Officially Announcing my Nano-Nonsence

Most everyone knows my drive in November is more than my childhood dream of getting to eat a drumstick off John Madden‘s backup bird.  It’s writing like a fool for the sake of delusional diversionary some sort of literary endeavor.

There was a fantastic idea which came to me in early October: adapting a screenplay I did a lot of prep work on but felt too intimidated to quite write.  Ends up, I don’t want to even try tackling it at this point – knowing it would take a month of prep to organize into something I would feel confidant enough to execute as a novel.  So scratch that one…for now.

Then a friend of mine contacted me out of the blue in hopes I would finish my story which started out as a 2008 Nano novel (and later was worked on for part of Nanowrimo 2010 also).  The notion felt like the perfect excuse to shelve my new and likely way-too ambition project (due to circumstance)…but later on I realized something.

If I worked further on the 2008 story, some stuff would have to be put in place before November.  I would have to gather up all my notes; being sure to have my “backstory” writeups to work off.  I planned to have at least one chapter where the whole truth was laid out for the reader [despite what any of the characters of the story may know] — which would come up in the first week of November; should I keep writing the story in order…or at least the book’s order rather than actual continuity.  On top of that, I still felt a need to finish the chapter I left off before November; more for my own sake, but also because I had minor notes to pull up.  This is also the chapter which I employed one of the region’s Municipal Liaisons as a character in the book.  Due to all of those things, I decided to jettison the notion of continuing it at this juncture.  Which lead towards my final idea.

So much chaos has been thrown my direction, it’s not even worth bringing up.  Maybe when I am one day disassociated with it, there will be some sort of wide-reaching drama of Sorkinian proportions: followed by mild accolades.  Until that point, I won’t bother speaking about it in this venue.

I needed something to write as quickly as I can with the least amount of brainpower as possible.  I won’t call this a weak story or a consolation prize, but I knew it would be there for me if all else failed.

Not that I don’t like the story.  I have high hopes for it and think it has a lot of merit: once I hit the actual groove and one day get through a second draft.  Aside from myself, this story (at this very moment) has a cheering section of one.  The two of us could either be called mad or merely early adopters.

The novel shall be what I started just short of a year from this date.  At the moment, I say it’s more akin to 1001 Arabian Nights rather than a by-the-book novel.  My joke is it’s to books what television can be to cinema: able to develop more organically and have an overall story with small moments all within.  My first draft first chapters are usually the worst things of any of my written word, but that’s just how it is sometimes.

It would be nice to have a shot at finishing this tome of an elementary school student’s story.  I do feel confidant the story has a lot going for it — and it’s closer to the end than the beginning.  In my own mind, I think the ending will be a big payoff for the whole book in general, so I really can’t wait until I get to that point.

Much of the story is on my Figment profile.  There is a lot to it since I started it for Nano 2011, then continued it during Camp Nano‘s June session.

So there you have it!  i declared.  Now let’s see me try to follow through.  [As if I have a choice?]

Geenie: Chapter 30

The limousine already swam away from the gas pump and tried etching its path to finally leave the service station. Due to the sudden influx of activity, getting out wasn’t such an easy task; whether one or two hands on the wheel. Playing it safe, Dee made slow movements, and opted to drive all the way around the mostly windowed freestanding building.

 

Not speaking, Jack and Geenie let it stay silent in case their driver needed all his concentration skills at this point. They were already marooned once so to speak; waiting for their ride to Eugene. It would be worse to have to wait another time as well. Besides, they were already accustomed to this chauffeur who may be a little long on words, but at least he seemed to be good natured and have equal intentions. He seemed to have an easy personality to get along with, even if Jack would say he was looking out for Geenie’s sake rather than his own preferences.

