I think I have cracked the code. This is something I have thought about before, but today it all clicked.
When you are already familiar with a world or a character, placing either into a different/new story gives you a chance to "start from scratch" and do better. In the event you hadn't caught my hints ^-^ I am writing this novella around Oskar.
All the feedback and comments I received on my #ONC2024 novella, THE GIRL WITH SCARS, is coming into this new novella with me.
So, for accountability purposes: I am going to work on making sure Oskar's inner thoughts, conflict, and motivations are clear, and shown better on the page. I am going to work on keeping my filler content either to a minimum or not at all--if I do write any filler content I want to make sure it is pushing the plot forward. I've already been working on my "Show, don't tell" but I'm always looking to be better.
My writing style is whimsical, clean, and wholesome, targeting character dynamics with conflict that can be resolved. I know my approach to conflict can be better, so I'll be working on that as well. Hopefully without writing myself into a corner.
Additionally, I am watching Brandon Sanderson's writing lectures from BYU on his YouTube channel. I want to learn his approach to outlining and all the developmental things.
On Day 1, I shared my feelings of being underwhelmed by this year’s prompts, and after some reflection I realized my reaction was normal. I look back on my previous 3 years of “ONC Day 1” and I know I was slightly overwhelmed by all the prompts. But being overwhelmed with how underwhelming the prompts are this year? I supposed I felt stumped, like “What if I don’t find a prompt and end up not participating when I have shouted from rooftops my desire to participate again?”
If I had let that doubt take control, I would have given up—most definitely.
So I have a bonus ONC tip for you: when in doubt, try anyway.
If you don’t at least try, you won’t know, right? That’s what I did. I gave some prompts a try and found the one(s) I would actually like to pursue.
Also, I am always trying to figure out how I can incorporate unicorns into my fantasy writing. Which I have done a few times, THE GIRL WITH SCARS mentions them but I never expanded on it. Which is why my new novella, THE UNICORN’S BLESSING, follows Oskar and his encounter with the rare creatures.
Day 2 was low-key, I used most of my day to brainstorm my outline
On Day 3, I had a job away from home and was gone all day. But I found a slot of time during the morning before I left, and I managed to finish the first chapter, as well as get it posted to Wattpad. I would have tried to get an evening writing session in, but I was so exhausted that I just relaxed until I went to bed.
And on Day 4, my goodness! I passed the 2k mark and finished Chapter 2! I played around with cover design. And I worked on a blurb! It’s not final, especially since I’m still in Act-1 of the story. It’s likely to change down the road.
When Prince Oskar ventures into the forest behind the royal palace, he stumbles upon something unthinkable-a Unicorn's horn, slick with fresh blood.
Unicorns are sacred in the kingdom of Unara, their magic a gift only bestowed upon the worthy-or stolen through death. Someone is hunting them, and if the killings continue, their magic will fall into the wrong hands.
Determined to uncover the truth, Oskar sets out to find the culprit. But the deeper he digs, the darker the secrets he unearths-ones that could shake the very foundation of the kingdom.
A standalone fantasy adventure, The Unicorn's Blessing follows Prince Oskar before the events of The Girl with Scars, revealing the choices that shaped the man he would become.
It feels really good to write around a character I already know really well. Introducing Oskar and his family again feels repetitive, but I remind myself that because its a new story. I HAVE to write this story as if I am introducing them to readers for the first time, which is going well because I already know how.
Days 5 & 6: I doubled my word count. I passed 5,000 words, and I’m really proud of my progress.
As for Day 7… This is when I am putting together this update. Momentum kinda slowed down, but that’s only because I didn’t get to start my writing until later in the afternoon. I was out for brunch with friends.
I know myself. I know my process. I zoomed so far ahead that I am subconsciously slowing myself down. Which makes sense, but I don’t want to slow down. I want to remain at a steady pace. So, I am going to force myself to write every day—even if it is just 100 words.
Well, that’s my update this week. How is your writing? Are you working on something new, or are you revisiting something familiar? Comment below!
Thank you so much for dropping in. Stay safe, and stay awesome. See you in the funny papers!
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