(metrics) Day 23 – just a day later.

Yep, wrote longhand last night – couldn’t face my keyboard. I think I’m starting to hit that end of book-itis that Nobilis Reed was talking about on Twitter this morning. It could also be that I’m tired and stressed – ah well, it’s a first world problem. I did write before I dropped off to sleep, and I thought I’d share it with you.

But first, metrics.

Starting Count: 0
Ending Count: 298
Net Gain: +298
Current NaNo count: 25029
Current Word YTD count: 25480
Val’s Tea Fund: $3

Worldbuilding Notes for Carter’s Cove

Carter’s Cove is a Crossroads town – literally, a town where all sorts of roads and Roads pass through. You can get to almost anywhere from Carter’s Cove – a lot of any whens, too, if you can find the right Road. The Department of Transportation hasn’t even heard of most of the Roads in the Cove, which is fine by the residents. Maps are a dime a dozen, and, except for some of the major, well-trafficked Roads, are mostly wrong on any given day. Travelers know the Road they need, and locals have developed a sixth sense that tells them where or when a Road is going to. The lesser-traveled Roads flicker and shift location a lot.

The Cove is named after its founder, Captain William Carter, who sailed into the Cove and claimed it for his own in the 1600s. Some say he was from England – others, from one of the little kingdoms along the Sea Roads – no one really knows, or cares anymore. He was from a Crossroads town, though, that much is certain. His wife started the Carter Inn, still around today, and his daughter was one of the first Gate engineers in town.

You see, there are some Roads you don’t want open, for all sorts of reasons. Some are just too dangerous – some people not fit to mingle with others. And some Roads just seem to invite trouble. So the engineers, they create Gates to restrict access. Either in or out. So the Vikings don’t come plundering again.

Most times, the Cove is a normal New England town. The tourists love it, and the locals do too. And if occasionally there’s a centaur at the vet’s, or the leprechauns stop into the local Starbucks, well, that’s just the Cove.

Yes, it’s for a story. No, you don’t get to know which one yet.

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.

(red sox) Because I couldn't resist...

Isn't that a pretty, pretty sight? I'd love to see that every day next season.

And if it happens, I fully expect to hear that Yankee Stadium is haunted by the vengeful ghost of George Steinbrenner.

Do I think it will come to pass? I doubt it, but I won't be sad if it does. :)

(metrics) Day 24 – more NaNo and more words

Today was another hard day writing. I think I’m beginning to burn out: on this book, on NaNo, and on life in general. But I’m still writing, even if it’s just 300 words at a time. I can do this. I’ll work through it. Really.

Really.

Starting Count: 92114
Ending Count: 92510
Net Gain: +396
Current NaNo count: 25425
Current Word YTD count: 25876
Val’s Tea Fund: $4

Starting line:
“Old,” he said, not looking up at her. “Not up.”

Ending line:
“I don’t know,” Alex said. “I really don’t.”

Darling:
“So what happened? How did we end up here?” Caran reached out, and took his hand. Alex turned to look at her, and to his surprise, there were tears sparkling in her eyes. “How did it come to pass that our son killed me, and our daughter hates both of us?”

Originally published at The words of Valerie Griswold-Ford. You can comment here or there.