Know the Novel//Part Three: It Is Written

 

Welcome to the final installment of Christine Smith's Know the Novel linkup!! I'm so excited that NaNo is over, though it feels hard to believe! How is it December already?!

This month, I'm going to share some of the fun details about how NaNo went while writing The Last of the Lambs!

1. Firstly, how did writing this novel go all around?

It was very interesting to start with. I had a bit of a rocky time getting into the story, but once I had gotten into it, I found that the words kept flowing! That was nice!

I did end up getting really far behind. On the last day, I had to write nearly 11k in order to win NaNo. That was...very exhausting, but also super fun. Thankfully, I didn't find any snags in the outline and I kept a consistent pace all throughout the day. That made writing soooo much easier!

2. Did it turn out like you expected or completely different? And how do you feel about the outcome?

It did turn out a lot like I expected. There were a few differences (Londiwe's family was larger than I originally planned, some of the conflicts were deeper than I had outlined, etc.), but for the most part it was how I planned. 

3. What aspect of the story did you love writing about the most? (Characters, plot, setting, prose, etc.)

I really enjoyed the introspective voice the story took on. While I felt like it slowed the pace a little, it was very interesting to hear Londiwe's emotions and thoughts throughout the book. 

4. How about your least favorite part?

My least favorite part was trying to figure out different aspects of the culture/world on the fly. It takes a lot of time away from actually writing and slows down my progress. Unfortunately, it's not really something that I can plan beforehand with the way I outline. 

5. What do you feel like needs the most work?

*sheepish grin* My grasp on the world. I feel like I have the characters and the plot down pretty well, but my knowledge of the world is lacking and I'd definitely like to beef it up in edits. 

6. How do you feel about your characters now? Who’s your favorite? Least favorite? Anyone surprise you? Give us all the details!

I really enjoy them all, but I think my favorite is Londiwe. She's is such a complex character and I really loved watching her develop. It's really interesting watching the layers of trauma pile on top of her and how she reacts to everything that happens to her.

I'm not sure yet who my least favorite is. I'd like to say my antagonist is, but I didn't really put him into the book much yet. That's usually something I do during revisions, once I get a better grasp of my MC's arc throughout the story. Anyway, I want to say he's my least favorite, but I don't know enough about him to say for sure.

7. What’s your next plan of action with this novel?

I'm going to set it aside for a little while to work on other things. I might come back to finish it up in April during Camp NaNo, but that's if my schedule allows. There might be other things I have to deal with first. So we'll see. 

8. If you could have your greatest dream realized for this novel, what would it be?

Oof! I don't know!

I think that, just like with all my other books, I'd like to see it touch someone in a meaningful way. That to me is more valuable than any award or prestige. 

9. Share some of your favorite snippets!

I actually bothered to highlight some snippets this time around so I could easily find them this time. Who even am I?!

No matter the brave thoughts I have while awake, they have no bearing in the dream world. There, nightmares still abound and they don't heed boasting. 

~~~

As always, they desired bloody endeavors above all else. 

Little lambs were no match for their teeth. Sooner or later, they would be devoured by their bloodlust unless, by some tragedy, they became lions themselves. 

~~~

Sometimes, words don’t do feelings justice. Sometimes, there are emotions that transcend explanation. 

Grief--true, deep, painful grief--was one of those feelings.

10. Did you glean any new writing and/or life lessons from writing this novel?

This year, I would have liked to have a more consistent schedule at the beginning so I didn't have to push so hard at the end. Granted, I was balancing being an author with other obligations and writing my novel, so I shouldn't be too hard on myself. 

However, I feel like I could have done a better job pushing myself at the beginning instead of slacking. 

So yeah, that's the lesson I hope I learned during this past month (we'll see if it sticks in my brain next year!).

There you have it! That's how NaNo went for me!

Onto y'all! How did NaNo go if you participated? How was November, even if you didn't? Did you have a good Thanksgiving? Let me know down below!