Camping with Emily

I\’ve been thinking a lot about my last blog post. I\’ve argued with myself about how much I really need to know about the two characters I mention in the last blog. They are my MC\’s mother and father. They are important to the story, but are they trying to take over the story? Are they trying to pull me way from my current WIP for their own story? Are they helping me build my WIP into a more well rounded story with rich characters? So, after a lot of thinking and no writing.. a couple things have happened. 

Thing number one: I\’ve moved my focus to my MC\’s mother. Her name has changed. Her name is Emily, and I love it. She didn\’t fit into the previous name I had for her. The old name did not fit her role in this story. It was… trying too hard. Emily is softer and unassuming. She is just like everyone else. She and I are talking a little, but she\’s not loud about what she\’s been through or where she\’s headed. She needs a level of trust to let me in.

Thing number two: I am participating in Camp NaNoWriMo which starts July 1st and carries through the month of July. I\’ve never participated in the NaNo Camps, so I\’m jumping in with both feet. From what I can tell the camp version is not as strict on word count as you get to pick your own. You also get to pick the type of project you want to complete during the month.  My project name is \”Getting to Know Emily.\” I am spending the month of July bonding with Emily. While she may not be revealed anymore than she is now in the current WIP after this bonding session, I will have a better understanding of who she is and where she belongs in this story.. or future stories. I\’m excited and terrified to get started. 

Camp is just 5 days away. I\’ve booked my cabin with like minded writers and packed extra socks. You can follow my camp journey on twitter @Crafty_Crafton . Please send sunscreen and letters from home!