Wavedancer project: Intro

[valis2]

Index:

Wavedancer without commentary
Intro | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Eleven | Conclusion

Wavedancer with commentary
Intro | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Eleven | Conclusion

So. Between 95 and 96 I started writing a romance novel.

I was pretty excited by the concept. I was still working at Waldenhell, and romance was still a pretty big seller, and I thought I could write something interesting. I was in college, I'd finally committed to getting an English degree a few years before that, and I just really thought that this was the step I needed to take.

At that time I typed everything on my manual typewriter, including work for school, and after I had daydreamed sufficiently I began to type the beginnings of a romance novel, which I eventually named Wavedancer.

At the time I really didn't know which angle to take with the novel. I mean, seriously, I'd always heard 'write what you know,' but what did I know about?

In retrospect, I wish I had written a string of erotic vampire thrillers. But I digress.

What I knew about was fishing. I used to fish with my dad. We used to go on chartered fishing trips on Lake Erie. Eventually he got his own boat and we went on fishing trips together. So I knew about fishing.

At first I refused to even consider a romance novel about fishing. But then it grabbed my brain and would not let go. The whole time I was writing it, I knew in the back of my head that it was a terrible idea. No, really. In fact, I kept thinking up stupid titles and laughing about them. Chartered Love. Hooked by Love. Fishing for Love. Trolling for Love. Yeah, exactly.

But I couldn't stop writing. And then I started revising, which, on a manual typewriter, means you mark up your copies with your pen, and then you start at the beginning and retype it. Well, if you're obsessive like me. Eventually I started to worry that I'd picked the wrong tense, and then I wanted to make more revisions to it, and eventually I gave up--it was just too hard to revise once it hit the over thirty page mark. And I was so obsessive that I couldn't write more until it was revised.

I was attending BookExpos at the time, and I brought a copy with me, thinking I could hand it out, but I wasn't certain if that was how it happened or not. Sure enough, I talked to a rep at a romance publisher's booth, and she gave me this oh-god-no-please-don't-give-it-to-me look, one of utter terror, and I realized that here I was, one of those freebie-grubbing booksellers from a major chain trying to hand her a messy piece of an amateur manuscript, and I totally backed off and didn't bother showing it to anyone else at the Expo.

Thank goodness. Because now I read it, and I cringe at the manual typewriter look--some typos crossed out and written in, etc. It might not have been the worst thing that rep ever saw, but it was definitely in the amateur division, and it really shows.

Now that I'm rereading it, I can see some things so very clearly. So far this has been an interesting journey. And I hope some people will be interested in the process, which is why I'm sharing it.

Wavedancer is unfinished, and approximately 16,000 words long. I won't be finishing it. Or revising it. I will include a small summary of how it was supposed to end. I will be posting each section in two ways; as it was written, with all errors included except obvious typos, and a version with added commentary, which points out all of the various flaws and will contain observations about myself as a writer at the time, and my thoughts about how I've changed as a writer--or not. heh.

I really hope to gain some insights into how my writing has improved or not. I am totally open to constructive criticism. And don't worry about poking fun at it, seriously. That will make it all the more entertaining.

If you want to link to it at any point, please feel free. It's all unlocked, as all of my entries are.

I'll try to post every other day or so. I think there will be about fifteen parts total.

Comments

[lady-branwyn.livejournal.com]

In retrospect, I wish I had written a string of erotic vampire thrillers.
Or, as Lord Branwyn asks me occassionally as I waste hours of my life on fanfic, "So when are you going to write that book about a teenaged wizard and make us unimaginably wealthy?"
I don't think a romance novel about fishing sounds bad at all compared to some of the things that are published. By the way, what is the name of those butt-ugly fish that they catch in Lake Erie? The name is "something-head." Chuckleheads?

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Or, as Lord Branwyn asks me occassionally as I waste hours of my life on fanfic, "So when are you going to write that book about a teenaged wizard and make us unimaginably wealthy?"

hahaha!! Doesn't that sound lovely? *daydreams*

I don't think a romance novel about fishing sounds bad at all compared to some of the things that are published. By the way, what is the name of those butt-ugly fish that they catch in Lake Erie? The name is "something-head." Chuckleheads?