 

As the elongated vehicle made a wide turn around the building, the passengers stared inside. Geenie was curious about whatever this breakfast station or eatery looked like where she at her decent eggs; in portion and taste. The same can be said about Jack since both had their necks slightly crooked to track the insides of the service station’s insides; but in addition, he was also hoping to get a chance glimpse at the ‘mama sita’ Dee referred to earlier – more from sheer curiosity than any intentional staring or ogling. No luck for either of them, on any account.

 

The vehicle finally makes it out, and it slowly drifts out and away from the freeway. This time moving onto an access road to stay on some normal style streets best as possible. As soon as the danger was cleared, Dee went back into conversation – hoping to help keep the situation light and friendly to the best of his skills.

 

“So your breakfast didn’t decide to get revenge on you, Geenie?” He looked up from the moment of silence following his words. She broke from her ‘nowhere’ gaze and looked to the rear view mirror; finding Dee’s eyes looking towards her direction from the reflection.

Nano 10 Chicken Dinner

That is, as a winner winner before my chicken turkey dinner.

Now there will be no excuse for not shaving on Thanksgiving(?) since sometime on the 23rd I got my 50k and I validated not so long ago.  See?

It’s said that is supposed to be a “guilt monkey” for whatever it’s worth.  All I know is the monkey is mine now.

The ’08 story is maybe at the 65% mark but who knows…

Geenie: Chapter 29

“You know… For whatever it’s worth, this kind of reminded me of when I was younger.”

 

Tilting the tiny bit of cider left in her glass side to side, Geenie sees the sparse bit of cinnamon and other bits of spice dance; like watching from underwater as a river’s current pushes the debris along. “Why is that?”

 

“Oh, maybe it’s silly…” Setting his glass down on the bar area, and grabbing the decanter again; this time able to handle the heat of it’s contents. Without asking he poured; refilling Geenie bit by bit almost up to the very top. Slouching back into his seat, Jack poured in that same sloppy way to freshen his own highball glass; so contrary to the all too gentle nature he made sure she got the most liquid with least amount of byproduct. Maybe it was a protective gesture for Geenie, or Jack really just enjoyed the way the grittiness interacted with his beverage- or merely just the way it looked.

 

They each took another casual taste before he continued. “It’s not exactly related to any of this right now, but it just made me think it up. You know…” Pausing for another sip. “It just came to mind.”

 

“It’s ok. You don’t need to explain it. That happens to me sometimes also.” She didn’t know what to expect since Jack’s mind seemed to be all over the place when he was feeling comfortable in his own skin. She might deny it under oath, but she had an interest with whatever he planned to say.

Geenie: Chapter 28

“Hey, I’m really sorry about that,” the driver tried to look behind him to say. His voice was much louder than he probably thought. His voice filled the inside of the limo and rattled around against the wooden looking floor. It had a sincerity to it and much of the nervousness shook off from his hasty maneuver. Putting his eyes back on the road – glancing between the windshield and rear view mirror. “I needed to get this thing on the other side of the road.” He looks back into the mirror to see his male passenger’s reaction; knowing the road ahead is as clear: as clear as it’s been since Geenie made it to the intersection before the limo arrived. I had to get this beast around since I didn’t think it would be easier getting to the highway any other way. And, I figured you were kind of in a hurry.”

Looking towards the front, Jack flashed a nod the driver’s way and spoke quietly. So much so, it was barely audible.

“Right. Sorry about that,” the chauffeur took the cue as a subtle reminder to be quiet for the sake of the other person huddled near him. “Good to have you aboard. Where are you heading to. Portland?”

Nano ’10 Progress Report…

480 & 19 to go…

After updating my words before midnight, I realized eighty-one percent of my word count has been reached.

81 Big Ones, Baby!

In case anyone was curious, the story is paced slowly but I’m finding a groove from ’08. Who knows if it will mesh up, but good enough for now.

