Charles Web Journal

Character Goals and Obstacles

2005-11-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

For the past several days I've been considering my characters goals and obstacles. Of course, impediments to their wants and desires is essential to any story so it is with the people of my story. These goals can be physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and environmental, but for an intriguing story they must be difficult to achieve or attain.
Every character in my novel must have these conflicts or there is no story, so I spend a great deal of time on each character because these goals must be in keeping with the background, the personality, the culture, and the environment of each individual.
Often as I write these goals and obstacles change as the characters change. Again that is what a good story is about: change, change brought about by circumstances, influences, and success or defeat.
I go through each and every character that I have visualized as part of my story listing their desires and the impediments to these desires, particularly as they impinge upon my protagonist.
Now its time to compose an outline for the story that will be a summary of the novel. This is the "telling" part of preparing for the "showing."

Characters' Goals

2005-11-10T23:41:00.000-07:00

Today, I took a close look at each of the characters that I previously listed and decided what each wanted out of life--not vague general desires but specific ones.
I looked at their immediate goals and intents as well as their long range plans. This is always an interesting task as it makes me get to know my protagonists and antagonists more thoroughly. It makes my studied what motivates them, what makes them do what they do and why.
It's the beginning of their development.
Tomorrow I will look at the obstacles they face to achieve these goals, these wants, these intentions, and that will lead to the plot.
Slowly the story line is developing.

Location, location, location!

2005-11-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today I spent most of my writing time listing the locales--the cities, towns, areas that I expected my characters to frequent, especially my protagonist who is a drifter, moving from place to place in the Province of Alberta.
Although I have a vague idea about some of the locations, I know I will have to do much research for the details. I've decided that my story will cover from 1905 to 1925, so the setting is quite different from today.
Related to the locales are the events that occurred at that time and in those places.
My list was quite extensive and I may not use all of the them, but that will depend on the progress of the story, the personality of the the main character, and the history of the period.
Tomorrow I will be defining my main characters' goals!

Characters

2005-11-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

Today I listed all the characters that I expected to encounter in my story. I divided it into Major and Minor characters as well as historical figures that I expected to meet. Of course, the major characters were my protagonist and his antagonists, which proved to be many.
At this point I only listed the characters; I did not bother with descriptions, physical, psychic or otherwise. That's for a later stage in the planning. Although did not elaborate on each character, I did give each one some thought.
Since most plots are character driven, they require a great deal of scrutiny. Each will eventually have his or her separate character sketch including a timeline profile.
For now they are merely names that of themselves must be carefully chosen because they have to fit the character.
Tomorrow its the setting!

A new novel

2005-11-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

Today I started a new novel. It too is a historical novel based on the history of the Province of Alberta, Canada. It's actually a continuation of the series that I've already written ending with the creation of the province in 1905.
The idea for this novel has been germinating for a while, but no exciting premise came to mind.
Finally, yesterday, an idea, a germ of a theme for the new novel struck and filled me with excitement.
Today, I started planning it.
To start, I develop the intial germ of the theme by writing a description of what I had in mind and from that I composed a single sentence that it the crux of what the novel will be about. With this in mind, I will not develop the characters, the setting, and the plot.
That's the beginning!
In the meantime, I'm also promoting my latest book, The Venturers. I've had two signings and two reading and next week I'll be doing another reading in Edson, a city one hour west of my home.
You can check the novel out at
http://ca.geocities.com/go1c

Promoting

2005-10-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hey! I didn’t realize that I’ve been away so long. I haven’t done much work on my novel because I’ve been busy promoting my recently published novel, The Venturers. I’ve had one signing and have been featured in two newspapers.

Next week is Library Week here so I’ll be giving readings at two different libraries. As well, I’ve been sending out press releases that has resulted in an interview this Friday.

So, although I have not done much with my latest WIP, I have been busy, but that’s hardly an excuse for not blogging.

Well, I do hope to be more consistent and to get back at editing the latest.

Still revising

2005-09-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today I continued scrutinizing the work for any sentence that begins with “There”. To me that indicates a poorly constructed sentence that can be greatly improve by eliminating that word and restructuring the sentence usually making it stronger.

Next, I’ll go through the work each chapter at a time checking to see that it has a conflict of some sort. Without conflict, whether it’s physical, emotional, or psychological, the reader will soon lose interest. I like to leave a chapter with a cliffhanger; that always excites the reader’s attention, but of course that’s not always possible.

At the same time, I look at each sentence carefully to try to improve it as I read along.

