Wannabe Writers (2)

Wannabe Writers is a writing group/meme for the unpublished by Sarah @ Confessions of the Un-Published. It's a place where writers can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback.

Where I am in the writing process: Like I said in my previous post, I was still in the beginning/outlining process. I think it is safe to say that I am, actually, still there until now. On Tuesday though, I finally started doing the actual writing on paper. I typed it out, and according to Word, I have written 4,120 words in four days.
I am working in a very small pace, but I think that's what works best for me. I try not to force myself to write if I already know I'm not in the right mood, because this way, words just come freely and don't appear contrived in any way whatsoever. I also don't feel pressured and/or rushed when I try to take my time.

My current problems:
Thankfully, no problems right now!

Sarah's question this week: "What do you give up in order to write?"

I don't think I give up anything that huge to the point that it affects my daily life; routines, activities, and general lifestyle. The thing is, writing is a part of all of those. It is completely natural, and something that I always have time for.
However, I can't deny that there are definitely some nights that I had to give up sleep. The crazy thing is, I don't really seem to mind lacking sleep if it means getting some writing done.
There might be little things also, that I might be doing subconsciously. One example would be those many times where I would forget that I have food in front of me for lunch at work because I'm so caught up with what I'm writing.. or missing dinner because I am too busy scribbling away to even go to the kitchen.. things like that, haha.

Wannabe Writers (1)

I just discovered this wonderful meme, so this will be my first time participating. I'll be looking forward for next week's topic/questions.
Wannabe Writers is a meme by Sarah @ Confessions of the Un-Published. It's a place where writers can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback. Click to find more about how it works here.

Where I am in the writing process:
Beginning. Mostly though, I am still outlining. How I wish I could sit down and write for hours, but unfortunately, this week is not allowing me. I can't wait for Saturday, when I usually have the whole day to myself and can focus more on getting things done.

My current problems:
No big problems for now, but I guess the main one as of this week is actually finding the time to write. I know I have to and want to make time, as there is no other way, but like I said, it's a bit of a struggle. My other problem is trying to form the main character. I don't know the answers to these questions just yet; Who is this person? What is she like? What is she all about? Or maybe it's a he..? I am still on the 'deciding stage' and though I am nervous about this, I am also feeling very optimistic and excited as well.

Sarah's questions this week:

"Character descriptions. How do you describe a characters appearance? And how do you work it into a story without making it sound fake? How much is too much? Why can't I just say "she had blue eyes blond hair" the end? And where do you work it into a story? When your MC (main character) first meets said character? And where do you work this in for your MC? And do you even need to work this in for your MC?"

The best advice I have heard regarding this is the old saying, "Show, don't tell." I feel as though a whole chapter describing how the character looks is unnecessary. I don't want a story -- whether I'm reading or writing -- that has an entire paragraph dedicated to an About Me: What I Look Like segment. I feel as if there is a way to let the readers "see" who this character is and what he/she looks like, without going overboard with the details.
However, I don't want to sound like a hypocrite here, because believe me, I have trouble in this area as well. My main problem would definitely be consistency.
All I know though, is that I try to be as subtle as I can, by offering the reader/audience more than just basic information. Ultimately, what I aim for is for me to be able to let them see for themselves, and for them to create their own images.