Yeah, I'm probably overreacting just a little--still, it isn't the first thing that most romance readers will look for, lol.

Hmm. I don't remember that fish...I do remember "chrome dolphins," which were the scourge of the lake for some reason. heh.

[lady-branwyn.livejournal.com]

Do the people in your story go fishing for walleye and crappie? Please, please, please!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I can't remember! I have no idea. Is Lake Michigan known for walleye? If so, sure!

(That's what I used to fish for, along with salmon once in a while)

[drusillas-rain.livejournal.com]

So many things are so much easier now that we have computers and internet - I just had a conversation with DH yesterday about how I never could find a song or lyrics and how much I hated the elitism associated with it ("oh, so and so isn't a band, it's just one person who goes by a band-like name. You're obviously not a real fan if you don't know that.") Your experience sounds similar.

I think its wonderful that you're doing this - I wish I could find the romance novel I wrote (and actually finished!) when I was 11 or 12. Heh, even the idea of it makes me cringe. It featured me! + the members of NKOTB. But, I was not a Mary Sue - I really was a decent basketball player back then ;)

I'm mostly looking forward to your commentary and navel-gazing. *is fascinated by writing process of others*

[valis2.livejournal.com]

So many things are so much easier now that we have computers and internet - I just had a conversation with DH yesterday about how I never could find a song or lyrics and how much I hated the elitism associated with it ("oh, so and so isn't a band, it's just one person who goes by a band-like name. You're obviously not a real fan if you don't know that.") Your experience sounds similar.

heh. I love writing with a computer, and I love the internet so much--how the hell did we do any of this before Google? Seriously.

I am pretty impressed with my spelling, though, considering I had no spellchecker to rely on. There are only a few mistakes that I've seen so far. heh.

I think its wonderful that you're doing this - I wish I could find the romance novel I wrote (and actually finished!) when I was 11 or 12. Heh, even the idea of it makes me cringe. It featured me! + the members of NKOTB. But, I was not a Mary Sue - I really was a decent basketball player back then ;)

OMG YAY! That sounds like so much fun!! Seriously, I love some of this stuff--I love revisiting the old daydreams, y'know? hee!

I'm mostly looking forward to your commentary and navel-gazing. *is fascinated by writing process of others*

Oh, awesome! I'm so glad, because this is taking a small chunk of time, and even though it would be totally worth it if no one read it, it would still be nice to hear other opinions. I'm so looking forward to hearing what you think about it! :)

[drusillas-rain.livejournal.com]

♥

[gmonkey42.livejournal.com]

OMG fishing is an awesome idea for a romance novel!

Honestly, I'm not into romance novels but now I'm really looking forward to reading these posts!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

hahaha! That's awesome!

There is some hardcore charter fishing somewhere in there. I haven't gotten to it yet, but I remember writing a scene about being out on the water, so it has to be there somewhere.

I'm through the first five sections. The typing is actually going more quickly than expected! Huzzah!

(It's the sarcastic commentary that takes time, lol.)

[cactus-wren.livejournal.com]

At first I refused to even consider a romance novel about fishing. But then it grabbed my brain and would not let go. The whole time I was writing it, I knew in the back of my head that it was a terrible idea. No, really. In fact, I kept thinking up stupid titles and laughing about them. Chartered Love. Hooked by Love. Fishing for Love. Trolling for Love. Yeah, exactly.

The 'stupid titles' make me think of a Janet Evanovich romance novel. One of her early ones that are being re-released. It would involve a cute and sassy young woman who lost her job and the only job she can find is working a charter fishing boat. She's never fished before and the only kind of boat she's been on is a cruise ship. She is completely inept at the job, but the captain gives her a chance because he feels bad for her situation and thinks she's kind of cute. Much mayhem and wacky hijinx prevail as she tries to learn the ropes - baiting hooks, cleaning fish, etc. Sexy boat captain guy slowly falls in love with her and she with him. And *bang* happily ever after.

You could always revise it and finish it in a romantic comedy fashion, then you'll get a publisher and make tons of money and we'll all say we knew you when.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

bwahahahah!!! That's awesome! Sexah boat captain guy. OMG.

Yeah, you're making me really wonder about this fic, but I am staunch in my position--this fic really is not good, and even though I could make it good, I am not going to. My heart just isn't in it. *nodnod*

Plus, you know you want to read the sporking! lol!

