Back into the Sand now stands at 21k.

16023 word count and DeHaven is once again speaking to the Devil.

Each day when I drive over to my son’s school to pick him up I read a couple pages of whatever book I’m enjoying. Today, it was Empire Falls and I noticed something interesting.

Of course, I know I’m not the first to notice this, so please forgive may enthusiasm for the obvious.

The book is written from several points of view. It’s third person, but the tense changes with certain characters. I’m sure I’ve read other books like this, but they would have all been before I started writing fiction myself because I’m keen on noticing tense and person. It’s fascinating to me what an author chooses and if they employ this choice in most of their work.

The success of the device, I feel, is hinged on the storyline of the character in present tense. And it is successful due to Tick Roby’s story being the most unnerving of all the characters.

My only criticism so far would lay it the use of italics for large sections of the past. It’s not an easy font style to read and it leaves me wanting to skip those parts, though so far, I haven’t.

I’m very much liking this novel and would suggest it.

Yesterday, I decided I would change the look of my writing blog, so short of doing any kind of coding, I chose a new format. I’ve been busy setting new goals for the school year, yes because the children are headed back and my youngest will be out of the house for most of the day, so instead of moving the furniture I opted for a great big pen at the top of my page.

I have a number of novels in the works and I’d like to get two done before the end of the year. Queries and submission lists included. It’s a task, but I have the time. I have between 9:00 and 2:00 to write and I have promised myself I will. And I’ve also decided to resume reading regularly.

Oh and for those who’ve been reading Back into the Sand for me, the page is still there, but the link to it is over on the right in the side bar. Thanks.

Let’s try a prompt that’s not pointedly horror.

The train never stopped in Apple Grove, it was too small and too boring for anyone interesting to want to come here.

Six hundred and forty six and it was a struggle. But I submitted stories to publishers tonight so I’m feeling pretty good.

11454 word count on Back into the Sand.

Six seventy two and DeHaven is in the hospital thinking he’s woken from his nightmare.

He’s wrong.

But, it is Sunday after all.  Four hundred and eighty four words and I’m at an crossroads so I will put it away for the evening and resume in the morning after I sleep on it.

The dead lay in pools of salt water and old tainted blood along the
beach where we used to sun ourselves during the long summers.

Yup.  Back to it.  I love prompts.

That’s four hundred more than I promised myself.  I feel great.  My old voice has come back to me.  One thousand fifty five.