June 18, 2009
Days with Indigo Update, part 2
As some of you know, I am currently working on my first ever writing attempt. A novel called “Days with Indigo”. This novel is what I’d call plain old fiction. A lovely story based heavily on characters and story. In my last update, I had only gotten to chapter 22. I have since written part three which consists of chapters 23 through 29. I felt it necessary to do “parts” to show breaks in time or to imply to the reader that they may want to rest before heading onward!
I’m now on chapter 31 in the final part. Part 4. This is where all the mysteries need to resolve, or get so deep that you just know it’s not going to be figured out. It’s a hard thing, writing. I know plays, movies and such are usually in three acts, but I felt this book needed to tell me what it had planned and I needed to not hold the reins too much. History be damned! In doing that, I have really become attached to my beloved cast of characters. I don’t just love them. I am in love with them. I think part of me isn’t finishing quickly because I don’t want it to end. Once I finish this book, that’s their entire world. It will go no further. Kinda depressing, huh? I had toyed with making Indigo have a sequel, but after having a chat with War-N, I realized that would be an easy way out. I’d get bored upon writing another book with the same base characters. So, I will not be making a sequel. I’d rather long for a character and re-read a book than to think “Oh. It’s them again.” Plus, I have so many other new characters to invent after this book. I love writing in this way, and I think this won’t be my only novel attempt. I may not jump into it immediately after Indigo is finished, but I certainly feel that writing is high on my list for things I want to continue doing.
I’ve learned a lot, and will likely learn even more in this part, while writing this book. It’s very odd that your mind can make decisions that you didn’t think you’d make for a character. You sit and ponder scenarios and it’s funny the ones you choose. At least, it was weird for me. I thought things like “Oh my goodness! I didn’t know they were going to do THAT!?!” and I was so happy when I’d feel that way. The characters have truly become real in my mind. Should I be scared?
I have an actual journal that I started when I began writing. I’d write out what I planned to do, then I’d write why I didn’t do it that way, and finally I’d write about my great surprise that a character did something in the book. It’s very funny to go back and read it now. NONE of my original ideas have stuck! They’ve all transformed into something else entirely. I love that! My heart is so invested in these people! I know them all so well now. It’s a fabulous thing, this writing business. I’m glad I have the opportunity to do it.
So, the end of 2009 will indeed be a busy, busy year for me, and for Hungry Lucy. Things are definitely churning and getting to a good place in music land as well as finishing the book. What a lovely productive year here in Hamilton! But, I still have test first drafts to do and then all the formatting, editing, printing and such before the book would come out. I don’t see the HL album and the book coming out at the same time. It would be lovely, but I don’t think it will happen.
To my delight and surprise, another musical friend has written a book. Andy Deane of Bella Morte has published his first novel titled, “The Sticks”. Apparently, he’s got many more to publish, too! Great news, Andy!! Isn’t writing great?!?
Congrats on your writing. I need to pick up a copy of “The Sticks” for myself! If you don’t know of Andy or Bella Morte, get acquainted! Andy is such a lovely person and whenever we’d play with them, I’d always feel better just seeing them. He, and all of Bella Morte, had the power to lift the mood to lovely pretty quickly.
In family writing news, War-N’s niece Siobhan has written her first novel as well. I’m not exactly sure on the details of that yet, but the book is called “The Darling Rebels” and will be out later this year! I was so happily surprised to hear about her writing and publishing a novel. I can’t express how proud I am of her!!
So, there’s that. I’m well on the way to the finish line of the first draft. I can see it. It’s a little blurry, but it’s there! I had a deadline of July 1st for my first draft. I really don’t know if I’m gonna make it? But, I am trying my damndest!
So, this summer, find a good book to sink your teeth into. There’s nothing like an indulgent day of reading, sipping iced tea and falling into a world created by someone else. When it’s done right, you never forget how it feels. I guess there are a lot of things like that, yes? Enjoy the summer!
Much Love,
Christa Belle

























