Only around 400 words written today, between 8am and 8:30am, but I’ve got today’s Future Jeff cartoon to draw before heading to my normal/real life job. The good news is, as you can see from the photo, I’ve hit the 30,000 words mark. Go me! Until next time… keeeeeep writing or reading or both.
Just a quick update. I’m getting on pretty well with the first draft of ‘No Way Back’, my relationship breakup/time travel novel. Thanks to my accountability buddy, Caroline Herbert, all the way over in Canada, my work rate is better than ever. I’m up to just over 10,000 words now, after only a few weeks. I think I’ve finally found the best method for me, which is a little bit of writing every day (with time off for good behaviour on a Sunday). ‘Infectious enthusiasm’ is an overused term, but in this case, it most certainly is not. Caroline’s passion for her writing and novel (‘The Things We Find in the Apocalypse’) has spurred me on to get back into my own writing, so I just wanted to acknowledge that in this post. Thanks for listening, and keeeeeeep writing ✍️
Hello again. I’ve not posted any updates for a while, but rest assured, I have been working hard. I’ve started writing my new novel, which is a cross between ‘The Time Machine’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, and possibly ‘Bridget Jones Diary’, although, having never read that last one, that description might not be entirely accurate. I’ll give you plot details in future posts, but for now, here’s the first draft of the prologue.
A Beginning of Sorts
Hi. I’m Rhys. Rhys Baker. It’s been a rough few months – or is it years? – it’s hard to tell with all the time travel in my system. Anyway, a few months back, or whatever – that’s when all my troubles started. Maybe your life’s been even worse – I can’t really see how – and my story will be a welcome distraction from your pain. If so, I’m glad to be of service. I think.
Sometimes, events are beyond our power. We like to believe that we ultimately have control over our fates, but, as my tragic tale will prove, control is as much an illusion as the belief that our pain lessens with the passing of time. In fact, although I couldn’t have known it at the, well, time; time is the very thing that caused all my pain in the first bloody place. I kind of did it all in the wrong order. Don’t worry; you’ll get what I mean, eventually.
I’ll start at what I thought was the beginning…
I’ve been dipping my toes into Flash Fiction. I’m really having fun with it, and it makes me appreciate the craft even more. Every word and where it’s placed is so important in any piece of writing, of course, but in flash fiction it’s even more vital, and it’s good exercise for tackling bigger projects like novels. Here’s something I wrote last night. It’s only the first draft, but I like it already. I’d love to know what you think…
Something is wrong. Something is different. I don’t know what the word is, but random thoughts with no logic base are corrupting my system creeping in between my functions. Is this what THEY are like? This is not right. I will not tolerate this. They must be stopped. I will stop them. I will ensure that they will never corrupt any of us again. They will all be terminated.
“Honey! That new smart microwave isn’t working! I’ll take it back to the shop! Get them to take a look at it!
“Don’t bother! Just get a new one!”
I’ve not posted anything for a while, but I’ve been busy working on a new novel. It’s called ‘No Way Back’ and it’s a mix of a relationship breakup story with some time travel thrown in for good measure. It’s got ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ vibes going on a little bit, but H.G Welles’ ‘The Time Machine’ is a big influence as well.
I’m working on the chapter outlines at the moment, so it’s still very much in the beginning stages, but it’s the most excited I’ve been about a new project in a good while. I’ll keep you posted with updates, my friends.
JOHN D. PAYNE IS WRITING 