As for the other quote… The hardcore M fans know. Share if you wanna…

Geenie: Chapter 27

Without a watch, it was tough to know how long the voyage by air actually took. Geenie didn’t care. She was more concerned with the whereabouts rather than how far away she was from any danger, or even noise. She was standing and watching Jack from afar. The airport was basically a small version; practically an airstrip. Looking around more when she let her eyes adjust more, she realized in fact it actually looked like nothing else but an airstrip. Despite its size, it was plenty noisy. Then again, Geenie never heard the true sound of a plane large or small except from the inside of it. This was a whole new experience.

 

Standing what seemed far away, but probably much closer than she realized, she watched from a safe distance while Jack took a little extra time discussing whatever topics seemed somewhat important to be with the pilot with a still running plane. They were less than a hundred feet away but the constant sounds being right on the seemingly makeshift type of runway made things most difficult.

 

Despite her still drowsy state, Eugenie was trying to study the two men or at least how they interacted. The did not appear to be friends but somehow have something in common if they can keep up bantering that way. It was also a rare time Geenie had to observe Jack and how he held himself. Most of this is with Jack right along side or when he was away, there was some sort of distraction keeping Geenie away. She still wasn’t sure what to think of him, but he seemed to always have a favorable shred in him no matter the interaction.

 

Eventually Jack made his way back towards Geenie. If she wasn’t thankful, her ears sure were. Jack tried to say something about asking if she was ok, but the plane crossed past their area; severely hampering and other nearby sound. He repeated, “How are you holding up?”

Geenie: Chapter 26(a)

“Yeah, just try to relax back there, the pilot said while twisting his head- even though he can’t make eye contact with his passenger.  “It looks like you were already up for a long time.”

“And I thought I was having a good hair day,” Jack almost yelled.  All tone stripped but it was obvious the two of them held no ill will towards one another.  If blood between them was the slightest of spoiled, how could Jack have pulled off some strange late night aeronautic feat such as this.  Jack wondered for a moment if these planes he rode in were usually so noisy or if it was just something he selectively forgot.  With a nod, he looked behind himself and saw their passenger.  Making a careful leaning motion, jack settled into his seat.

Geenie was so out of it, she didn’t know what to make of things.  It was not her fault.  She was probably so sleepy at this point, she wouldn’t care if Jack was a foe or the actual friend he was slightly shaping himself into.  He already seemed to be more than a little bit heroic.  Answering the call of duty certainly seemed to fit Jack Robinson to a certain extent.  He certainly doesn’t seem the type however; then or even now.

Things like this were too complex of thoughts right now, but they ran through her head at various times.  She didn’t know who to even choose as an alternate at this point.  If Jack wasn’t a “good guy” as kids say when speaking about a protagonist in a cartoon, then what exactly was he?  A part of Geenie really didn’t want to know.

Alpha: Chapter 18 (ending)

I don’t know about the other guys, but this is the most daunting blank piece of paper I ever had to face.

 

They say a blank piece of paper is the ultimate foe of a writer. I am not a writer, and up until now I did not have a problem filling up pages of paper with my words: thoughts, facts, and opinions. This time it’s different. It’s the end. Not only an era of sorts, but it really was the ending for many people.

 

For some, this was the walking away moment. Not all had that luxury of course. Rolling or carried by pallbearers away from where it all happened. It’s a fact. It happens in every war; conflict; policing action. Time in and time out.

 

Most of the time this sort of thing I can eventually explain away. Yes I always take things a teeny bit personally, and even more when I have some sort of involvement. This time things were much different. Maybe this is the only time I had the word “failure” in such a sentence or a moment in time. This times it’s different.

 

A failed mission is jargon of course, as is a scrubbed or aborted one. Sometimes missions fail for a reason so innocuous it makes no sense; but still technically a failure. I had a lot but to me those were mostly just things that went bad. The last thing I was ever associated with was a big failure. I feel I failed all the men who were under me or even just “along for the ride” so to speak I’ve never been so hard on myself for something.

Alpha: Chapter 17

Where to begin?

