In this issue…
News from the Typewriter
Behind the Hedges
Bilbo Waggin’s Corner
News from the Typewriter
Whoa, it’s been a crazy couple months! Autumn is here, and even though the days are pretty roasty toasty still, the leaves have begun to change, and the mornings have chill crisp to them which calls for warm sweaters and steaming cups of tea.
I started a new full-time job, and finally I feel like I’ve hit a kind of rhythm, so updates and posts here on Under the Log should get more frequent. 💚
On that note, I’m trying to figure out what kind of content to post… What’s your favorite kind of content to read about here on Under the Log? Vote on the poll below, or reply to this email and let me and the hedgehogs know. 🤎
Behind the Hedges
My Writing Setup
Welcome to my little writing haven!
I always start out my writing sessions with a nice up of tea (often Jasmine, to channel my greatest role model: Uncle Iroh). My typewriter keyboard is used for everything on my computer, not just writing. 🗝️
If you squint at the above picture, you may notice a tiny little raccoon perched on the edge of my keyboard. That’s Spades. He’s my moral support. There’s also a little moth pin on my mouse pad, a trinket I received from a mouse I met at the Renn Faire who used a fork as a spear and a button as a shield. I will treasure it forever.
I usually write by the seat of my pants, discovering the plot and characters as the words flow. Sometimes though, I need a bit more structure. That’s when I use note cards. Unfortunately, I can’t show a picture to you right now (massive spoilers for my secret project) 🤫
On each notecard, I’ll write the chapter, and a list of important things that happen in that chapter. This notecard system means I can rearrange the scenes, trying out different timelines for the story. Then, I write!
I primarily draft my books in 4theWords, a writing software built like a video game, where you “fight” monsters by writing some amount of words under time constraint. (200 words in 20 minutes, or something like that).
This is what I plan to use over NaNoWriMo! If you’re also on 4theWords, shoot me a friend request (@maggiekwest)!
After I finish a chapter or two on 4theWords, I’ll copy-paste it over to Apple Pages, adding it to my complete manuscript. A very satisfying process, indeed. (secret project censored below) ….
Bilbo Waggins’s Corner
Here’s Bilbo on his birthday (September 3rd), examining his mini doggy cupcake. Happy 4th birthday, Bilbo!!
Finally…
If you read any of the Descendants of Robin Hood books, please leave a review on Goodreads or your favorite retailer, it helps me out so much. 💚🦔