Rewriting and revising

2005-09-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

I’m back at working on my latest novel. I finished the first draft early in August so I’ve let it set, so to speak, for a couple months. Now I’m checking it for spelling and grammar and a few of the other test that I make on my writing before I turn to the structure of plot, characterization, basic conflicts, and effectiveness of the writing.

I use the spellchecker in Word, but I don’t depend on it entirely as I know that it’s not reliable. Although it catches many typos and misspellings, it does not locate words that are spelled correctly but inappropriately used. That takes careful reading.

Then I go over the work for the use of “had” and particularly passive sentences. I try to avoid them, the past pluperfect and the use of the verb “to be” as it usually indicates a passive sentence. I find that the simple past give the writing more immediacy.

That’s the simple part of rewriting. The difficult work is searching the plot for poor action and definition. Another stumbling block is characterization. Do the characters act consistently? Are they well delineated so that they are human with all the foibles and idiosyncrasies of real people?

Are their actions in harmony with their nature and personality? Although I do an in depth character sketch of each individual before I start writing the story, I still check to see that they conform to that.

Today was the start of a long and meticulous scrutiny of the first draft.

Advice

2005-09-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Today was a good writing day. I wrote two short e-zine articles on words, one on the inadequacy of words to express emotions and ideas, the other on how the choice of words affects the writer’s style.

Then I did a bit of housecleaning so to speak: discarding files that I no longer needed, backing up files that were necessary, and moving files into folders to make the system more efficient.

I prepared flyers for delivery to promote my upcoming signing at the local bookstore.

I began thinking about my next book, my next work in progress, but I did nothing but think and consider. Several ideas came to mind, but nothing yet excites me to the point that I want to begin planning although that will come sooner or later.

I did design some bookmarks to use for promotion during the signing session, but I haven’t decided whether or not I will use them. Nevertheless, they are available if I should decide to go that root.

Oh, by the way, while writing the two e-zine articles, I dug out my copy of Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. What a wealth of information on writing in such a ‘little book.” If you don’t have a copy, get one. You will never regret it; the advice is exceptional. Every writer should own a copy!

Frustrated!

2005-09-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days when nothing went right! My computer acted up and my printer refused to print the way it should. No matter what I tried, nothing worked.

First I wanted to print some brochures for a signing that I’ll be doing on September 24, at Vimar Books, the local bookstore, but the computer kept freezing up on me. Somehow I suspect that’s related to the fact that I downloaded the new Yahoo! Messenger which, of course, doesn’t work properly either, certainly not as well as the old one.

When I finally got that operational, the printer acted up; after two new ink cartridges it still printed with streaks. I cleaned the heads several times and that didn’t help, so I finally abandoned that task.

I decided then to do some editing and revision of one of the historical novels that I wrote several months ago. I loaded that into Word and started reviewing my work, and the power blipped and I lost 10 minutes work or thereabouts. Luckily Word Recovery worked and I could go from there.

By this time, I was completely frustrated, so I tackled the mail for the day. A small royalty check from a publisher helped some but was also a disappointment because I was hoping more books sold.

The bills that came with the mail could never be covered by the check.

I gave up and spent the remainder of the day poking around the yard—cutting weeds here and there, removing some nuisance trees, etc.

Tomorrow may be better!

Holidays are over!

2005-09-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is over! It’s back to work! I have two new books just released so now is the hardest part—promotion! I suppose most writers are like me and find this time frustrating and irritating: press releases to send out, signings to book, interviews to cope with, and all the other activities involve in promoting a book.

I suppose, though, that’s better than waiting for a rejection letter!

One of my new books is The Venturers that I’ve already advertised in this blog and on my web sites; the other is a romance written under a nom de plume, a pseudonym, or an aka. It’s Inheritance of Love.

Both are available online at various bookstores including Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Booksamillion, as well as many more.

I have one signing set up at a local bookstore and a promise at another bookstore. As well, I have been featured in one local newspaper and another has interviewed me.

I suppose the publicity won’t hurt, and it may sell a few books although I know that not a large percentage is sold in bookstores.

Today I worked on my mailing list, e-mail and regular. Soon I will be reminding all of my books and my websites, of which I have four: one for all my books, one author site, and a site for each of my latest books. Each is different, and each requires maintenance. Changes and correction are an ongoing chore, but it does help the royalty check at the end of each half year.

I haven’t yet planned my year of writing; I do hope to start another novel soon, but I still have the last WIP to work on: proofreading, rewriting, revising, and polishing.

And my publisher wants to see the sequel to The Venturers that is part of a series that covers the history of Canada from 1670 to 2000.

