In April 2022 marks another year that I took place in one of NanoWrimo’s Camps. In previous years, I have used the NaNoWriMo events to focus on my fantasy-fiction novel series, Realms of Magic and this year wasn’t any different.
Originally, I planned to write the beginning of book three of the series, having already finished book one and book two previous to this. Books one and two focus on Nancy learning about her fae gift (which she is able to get a handle on by the conclusion of the first book), and the search for her birth family. The third book takes place six months later, where Nancy is learning to adapt to life as a royal. I had begun to free write the book but struggled with where I wanted the story to go and I quickly ran out of steam.
As book three is the next part of my protagonist’s story, and it is new territory, I am not exactly sure what is next in her story and where to explore. I don’t think I was in the right mindset to start exploring the next instalment in the series, even with the ability to free write. After such an intense build-up in the first two books, I think I need to establish the key components to the third instalment before I write anything of consequence.
Instead, I decided to look back on the first two books in the series. For my postgraduate degree, I have been going back to the start of the series and working on book one, strengthening it and developing a well-rounded ending. My aim is to have sequels in the series, also worth publication and I knew I need to go back to the drawing board and develop the original story before I go too far and too quick.
Thanks to Camp NaNoWriMo April 2022, I know where I will split the draft of my book into two and now have an idea for a strong enough ending to the first. I have my next clear goal for the first book and develop strong enough characters and themes as I start to cut off all of the slack from my previous drafts.
Now I have Camp NanoWriMo July 2022 to continue to work on the series.
The Life of Sophie 