*hugs*

[cactus-wren.livejournal.com]

Of course I want to read the sporking, silly! Romance novels don't do much for me - unless they are of the Evanovich-romantic-comedy variety (so reading any romance novel should provide ample snark material for me!)
Maybe some day you'll decide to rewrite it or something like it. But if you use this idea, I expect to get an ARC from you so I can check it out ahead of time, lol!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, this romance won't do much for...anyone, really, lol!!

But with a bit o' sporking...and some rolling of my eyes at my own self...it might be fun!

I know that I made myself laugh out loud with at least one comment, so there's hope for it.

[catyah.livejournal.com]

I'm so excited to read this!

And I really admire you -- for many reasons -- one of which is being able to laugh at your own story.

Also -- I used my default icon for this comment. I don't have any fish or Lake Michigan type icons, but my kitty does like to eat fishy-smelling cat food! >^..^<

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I'm so excited to read this!

*squee*

I'll start posting it very soon. Wednesday morning, most likely. It'll be interesting to hear new opinions about it, seriously!

And I really admire you -- for many reasons -- one of which is being able to laugh at your own story.

omg, you are so TOTALLY making me blush! Thank you!!

And one of the many reasons I admire you is that you are so endearing and warm and sweet. You are one of the best things about LJ!

(I had to make an icon for the Wavedancer postings...lol! And I had nothing suitable--it's actually a sponge boat in Florida.)

[thedoingofit.livejournal.com]

In retrospect, I wish I had written a string of erotic vampire thrillers.
Heh. Don't we all! But then again you still have your authorial integrity... ;o)

This sounds like a really fun idea (and a good writing exercise!) - I'm excited to read it! :o)

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Heh. Don't we all! But then again you still have your authorial integrity... ;o)

And my feeble checking account balance, lol!

This sounds like a really fun idea (and a good writing exercise!) - I'm excited to read it! :o)

The first part will go up Wednesday, I believe! squee!

Hey, who's that in your icon? It's an interesting shot.

[thedoingofit.livejournal.com]

It's actually Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rogue! - he's a cutie, isn't he? :o)

[marginaliana]

Oh, gosh, I'm intrigued by this! A fishing romance novel!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

*sporfle*

Yes, only from the mind of valis, y'know? No one else would be this loony!!

*hugs*

It's also melodramatic and emo!tastic! Wait till you try reading it...

[greenpear.livejournal.com]

So you write about erotic fish?

I wonder how much the computer has enbled writers who otherwise would never have done anything due to the technology...

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Erotic fish! hahahah!

Yeah, I think the current proliferation of self-published stuff is definitely due to the juxtaposition of online publishers and computers...hee! It's interesting to think about.

[catsintheattic.livejournal.com]

This looks like an interesting project. I hope I will be able to have a look at it.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, I would love to hear your thoughts about it! Parts one through three are already up.

[catsintheattic.livejournal.com]

I've seen the posts, bookmarked them and will come back to them once I'm back for real. :-)

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Awesomesauce! *hugs*

[verdenia.livejournal.com]

Huh, intriguing! I may have to check this out sometime. ;)

I went on a lake-fishing thing once, seven years ago. It was my first time in upstate NY, meeting babe's family, and we went fishing for his birthday, along with his dad, a cousin, and an uncle.
Pretty good times. ;D

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Yeah, if you're ever bored, I'd love to hear your opinion.

I haven't fished in ages. I kind of lost the taste for it. I'm not much into the outdoors to begin with, and while there are things about being on the water that I liked, it just doesn't really captivate me the way it does my father. Sad but true.

Glad you guys had fun!

[verdenia.livejournal.com]

I haven't either. Babe & I went with his dad on a big boat out of Santa Cruz years ago, and they took us ALL the freakin' way across the Monterey Bay to try to get salmon...and I got very seasick, and sunburned and windburned. AND lost an awesome coffee mug. Eff that shiz! LOL.
Then, of course, it was my brother's birthday and we had to go out for dinner at a Thai restaurant. Talk about sad! One of my fave foods & couldn't really enjoy it!

The outdoors can be fun, but... really, we're festival campers, not hiking campers!