I guess I have plenty of work to do!

The Venturers at many bookstores

2005-08-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

The Venturers is now available at many bookstores, including Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Booksamillion, and others.
I will be taking part in a signing session at Vimar Books, a local bookstore, on Saturday, September 24, 2005.
As well, I was featured recently in a edition of the local paper, The Stony Plain Reporter. It was a full page including a photo and mention of my several published books as well as information about my latest one.

2005-08-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

This is the cover of my latest published historical novel. The Venturers is available from the publisher, Saga Books at http://www.sagabooks.net

The Venturers is the story of Pierre and Francoise Marin, newly weds, who arrive at Port Royal, Acadia, New France as colonists to make a new life for them and their progeny.

Little do they realize the adventurers and dangers they will face in this New World.
For more information go to http://www.ca.geocities.com/go1c

Finis!

2005-08-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Today I finished the first draft of my WIP. Now comes the hard work—editing, re-writing critically, and correcting all errors—spelling, grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and most of all, thematic, characterization, and plot.

Also the conflict has to be realistic, just as the solution has to be reasonable and within the realm of possibility.

Of course, I will set it aside for a while, a month or so before I begin that work. In the meantime, I will relax, but I will write something almost every day—short stories, articles, essays, and read, read, read, novels, short stories, articles, essays, and non-fiction books.

Today the last scene wrote better than I thought it would. When I finished, I was satisfied with it. Later, I may not be. The story ended with the major celebration that inaugurated the province, but with a surprise ending which I will not give away.

Finis!

The Election

2005-07-28T22:13:00.000-07:00

I’m getting closer to the end of my novel. Today Edmonton was incorporated as a city to the satisfaction of Daniel. His dream of Edmonton becoming more important that Calgary is getting nearer fulfillment.

Geraldine is worried about Ed Shepherd and his threat to kill Daniel. Daniel believes that any harm from Shepherd is unlikely although he still believes that Shepherd is responsible for the accidents and vandalism that happened to the company equipment.

Frank Oliver won the election, defeating Richard Secord, the Conservative candidate. This is another reason why Geraldine believes that Daniel is in danger and should be on his guard.

Daniel is more concerned about the possible change of the territories to provincial status that to him is the best thing that can happen.

A fight

2005-07-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today I got back at writing a scene for the final chapter, chapter 14. Although I knew the circumstance in which Daniel found himself, I wasn’t sure how the scene would transpire, so I let the characters decide that.

It is federal Election Day November 3. 1904 and Frank Oliver, Liberal is running against Richard Secord, Conservative. Daniel is supporting Oliver while Ed Shepherd is supporting Secord. In those days, although the secret ballot has been implemented, there is still a great deal of intimidation and threats, even to the point of fights.

That’s exactly what happened at the polling booth. Shepherd tries to intimidate Daniel and they end up fighting, a regular fistfight, until it is stopped by the men assembled to cast their vote.

The scene, for the most part, wrote itself.

The Venturers

2005-07-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

My latest historical novel is now available through the publisher Saga Books of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Presently it is only available through the publisher site http://www.sagabooks.net
For more information go to my website at http://www.ca.geocities.com/go1c
The Venturers is the story of Pierre and Francoise Marin who come to Acadia, New France as colonists to make a new life for themselves and their progeny.
Little do they realized the hardships, the conflicts, and the crises that face them. This is the story of how that deal with these.

The final chapter

2005-07-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today I started the final chapter of the novel I’m currently working on. Somehow, I feel that this chapter is anticlimactic although Daniel has not overcome his main adversary throughout, Edward Shepherd.

The chapter ends with the official founding of the Province of Alberta; although Daniel and Edward do not agree on how this should come about, both are in favor of it happening. I’ve titled the chapter The Winner, and I always like my stories to end in a positive way with my protagonist triumphant.

What about the protagonist? In this case Edward Shepherd. If Daniel is a winner, then Edward must be the loser. I’m not sure how that will happen or even if it will happen. Somehow I feel that it must happen.

Maybe I’ll let my characters decide that. They usually do.

Defeat

2005-07-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

Today I finished Chapter 13, The Politician. Daniel decides to run for Edmonton town council. To his surprise Ed Shepherd, his nemesis and competition in business as well as politically. Although Daniel has many supporters in town so does Shepherd.

The surprise is that neither is elected to council.

Although Daniel is disappointed, he is not overwhelmed by his defeat. He accepts it graciously.

