There’s good news and there’s bad news!
The good news is that I’ve reached – and passed – my projected word count goal for my novella Innocent Blood! At the time of this posting, Innocent Blood has reached the length of 17,117 words. It will probably be quite a bit farther than that by the time I stop writing and head to bed.
The bad news is that I’m still building to the climax of the story (about to hit it too) and after that, there’s still a wee bit of story before the ending. So, although I’ve reached my word count goal, I have not yet finished the novella.
I know that I have at the very least 4,000+ words to go, which means that it will probably be more than that. Still, it’s been progressing very quickly despite the fact that I suffer from an acute form of writer’s ADHD. ;) I’ve been attempting to focus all my attention on this one project, but whenever I try to do that, my head simply explodes with ideas for millions of other stories simply waiting to be told. I’ve been trying to capture those ideas before they disappear without in any way removing my attention from Innocent Blood! Consequently, I have been very busy lately, either at the computer or hunched over my notebook, scribbling like mad.
Writing ideas always seem to come at some of the most inconvenient times.
1) After I’ve gone to bed, and then I simply have to get up and write down that brilliant idea or I will forget!
2) While I’m washing the dishes and my hands are covered in soap and water.
3) Feeding the horses… that one is a little random. Perhaps it has something to do with being outside in the beauty of God’s creation, breathing the good fresh air of the country? I get an idea, quickly finish feeding the horses, and then rush inside to jot it down before I lose it.
4) This one doesn’t apply any more, but I always used to get story ideas right in the middle of my math classes… and of course writing is always far more exciting…
Anyway, after this novella is done, I’m looking forward to working on the new ideas I’ve had lately!
The story of Innocent Blood (which is probably going to be getting a new name) is based around the verse in Isaiah 9:2 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” It is divided into four parts: Darkness, Shadow of Death, Dawning, and Light.
The concept of the age old battle between light and darkness has always fascinated me. I have always loved verses in the Bible such as:
Ephesians 5:8 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,“
Colossians 1:13-14 “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
I Thess 5:5 “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
I Peter 2:9b “…a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Innocent Blood is the first allegory I’ve written, and I’ve really enjoyed it. Allegories have a special ability to reach people and present truth in a new way. Sometimes, when you hear something over and over again, it loses it’s impact. But when you hear it said a slightly different way, perhaps when you’re not expecting it, it can be life changing.
Well, at least, that has been my experience! Anyway, I’d better be getting back to work! I took just a moment to celebrate, but now it’s time to keep plugging away so I can finish the story and then complete the editing process in the next few weeks! Hopefully I’ll have time to write more “meaningful” posts later.
~ A Servant of the King
To the praise of His glory!
Jake says
Really? You too? …on two things. :)
First, I always get my ideas at midnight or later. I don't know why…perhaps that's the only time I get peace and quiet. I fall asleep with ideas whirling gently around my mind…
And second, I love verses that have to do with darkness and light. I love it. Stuff like, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it." I love the imagery there. :D
Star-Dreamer says
LOL. Mine always happens when my hands are full of sudsy water. My mom and dad finally decided to switch my chore from doing dishes… it was just too… inspiring. :)
A Servant of the King says
Haha, it's amazing how inspiring a pile of dirty dishes and a sink full of hot water can be… ;)
Sometimes I like having mindless tasks like that to do, because then, well, creativity is unlimited!