BendtedWreath

I agree. My first goal when I started the project last year was to finish it by Halloween of that same year. Then, it was to finish it by this Halloween. Now, it's just to finish it with all my might, whenever that happens. 😂 That's a fascinating way to go about it! It makes perfect sense that if an idea doesn't hold your own interest more than a couple of times, it won't feel engaging enough to write about. I also find it amusing that your idea of short is 30k, and that's almost my current word count. 🤣 I'm glad it isn't that I've fallen out of love with my project though. I love it fine, I just need to learn how to portray what I'd like it to portray. Wow, yes, I know a couple of other amazing writers who feel the same way as this. I, unfortunately, want- no, I need to know the ending clearly enough to write towards it. That's another struggle I've been facing at this "possibly midway, but I'm not sure, because this is my first multichapter story" stage. I want the ending to mean something to, at the very least, the characters, if not me. But it's just not clear enough for me yet. I can't see it. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences!

Poetry has never been in my wheelhouse, but I understand what you mean. Keep track of everything. I'm really sorry to hear that. An abundance of time is also a curse. I agree. I think that's exactly how I've been treating my project! As if each chapter is its own story of its own... and then I keep having to go back to try to make all the chapters before it make cohesive sense, and it's just been a snail's pace for me. 😂 I also agree with the balance and not too many cliffies. In my case, it's the opposite. Not enough cliffies or chapter-ending variations. I only noticed thanks to the help of other, more experienced writers (and I'm grateful to every single one of them for sparing some time for me, yourself included). Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts.

Indeed, I've been noticing the differences in methods everyone has. I think the way your ideas flow is fascinating, just as all other pantsers able to translate what they envision into words. I feel I'm still at the stage where I really need to learn what "chronological order" looks like and what comes first before I try venturing outside of it. I think the "getting it all down first" has been challenging for me because I am unsure of what that order is like.

To anyone who isn't aware, I'm still very green when it comes to writing. I've noticed that when a project is small, less than 10k words, I can set aside a few ways up to a week to get it done on my off time. However, I've also been working on a multi-chaptered project with only around 13 chapters or so to show for it for one entire year now. Everyday life has many obstacles, yes, but it's not like I have no time in my day that I can set aside for writing. In fact, I have a solid 2 hours of commuting time I should be putting to good use. My questions for everyone are: 1. What is your general timeframe from the start of a project to its conclusion? 2. Do you lack focus sometimes, even (or especially) when you have the time available to you? 3. Do you write everything down first and then section it off into chapters, or do you build it up one chapter at a time?

As @Bill W said, there is a lot of entertaining content here. There really is something for everyone.

Great top choices. I had no concern over who'd be in the top regarding the theme, as everyone really nailed the theme this year. No question about it. Congrats to @Valkyrie @Inkognito @CassieQ and @Mark Arbour!!

Green Lightning was wild.

Also, I hope you both get some rest, @Cia. Thanks for all the hard work, too!

This is why I love Secret Author season so much. So many of of you got me good!!

@Cia you've been having a really rough month. I hope the next couple of months are better over there.

No one said the discussion posts couldn't go with the theme, too. @Cane23is still on brand. 😂

Which are the top 3 for you?

Hidden layers laid out with some introspection.

I am hiding the truth from everyone I know. I have a secret life that I’m keeping. - Uh-oh. Of course, the truth came out when the fire department showed up. It’s astounding that our first instinct was to deny it, even at such a young age. It was the only time I was ever grounded for two weeks. - Haha! It only takes dialing 911 without there being a real emergency ONE TIME. You can go online and read all sorts of forums where people spill their guts to strangers. - Like us? Who am I? - Written stories?

There is definitely a truth revealed here. But buckle up, as it's a very skillfully portrayed, bumpy ride.

That poor, elderly cat deserved better is all I have to say. 😂 I started the story sympathizing with Kyle and then being dismayed.

But, @Gary L, what if the cat's just a red herring? 🤣

This one definitely has many layers of truths being revealed.

I’m the unbeaten jigsaw king at the Sunshine Senior Center. - What a title. Arden fumbled with the laces of his sneakers. “These are brand new. Do you think I want them ruined by sand?” - Hahaha! Not the new kicks! “Why are there so many flies?” - Uh-oh! This reminds me of those articles of random people walking around playing Pokémon Go on their phones and stumbling across all kinds of crime scenes in real time. “Extraterrestrial beings — like aliens? We’re not alone, and I’m holding the evidence in my hand?” - Wild.

Quite a few twists in this dynamic writing style.

I couldn't stop reading to pick out moments to comment on, so all I'll say is, this story really sucks you in. The MC had one two many male figures in his life trying to hide their own truths.

A beautiful rendition of how the burdens one carries for a lifetime can still be untethered.

I made some peanut butter fudge. - I can't remember the last time I ate peanut butter fudge. I had learned two things on this gut-wrenching trip. I had an uncle I never knew about, and something terrible had happened to him. - Yeah, I remember when someone told me about what happened to my uncle. Very touchy subject. “He died because Uncle Harold shot him.” - Damn. Phineas stood at the end of the bed, smiling. - 😭 This was so heartfelt.

An excellent read.