That brings me to the final chapter, the showdown between Shepherd and Daniel. Because Daniel is sure that Shepherd is responsible for the troubles at Beauregarde and Martin Freighting, he, so far is unable to prove anything.

Now the conflict is over the possibility of Edmonton becoming a city and the Territory of Athabaska becoming a province.

The battleground is set.

Back to work

2005-07-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

I’m back working on my WIP. Unknown culprits who have destroyed their wagons, slashed their harness, and poisoned their horses are harassing Daniel and his father-in-law. As a result, business has been affected because they have been unable to do some of the work that they contracted.

Finally, Daniel decided to stand guard during the night. One night he captures the town drunk, Whisky Jack, attempting to saw the reach pole on one of the wagons. He brings him to court where he tries to extract information about who is behind the incidents.

Surprisingly, Whisky Jack testifies that Daniel hire him to commit these acts and to blame them on Ed Shepherd who Daniel believes his responsible for the rash of accidents and vandalism.

That’s where the situation rests at this moment.

New Books

2005-07-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

I’ve been away for several days, sort of vacationing. I expect to get back at my WIP on Monday. In the meantime, I’m assessing and reorganizing my office.

As well, I have two books about to be released. One is a historical novel, The Venturers, that is the first of a series based on a French Canadian family that arrived in New France in 1670. It is the story of Pierre and Françoise Marin, newly weds, who come to Port Royal, Acadia as settlers to make a new life for themselves and their expected children. Saga Books of Calgary, Alberta, Canada will publish it. I don’t yet have a release date, but it will be soon as the editing has been done and the cover is almost completed.

The second is a contemporary romance, Inheritance of Love using the name Mary Ellen Simpson. It is the story of Leila Brannion, and Irish colleen of Cork, Ireland, who inherits from her grandfather a cattle farm in Alberta with the condition that she must come to Canada and operate the farm for at least five years in order to complete her inheritance. This will soon be published by Publish America. Again, I do not yet have the launch date, but all the proofs have been corrected and returned. The cover is also ready, so it should be soon.

As you can see, I’ve been quite busy with checking proofs and approving covers, etc., but I should be back into routine—barring visitors, etc. on vacation, etc.

2005-07-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

2005-07-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

Roadblocks

2005-07-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to finish the first draft of my current WIP before the end of June, but circumstances have made it impossible, what with the beginning of summer and the vacation period. As a result, may visitors and events have interposed to make that impossible.

I’m still working on chapter 13, which is the one before the last. Presently, Daniel is becoming involved in the political scene in Edmonton, and again he and Edward Shepherd come into conflict. Edmonton is a growing town, vibrant and progressive, but it and Calgary vie for top spot in the North West Territories that consists of four districts: Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Athabaska. Regina is the main city of Assiniboia; Prince Albert, that of Saskatchewan, Calgary, of Alberta, and Edmonton of Athabaska.

Daniel, of course, wants Edmonton to be the main city of the Territories although it has not yet received that status.

That’s where the story is at now.

Back to my story

2005-06-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Today, I returned to work on my WIP.

Daniel and his family join many others to watch the first train enter Edmonton on the newly constructed Low Level Bridge that now spans the North Saskatchewan River.

It’s October 6, 1902 and many ideas, desires, and anticipation are in the air now that there is railroad access into the bustling town of Edmonton.

A great deal of talk concerns the desire of most people to see the region become a province with more political control over its laws, resources, and destiny.

Daniel, like many others, is in favor of this happening, but like many, he does not agree with some of the view of others, as others do not agree with his stance. Among them, of course, is his customary opponent, Edward Shepherd, who, on this festive occasion, annoys Richard with his derision and scorn.

It took a while to get back into the story, but I think I’m there now.

Still working

2005-06-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

No work on my WIP today. I’m still reviewing and revising my manuscript that was accepted by Saga Books. I hope to finish by the weekend, and then get back to my novel based on Alberta history.

I didn’t think it would take this long to go over the already edited manuscript, but editing, reviewing, and revising always take longer than one estimates. One has to be extra careful because it’s so easy to miss little mistakes—typos, missed punctuation marks, extra words—thing like that.

I’ve done it before, so I should know better.

Working

2005-06-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

I’m still working on the corrections and revisions suggested by the editor of my historical novel that has been accepted for publication.

Although the publisher’s editor has edited it, I’m still finding small mistakes of words like ‘has’ for ‘had’ and also missing punctuation marks.

I hope to be finished within the week, but it is slow, tedious work, as I’m reading each line carefully, and yet I know I’ll miss some of the mistakes.

Fortunately, no major revisions were requested.

