~On Break~

~On Break~

One of my favorite things about writing is characterization but I’m tweaking so hard when it comes to the mystery I’m writing. Like I spent one second thinking about the missing girl who isn’t even in the book for about 90% and I was like she’s a photographer, an adventurous spirit, a prospective business owner, a dark-skinned queen, and she’s outspoken but introverted. Then I thought about my main character and was like she has braids, I guess.

LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MY FIRST AND SECOND DRAFT I'M SO PROUD OF MY PROGRESS!!

Here's the last section of my first chapter in my first draft

The coachman opened the door to the carriage and offered a hand to help me inside. I have ridden in carriages before, but never had the luxuriousness to myself. The seats were made out of velvet and the floor was polished hardwood. The wheels were so smooth that I barely felt movement as the horses sped down the cobblestone roads. I looked out the window for a while, silently watching my home fade away and the shopping district come into view. I watched my people go about their lives until the shopping district became the residential area and the residential area dissolved into the forests that led into Herbneivorous territory. We still had a long way to go and I needed to conserve my energy so I closed my eyes and drifted away into sleep.

And here it is in my second draft

The coachman opened the door to the carriage and offered a hand to help me inside. As I entered and sat myself on velvet cushions so soft they partly swallowed me, I did not take even a single glance back at the black-brick mansion. My path had already been laid out, and it led away from Spiritwalker Mansion. I would not be able to keep moving forward if my head was turned back, even for a second. As we began to move on wheels so smooth I barely felt movement, I silently watched the small buildings of the shopping district come into view. A few witches milled about, going into shops with purses in their hands and coming out with baked goods or home appliances. I thought it funny how I had kept watch over these people my whole life through the meticulously written words of the mistresses—I knew how well their businesses ran, when a new witch was born, when one died, and many more details—yet this was one of the few times I had ever seen my people go about their lives. Sadly, I did not get to see more of what my people do when politics are not involved because the shopping district melted into the residential area, and the residential area dissolved into the forests that led into Herbneivorous territory. We still had a long way to go and I needed to conserve my energy so I closed my eyes and drifted away into sleep.

I know I still have a long way to go but it's so much better right?

I had a lot of fun interactions with my students today so I thought I'd leave them here in case anyone needs inspo for writing kids.

Student 1 (7yo): *to student 2* I'm in second grade. What grade are you in? Student 2 (8yo): I'm in second grade too. Student 1: *silence* Student 1: *to me* Can I play a game?

Student 3 (11yo): *after spending 30 minutes logging into her google classroom* I don't have any homework.

Student 1: *forges her mom's signature* Me: I once got a detention for forging my mom's signature. Do you want to get a detention? All four students: Yes.

Me: *to student 2*: What are you writing about? Student 2: I forgot. Me: You're writing about your brother. Student 4 (12yo): Can I write about my brother? Me: Do you even have a brother? Student 4: I have a sister. Student 1: I want to write about my brother. Me: Good! What do you want to write about him? Student 1: How he makes me carry his backpack. Me: ...

Student 3: What's your mom's name? Me: Why are you asking me this? Student 3: Because I need to know. Me: Why? Student 3: I'm not telling you.

Student 4: Can I have a ticket? Me: For what? Student 4: For staying in my seat? For trying my best? Me: Did you do either? Student 4: No.

And here's my favorite interaction with a student ever:

Student (11yo): *to her friend* Technically we're still children. Me: Technically? You are still children. The friend: How old are you? Me: 20 Student: You're still in your wonder years.

A few days ago my friend told me that when she was younger she had a friend with a pet chameleon, but when it died the girl gathered the whole friend group to dissect her dead pet. My friend said she was so desperate for friends that she stood there and watched. It’s now my life’s mission to find a way to incorporate this into a story. It’s so messed up that it begs to be written.

OC Writer's Block Tag!!

Thanks @fleurtygurl for creating this tag and tagging me! I have too many OCs so I'm just using the ones with the most interesting reactions (and I added Iris just for you).

Rules: Answer how would your OC would motivate/cheer you up when you have writer's block.

Daron: The only way to grow is to continue working through the tough parts. You do not have to rush, but you can do it all the same.

Aria: Don't be such a loser. Just write something already.

Iris: *Clapping after every sentence* Come on! Use that brain! I believe in you! Let's gooo!

I'm gently tagging @phynewrites @skyderman @aalinaaaaaa @yesireadbooks