016 Write first draft of "The Slowest Elopement" or another novel featuring Phyl Merrick

What's this about?

Phyl Merrick is a character who's been in my head since I was about thirteen; every now and again she pops up, usually to explore a path I didn't take myself, to see what would have happened if I'd done x, y or z differently. Consequently, she stopped being me quite a while ago. There are various storylines she fits into - "The Slowest Elopement" involves a journey north in a very slow bus.


Why do I want to do this?

This is a character that's been in my head for about half my lifetime. It's about time she got into a proper book.


How will I know when it's done?

I'll have something that resemebles a story with a plot.


Progress can be tracked... oh, wait, it can't. I'm afraid you'll have to trust me on this one, because I'm not proposing to cast my first drafts all over the internet.

017 Write final draft of "These Three Remain"

What's this about?

These Three Remain was my 2007 NaNoWriMo effort, and was partly a response to the Great Christian Union Cockup of 2005-7, and partly an expression of frustration with Dear Bob. There are various drafts extant, in various states of completion.


Why do I want to do this?

I think that, given a little more hard work, this could be the best thing I've ever written. I don't want it to languish unfinished on my hard drive forever.


How will I know when it's done?

I'll have a complete novel that I wouldn't be ashamed to submit to a publisher. You never know, I might even submit it to a publisher.


Progress will be tracked in occasional posts in this journal, letting you know how I'm getting on with it.

018 Make a funeral plan

Why do I want to do this?

A bit morbid, perhaps, but I could fall under the hypothetical bus any time, and leave a heck of a mess to clear up. Since I've frequently threatened to haunt people if they do anything at my funeral that I don't want (like say 'passed away'), it's only fair to have something I prepared earlier.


How will I know when it's done?

I'll have a list of between three and ten hymns and a list of between two and five readings that I want at my funeral. I'll also have a clear summary of any special requirements or stipulations. I'll put a copy of this in the Tin Box Of Vital Stuff.


I'll record this in a post on el_staplador, to which I'll post a link here.

Funeral Plan