Output - Data
Total: 14,571 words (34 pages [6,936] + 7,635 typed)
Days of Writing: 10/14 days (.714 WrPCT)
AWD: 1,457/day
Longest Day: 8/14/25 - 4,056 (10 pages [2,040] + 2,016 typed) [12th All Time]
The Still Bleepin’ Counts Award: 8/21/25 - 204 words (1 page)
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Output - Synthesis
I used these past couple weeks to do a deeper dive into character work. This is more than I’ve done during my prior attempts at character work, mostly because the Great Hurry would get me to rush into starting the actual writing. This happened with “The Secret Kept,” this happened with Still Time, this happened with “Mental Stronghold” and “Movement and Repose” and “Remainder.”
This time, I can remind myself that I have the time. This allows me to explore details but also now track how a character’s feelings, goals, and alliances shift from Act I to Act III, giving everyone independent agency: no character is passive, or chained to the whims of another character, if their goals are clearly defined. Unfortunately, passivity was always my weakness—I always knew what was happening around the main character, but I never quite figured out their role in it, instead having them tugged along by all the competing interests of a story. This is how a protagonist can melt into the background of their own story.
But, like why? Why burden oneself with all this pre-work, especially when it’s caused us so much trouble?
Because it is the only way to elucidate the truth of the plot. More specifically, it’s how my brain works. For example, I settled in to draft Virginia’s character sheet, and three sections in I suddenly found myself writing out a first draft of the plot outline.
In all honesty I wasn’t expecting to make plot-progress so quick, but there I was with a complete picture of what happens—thanks to spending time with the characters. It turned out I had a second task to work on, which was more relieving than overwhelming.
If there’s one thing about character work, or any work, it’s that the excitement wears off and the rote kicks in at a certain point, though luckily this isn’t a permanent state. Having the plot figured out allowed me to hit this point of creative fatigue (for lack) and turn my attention toward a different task to refill my interest cup: scene notecards.
I had gotten through Llew, Virginia, and David, but it was clear I needed a break from that whole well-oiled machine. I turned my attention to the plot and discovered the actions of these people I’m bringing to life—all during the worst heatwave Fernveil’s ever seen. I know that this storyline culminates in fire, but my second-draft idea for this whole story was contrived and forced and it sorta deus-ex-machina’d its way to the final events. Now, though, I am able to see many more of the layers to this onion because I’ve given more time to the characters, and I don’t have to feel my way blindly in the dark as I go along. This process is maturing, and these updates have definitely helped bring sense in this nebulous vacuum.
Input - Synthesis
I trudged forward with The Perennial Philosophy, and I’m trying now to sit back and enjoy it rather than analyze or understand every single paragraph. I’m just kinda along for the ride, picking up rings as we circle the carousel.
Input - Data
Book: The Perennial Philosophy by Aldous Huxtable
Starting Page: 27
Ending Page: 70
Days Read: 4
Pages Read: 43
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4/14 days (.285 rPCT) [Pacing the Colorado Rockies]
Pages Per Day: 10.75
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⥁⥀⥁ Update Archives
⥁⥀⥁ Fiction
⥁⥀⥁ Appendices
⥁⥀⥁Non-Fiction
I concur with letting yourself just read & not examine. I did this with Thomas Merton’s No Man is an Island. Lots to digest without analyzing everything.