I’m very happy with my NaNoWriMo writing thus far, which is saying a lot because I started yesterday feeling as though I should just give up pretending to be a writer. Yes, I really thought that. Us writers are a sensitive lot.
Today is better. I’ve completed an entire chapter, something I have never done before. I have done plenty of flash fiction and short stories, but never anything as real as a complete chapter of a novel. I’m happy. It’s only 1,800 words, but that can always be expanded.
Also, it’s not crap. I can’t bring myself to just write crap. It may not all be worded perfectly, but it’s more than just a bunch of words pasted together. There’s a story there.
Now for the setup of our second excerpt. We’re still in the car, and our main character, Arthur King (around 14 years old), is talking with his brother Lance (12 years old) about things boys talk about. Comic book characters. I’m trying to show with this dialog the relationship between the boys and have the reader care about them. The funny is that with all my planning, the character of Lance didn’t exist until I started writing. Now he’s going to be a major part of the plot.
Here is today’s excerpt:
“Who do you think would win in a fight between Batman and Spider Man?” said Lance, a few minutes later, as if nothing had happened. Little brothers are resilient like that.
“Could never happen,” answered Art. “Batman is from DC Comics and Spider Man is from Marvel. I think they tried it once a while ago, but neither company really wanted to show their guy losing. It was a tie I guess.”
“Oh,” said Lance after some time. “But if they did, who do you think would win?”
Art sighed, knowing his brother wouldn’t leave him alone until he gave a proper answer. “I suppose it depends on the situation. If Batman gets all his gadgets, it’s no contest. He would certainly have thought of some special weapon to take advantage of Spider Man’s weakness.”
“Spider Man would have his web shooters, though,” said Lance, pretending to shoot webs from his hands.
“That’s what I’m saying,” answered Art. “If they both get weapons, Batman would have an anti-web force field or clothes that keep webs from sticking to them. Batman still wins.”
“No weapons, then,” said Lance. “Spidey wins then, right?”
“It’s still tricky,” replied Art. “Batman was trained by all those Asian dudes in the mountains. He knows how to fight.”
“Spidey has the spider strength, though,” said Lance. “I think he would win.”
“What if Batman snuck up on him, though?” asked Art.
The car was quiet for a while after that. Finally Lance replied softly, “You really know a lot of stuff, Art.”
Their parents looked at each other and smiled.
Have I mentioned I’m really happy? Well, I am. I feel like a read writer today. That’ll probably last until I hit my next road block and feel like giving up. Luckily you all are here to encourage me.