NaNoWriMo updates.

[ladyofleithian]

Currently working on the sequel to my last NaNo, "As the World Falls Down". It's going to be pretty awesome revisiting the old gang, as well as introducing members of the new gang (Mara, Luke, etc.). I think the really intimidating thing is managing to sort of tie up all the plot threads and whatnot from last time (because let's face it, they definitely need tying up), getting back into Star Wars again, and getting into Mara's head because really, she's always been kind of difficult for me. I think it doesn't really help that in terms of characterization -- yes, she's in vastly different circumstances and whatnot, but I think it's important to keep her core personality traits (loyalty, snark, etc.) intact. I think it's kind of writing her dialogue that's difficult because she has a very sort of distinctive voice, which can sometimes be kind of a bitch to capture. (That and last I kind of remember reading in the EU, her characterization kind of changed depending on the writer) I just hope I manage to do her justice, and other characters too.

I think all things considered, this NaNo is going to be pretty good for me. I know that I've been going through kind of a rough period, shall we say, and hopefully, I'll be able to work off some much-needed steam with this. I know writing a bit of a nice scene between Mara and Luke outside the Lars residence after she has a nightmare (and nightmares seem to be playing a pretty prominent role in my work, which is pretty strange, I'll be honest) was definitely helpful, and I managed to channel some of my frustrations through Mara, which...yeah, it's definitely going to help. I just hope, more than anything, that people who really liked "As the World Falls Down"...well, I just hope this is as good. I know I'm really nervous about that. Then again, I've always sort of worried about my work being good, I will admit. Still, I think the first chapter is definitely starting out pretty good, what with the matter of Mara talking with Luke, the racing, and her becoming aware of Padme sort of watching over her, really. I just hope that from there, I'll do a good job.

Also, if anyone wants to add me on nanowrimo.org, I'm ladyhadhafang, same as here. Maybe we can be partners? Also, how is everything going on everyone else's NaNo stuff? 

Comments

[arkan2.livejournal.com]

I think it's kind of writing her dialogue that's difficult because she has a very sort of distinctive voice, which can sometimes be kind of a bitch to capture. (That and last I kind of remember reading in the EU, her characterization kind of changed depending on the writer)

Yeah, I worry about getting characters' voices, heck, their personalities right, and I used to worry a lot more.

With Mara though, there's an easy solution to the "depending on the writer" factor: just read Timothy Zahn and avoid the rest. He created the character, has written more about her than probably any other single author, and his work covers the greatest range of her personal growth from idealistic but naive Imperial agent barely out of childhood (Allegiance, Choices of One) through bitter and conflicted smuggler (original Zahn trilogy) and more level-headed but still unsure and finding-her-way Jedi-in-training (Hand of Thrawn) to wise, mature, and settled Jedi Master (Survivor's Quest).

If you're struggling to capture young Mara, I would think rereading her scenes in Allegiance and Choices of One would be of help.

Also, if anyone wants to add me on nanowrimo.org, I'm ladyhadhafang, same as here. Maybe we can be partners? Also, how is everything going on everyone else's NaNo stuff?

Hmm, I'll think about that. I'm still not sure how involved I want to get into the NaNo community stuff. I'll get back to you on that.

As for how it's going - for me, pretty good. I'm about seven pages (OpenOffice pages) in by now, and hoping to get the plot properly kicked off by the end of Day 2.

[ladyhadhafang.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! *Hugs* You are the best. :)

And that's definitely good. And let me know if you want to join the NaNo forums and all.

[arkan2.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. I'll be sure to inform you if I decide to do that (still mulling it over). Incidentally, my NaNo handle is from an obscure quote in the Lando Calrissian adventures.

[ladyhadhafang.livejournal.com]

Awesome! I admit that I haven't read the Lando Calrissian adventures, but they sound amazing from what I've heard.