Sunday Check-In: 22 Sept 2024
Welcome to my first Sunday Check-In. Every week I will post a check-in and corresponding vlog to keep you all updated on what I’ve been up to. Expect writing updates, reading reviews and sneak previews of my work in progress.
For the vlog, you can find it on YouTube here. Don’t forget to subscribe if you want regular updates!
My Work In Progress
Word count update: 76, 041 words and 30 Chapters currently in my first draft
I’ve been working on world building too and I have fleshed out the main characters and finished off their profiles. The world map is done. I’ve been working on fleshing out the details of the Spirits, the deities of the world. There’s a sketched out version of the Creation myth and I will be working on fleshing out the mythology completely.
I’m doing a lot of world building because I’m hoping to write more stories in this world in the future. Also I really like world building! Knowing the lore and the background to my writing makes it easier for me to write.
My plan is to get the first draft done by the end of October. If I do this, I’ll take a break from it and work on another novel I have in mind. Then I can come back to the second draft and feel refreshed on it.
I’m thinking about writing some short stories, including maybe some of the myths and things. Maybe some short stories of my main characters too, and sharing them on my blog and even Wattpad or something. Let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in!
My Reading
As for what I’ve been reading, I recently read two books I remembered from childhood and really loved. I’m not sure why they came to mind but I decided to reread them. ‘Witch Child’ and ‘Sorceress’ by Celia Rees. I loved them when I first read them, but they had more impact on me now as an adult.
I think perhaps it’s because I’m more aware of the history of the United States, and the impact that European settlers had on the Native Americans. The impact of religion, of disease and eventually war.
The fear of witchcraft, which was a symptom of the oppression of women. Women with knowledge were not to be trusted. Native American so-called ‘savages’ were not to be trusted. The story of Mary is one full of fear and heartbreak, but also love and self-discovery.
I highly recommend these books, even for adults. It’s an emotional story but it’s worth your time.
I’m currently reading ‘ When the Moon Hatched’ by Sarah A Parker. I’ve just reached the half-way point so things are beginning to get really interesting. I’m enjoying it so far, and I am curious to see where it’s going to go next.
The main character is complex, somehow both really likeable and frustrating at the same time. She’s absolutely flawed in some ways and that’s always a good thing for a main character. I’ll report back when I’ve finished it to give a proper review.
About My Characters
Every week I’ll reveal a little bit about my characters or my setting. Since I was speaking of the traits and flaws of the main character in the book I’m reading, I thought I would share a bit about my main character, Shaine.
Shaine is a kind-hearted and empathetic person. She is also very curious and loves learning new things, she’s an academic at heart. However her strong sense of justice and firm moral compass can lead her to be judgemental and overly critical of people who do things she doesn’t really approve of.
This leads to some conflict and tension between her and Alonso. He’s an assassin and she judges him harshly for his chosen vocation. On this journey, they get to know each other better and she begins to realise she was wrong about him.
Plans and Goals
I’ve planned out a schedule for my content next week so look out for some blog posts talking about story telling methods in video games. On YouTube, Tuesday will be the continuation of the Old World Blues series. Thursday will be covering Vault 75. Saturday is for the Science of Fallout series and will be on Nightstalkers.
I’m also slowly making progress on putting together resources to help writers when it comes to animals and medical subjects. It’s going to take me some time, but I am hoping it’ll be helpful. It’d be nice for my knowledge to not completely go to waste, you know? That said, if there’s a particular subject you’d like to see, or even just a question you have, let me know and I’d be more than happy to help.
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