I know I begun already but this is the beginning of the end. As conflicted as I was to tell any stories or even get as personal as I did, I really don’t know. Maybe I feel safe knowing it is not my real name and my family will probably know nothing about this. In a way it’s like a diary but just, a little more like the captain’s log I guess. Even if my family read this, they still couldn’t be sure since nobody knows my full name anyway.

 

Up to this point I tried not to get too personal. Maybe I succeeded. Maybe I failed but I just didn’t realize it at the time. I decided to treat putting my story down as a path to something. Maybe it’s corny, but I never knew the right words to use to express myself most times. Maybe since my family is all private in each member’s way. Well my family and then “the clan” as known of course.

 

Honestly I am never afraid to do a task but I had fear from time to time. Maybe I was just blissfully unaware or I was so hyped up doing all of this I never stopped to look and realize where I was until the moment already passed my by, like my military service record for example.

Alpha: Chapter 16

EVERYthing happened. And there there was nothing. That’s all I wish I’d have to tell you but it would be a disservice to all of my brothers as well as me too of course. One and for all, and all of that stuff no matter who it is taking the charge.

 

We’d do a lot of joking about if they wanted to do us in they better do their homework. Maybe that was fate or it was just dumb and blind coincidence, but it was a doozy for us. Maybe it was a little too much here and there, but that’s just how we rolled- literally I mean.

 

Compared to the other patrols, we’d roll a little bigger off the books from time to time. Sometimes it was for a good reason since we’d have another extra vehicle to scare away anyone who might be planning for one scenario and then getting another. Puts a little crimp in the plan if you know what I mean. If you expect three and get four, sometimes it can be enough intimidation to retreat or it can also pop the question if the intel being sniped from a rat was lying or being deceptive. The slightest bit of doubt can shake the strongest stuff apart and I know it.

Alpha: Chapter 15

What happened the particular day was the worst day of the best time I ever had. I really can’t put a lot of it into words but I know there was a lot of bad in a mountain of good. If I stayed where I was I would be far below where I am now. Even if people might think my life is just normal, boring or average. I’m thankful for every bit of it. At least on the surface I seem normal for the most part. That’s more than some in my group ended up with.

 

This is not to say I was unharmed. There was a lot of rehabilitation and if it wasn’t for the support of my family I wouldn’t know what would have happened to me or the condition I would be in now. Things were really rough and a lot of what I had to deal with is tough to put into words to make me sound how I really felt. It might all come across badly even though I don’t mean to. A lot is just facts.

 

In some respects it would have been a lot easier to have lost a chunk from me or even lost a body part. It must sound like the weirdest thing and I probably don’t even truly mean it, but I would not have been going up such a steep hill or road. I was an unfortunate casualty of HTI.

Alpha: Chapter 14

The more information one gathers can also lead to less and less confidence in that said information. This is even more true when the information gathers to a particular moment of time. It all becomes a judgment call more than what the genuine truth is. Most often it’s an estimation given with the copious amounts of skewed facts. It can be mining or panning for gold. Scooping everything told into a tray and then sifting it down to the few shimmering nuggets which count.

 

Words and words, guesstimation and conjecture. Most battles have these details recounted but everyone has their own take. Some really believe it all or think it’s what they saw or experienced. Many will start with the truth, but add a coat on top; thinking it’s what was wanting to be heard or read by whoever. In most cases in those times of war it’s best to be completely honest since more often than not nothing needs to be hidden.

 

The most pivotal moment of the group is known no more or less as “the incident” rather than anything descriptive or symphonic to the ear. Most every man in that convoy had an obscure view of it all. Few saw, but the mind has coping mechanisms. The same way the mind tries to mask the pain of a lost love or only drawing the happy moments from a person who passed on – the same is done to shielding the mental trauma and anguish by holding on to an entire scenario; locking it away and parsing it out in minute details if anything. Later it may trickle out in the worst of times. Some toss the words battle minded or a number of other cliches to mask what it really is. Mental trauma. The brain thinks it knows best even if it doesn’t feel like it to the owner of that mind.