Project Haddie is trundling along. I got over some roadblocks, took an unexpected week off, and allowed myself to “unbox” my story.
The Roadblocks
In my first diary I mentioned that I felt pressure writing the first pages of my novel, as if everything stems on these pages, even in draft form. Naturally, that made me hate them, and in some ways it was valid because I wrote them under that pressure, stiff and unfamiliar with my own creation.
So, I began again. I know. Everyone says not to do this, but this time felt both right and therapeutic. Because I did not just archive those pages and not write more, I really, truly began again and then I continued and wrote even more than I had before.
Ironically, I wrote these new pages in present tense and when I decided I did not like that, I continued on in past tense as if nothing had happened. It will probably be interesting editing, but it is only the first few pages.

The Week Off
I don’t regret that week off and if I need to again, I will probably take the opportunity. My goal is not to write myself into a state of panic or stress on top of dealing with work, daily life, and needing rest either way. Even though it was unexpected, for the first time I didn’t let myself beat myself up over it. I took it in stride, and then was actually able to rest when I needed it.

The Unboxing
When I say I '“unboxed” my story, I mean I’ve let myself imagine my story as if no one is reading it yet. I finished Draft 0 for my thesis in the MFA in Creative Writing program I completed last June. Whether it was my own hang-ups or knowledge that there was a rigid word-count and that my peers and professor would be the first readers, I cannot say, but in a way I think it effected how I wrote out my novel. Not in an entirely bad way, but not an entirely good way either.
Now, with that education and foundation, I feel like I can move forward with a new version of my novel that is more true to itself and the story I want to tell.
Which is exciting!

And, finally, the word count talley . . .
4,148!!!
TO MORE WORDS!