliography, fun facts...
I have a self-imposed deadline of the 12th, and then I'll be looking for critiquers to take a look at the draft.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Research Update
For those of you keeping score...it's research: 1, Kris: 0.
Actually, it's not really that bad. I had company all weekend, so I'm feeling a bit behind. But, I skipped the gym last night (gasp!) and went to the library instead to get a couple of hours of quiet time. I've started writing the first section and, although it's very very rough, it feels good to have some actual writing done.
So far, I feel like the Native American research is hard to find. I feel like Columbus was not a very nice man. And, Leif Erikkson should have been a pop star. Oh, right, that was Leif Garrett! I'm getting punchy...
Actually, it's not really that bad. I had company all weekend, so I'm feeling a bit behind. But, I skipped the gym last night (gasp!) and went to the library instead to get a couple of hours of quiet time. I've started writing the first section and, although it's very very rough, it feels good to have some actual writing done.
So far, I feel like the Native American research is hard to find. I feel like Columbus was not a very nice man. And, Leif Erikkson should have been a pop star. Oh, right, that was Leif Garrett! I'm getting punchy...
Friday, August 22, 2008
Research
I haven't done this much research since grad school! For a 2000 word manuscript, I've got at least 25 books out of my local library. Actually, I've got almost 50, but the rest are from the Children's room and those aren't part of the research.
The hardest part right now is deciding which theory of the first Americans is the one I want to use for the book. There are at least three viable options for when the continent was first populated. Most of my research has been trying to figure out which is the most viable (and of course interesting to third graders). Columbus and the Vikings are well documented so there's not much deviation - I just need to figure out which angle to write from.
I'm having a blast!
The hardest part right now is deciding which theory of the first Americans is the one I want to use for the book. There are at least three viable options for when the continent was first populated. Most of my research has been trying to figure out which is the most viable (and of course interesting to third graders). Columbus and the Vikings are well documented so there's not much deviation - I just need to figure out which angle to write from.
I'm having a blast!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Discovering History
So, it's not like anyone reads this blog, right? It's been quite a while since I've updated...lots of excuses -- started a new job, summer activities, blah, blah, blah. I haven't had time to write at all, let alone update my blog, right?
Yesterday, however, I was offered a contract-for-hire opportunity to write a title for Capstone Press' Racing for History series. An actual contract. To write something. Whoo-hoo!
So now, I'll MAKE time to write, as my first draft is due in about 4 1/2 weeks.
I've always loved history, so I'm thrilled to be working on this project. Yeah!
Yesterday, however, I was offered a contract-for-hire opportunity to write a title for Capstone Press' Racing for History series. An actual contract. To write something. Whoo-hoo!
So now, I'll MAKE time to write, as my first draft is due in about 4 1/2 weeks.
I've always loved history, so I'm thrilled to be working on this project. Yeah!
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