NaNoWriMo 2008 - chapter 1

[miriam_e]

I have begun my story for NaNoWriMo 2008. It is called Critically Damaged and you can find it at
http://miriam-english.org/stories/critically-damaged/index.html

It is not a science fiction story in the normal sense. It does contain some elements you'd normally think of as science fiction, but it is set in the current day, the technology is not central to the story, and I believe the things mentioned could be built now anyway. Certainly I know a number of groups are working on it.

My description may be too vague, but I'm loathe to give too much away:

It can take years to create an intricate masterwork.
When it is done, what is its value? And who can say?

So far only the short prologue is up there.
1 - prologue

I hope to post another chapter every 3 or 4 days.

I'd appreciate any comments.

Comments

[miriam-e.livejournal.com]

Your studies are the most important thing, and writing your own NaNo is far more important than reading mine. Mine will still be here months and years from now. :)

Good luck. I know you will have lots of fun doing a cool story.

[cranky--crocus.livejournal.com]

Smiles. I do hope to get to reading yours soon!

It's weird writing a sci fi story when I normally don't even read them. I'm also not researching technology, so most of it is so off that it's laugh-worthy. But I'm having fun! NaNo definitely isn't about being Good, to me; it's about being Done!

[miriam-e.livejournal.com]

Don't worry. If you want me to read through it after NaNo I can bend the science into shape.

Regarding the sentiment: NaNo definitely isn't about being Good, to me; it's about being Done! I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately I have this obsessive little critter in my head who moans about every second word. I'd just love to tape its mouth shut or banish it till after NaNo.

One day I'll learn to just let go and write. [sigh] I don't think this time will be it. As a result my pace is truly snail-like.

[cranky--crocus.livejournal.com]

I don't think anyone could bend this science into shape, haha. But I think that's fine with me since I never intend to do anything with it!

I have an obsessive little critter in my head over every second as well. It takes a lot for me to get her to leave me alone. I have to work hard to get into a meditative state and get her away from me. I think it's something you could learn, if you put your mind into that rather than following her commands.

I bet you can do it! Sometimes the first step isn't letting go - sometimes it's forcing out, and ignoring the voice even when you can hear it! It'll try to get louder when you first start ignoring it, since it wants to stick around, but if you always label it for what it is - a nuisance that isn't helping you, a separate voice - it should eventually get under control, if not go away completely.

[miriam-e.livejournal.com]

I'll try. :)
Sounds like a good first step, labelling it as a nuisance that stops me having fun with the story.

The pep talk from Chris Baty (NaNoWriMo overlord) was great fun. He was all about having the fun by letting go too. Makes good sense.

[cranky--crocus.livejournal.com]

Mmm. When I'm trying to meditate and clear my mind, sometimes I'll start with a challenge, "I wonder what I'll think next?" and then a thought takes longer in coming, and then each thought that comes I imagine labelling with a white flag-note "THOUGHT." Eventually they stop coming.

Haha, I stopped reading the pep talks from Chris Baty when I'm limited for time. Sometimes I go back to them later. Letting go is fun!