WIP update

I've been busy lately, working on the first bit of actually drafting the text of the first of my Hill Country trilogy, Redstone's Valley. I'm still doing research, have some very complete sketches of the main characters, and have a rough synopsis of all three books, so I feel ready to get started. I think I know the storylines, but you know how it is. The plots and characters can change on you pretty drastically when you actually start drafting.

I was excited to find out that part of the lore about Enchanted Rock had to do with rumors and legends concerning a portal into other dimensions. I have found the perfect location for the valley, just north of Sandy Creek but a bit south of the Llano River. You can see the dome clearly from the whole area.

I've done some work on the opening bit that I posted a week or so ago, on the WIP board. I did a few revisions on the first scene, eliminated the truly awful second scene, changed the concept and rewrote it, and have added what wil be about two-thirds of the third.

I hope I will get a comment or two this time. I left the original for comparison. The new stuff begins with the title, Chapter 1.

It's still an early draft, so criticism is welcome. Questions about what is going on in the scenes, and what might happen next or why would be especially helpful.

Ann

Ann, my 91 year old mother gave me a story about her grandfather's escape from Elvira, New York POW camp in the civil war. It's an exciting story, but she wants me to build a novel around it. I have never written a historical novel. Any quick pieces of advice? I don't know where to begin! I'd like to do for her; but I am strictly a contemporary writer.

DK, I would say to keep it as fictional as possible without losing the integrity of the story. I've been attempting to write my g-g-grandmother's CW story for some time now, but keep getting hung up on disconcerting facts that don't fit into the story as I want to tell it.

This time I'm using mostly fictional characters, but placing them in a real place (sort of) and time. Historical figures will be mentioned, but none are major characters.

Historical research is much easier now, with several reliable online sources. Genealogical sites can often lead you to the facts you need to know about your ancestors, in this case, your great g-grandfather. The Civil War is recent enough that you should be able to find out quite a bit about Elvira, especially since it's a Union site.

I would say to start with the research, and let what you find serve as the basis for your plot, etc. Find out as much as you can about the family's recollections. The rumors can't always be trusted as fact, but even so, they can lead you to the facts.

Hope you have fun with it. Let us know how it goes.

Ann

Ann,

You have been busy. Well done. I want to read more of it.

OK, I have finished the first chapter, or I should say, the first draft of the first chapter. I have added it at the end of the Redstone's Valley thread, in the WIP section.

Ann

Very interesting. Stay at it.

I've added one last update to the Redstone WIP, for anyone who is interested. I still welcome any comments.

Thank you for reading it.

Ann