Editing new book

2005-06-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

I’ll not likely be doing much writing on my WIP this week, as I have to go over the edits on my latest historical novel that has been accepted by Saga Books of Calgary, Alberta.

Although I don’t have extensive revisions and corrections to make, I still must go over the entire manuscript to find any errors—spelling, grammar, syntax, etc., and that is time consuming.

This is the second of two books that will be published this year. I just completed reviewing the proofs of the first one, and now I’m working on this one which the first of a series that chronicles the life and history of a French couple who come to Acadia, New France in 1670.

I hope to finish by the end of the week, so I can get back at the novel that I’m working on.

Politics

2005-06-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

After a shaky start to chapter thirteen, today was a pleasant surprise. A prominent politician of the Edmonton and territory asks Daniel to become politically involved. Frank Oliver is the owner and editor of the first newspaper, The Edmonton Bulletin.

Frank is the Member of Parliament representative for the Athabaska Territory in which Edmonton is situated.

A federal election is looming, and Frank asks Daniel to drum up support for him in the new French-Canadian communities around Edmonton. Although Daniel has never been involved in politics, he agrees because he believes that Frank Oliver has the best interest of Edmonton and the surrounding region at heart.

This first scene of the chapter went well.

Research today

2005-06-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today I started Chapter Thirteen, but soon realized that I needed to do a great deal of research into the politics of the region at that time—not only the politics but also the historical character that required inclusion.

So I spent the day researching the development of the cities and towns as well as the desire of the many of the people for a greater say in the manner in which they were governed.

Since my protagonist, Daniel Martin, was becoming central to what was happening, it was imperative that I understand the policies of the local, the regional, and the national governments of the times that was have a great effect on the people who were arriving daily to take up homesteads, to provide services, and to make a new life for themselves.

I did not achieve my intended quota of approximately 1000 words, which I ordinarily accomplish.

Maybe tomorrow!

Success

2005-06-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

I finished Chapter Twelve today. Daniel becomes a businessman in the bustling town of Edmonton as it is at the end of steel; the Calgary to Edmonton line ends on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River across from Edmonton where the Hudson’s Bay Company has a fort and now a store as the country changes from fur trading to agriculture with the influx of settlers as the land is surveyed and homesteads become more and more available.

Daniel inadvertently becomes an outfitter providing transportation, equipment, and other necessities first to men heading for the goldfields of the Yukon and Alaska, and then to the homesteaders who are going north to the Peace River country.

He runs into problems from Ed Shepherd who has never like him, and from a lack of money and suppliers.

This was a hard chapter to write; at least, I’m not very satisfied with it. It will require a great deal of revision and rewriting, I’m sure. For the present, the first draft is down. So I’m looking forward to the next one.

Vandalized

2005-06-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those days when nothing seemed to go right. Daniel returned to the farm to a joyous welcome by Geraldine, Robert, and Emily and then he returned to Edmonton where he started building a house on the Rossdale Flats not far from the North Saskatchewan River with the plan to move his family to town as he worked at developing his outfitting business.

When he returned to his small office on Jasper Avenue, he discovered it had been vandalized; yet that did not stop business from coming his way.

Ed Shepherd showed up to sympathize although it was more like gloating. Daniel is now suspicious that Ed may have had something to do with the destruction of his office.

So ended today’s writing. I’m not really happy with it, but I will let it be for now and see how it fits in later during the rewrite. This is the first draft, so I usually write it quickly to get the story out. Editing, proofreading, and revisions will come later.

I know that this feeling has happened before in other works and sometimes I can’t tell the good days from the bad. Maybe this will be such an occasion.

A New Business

2005-06-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today Daniel discovers that he can make more money helping others to head out to the gold fields or to the new lands opening up in the Peace River country to the north and west of Edmonton, so he becomes an outfitter.

But his old nemesis, Edward Shepherd, who has now left the North West Mounted Police, is in the same business and threatens him. Daniel ignores the threat and sets up an office on main street, Jasper Avenue.

Although I have a vague idea as to what will happen, the characters for the most part decide. I knew that Daniel was to become a businessman in Edmonton, but I had no idea what it would be and how it would come about.

That’s the thrill of writing, especially a historical novel. Some of the events are preordained, but the way the characters act and react depends on them, their personalities, their mores, and their backgrounds.

Today, of course, was no exception. I suppose that all writers of historical novels experience the same scenario. If you are a historical writer, let me know if that is what happens when you are composing.

Thwarted Again

2005-06-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

Although Daniel can’t get any money from Edouard, he still wants to go to the Klondike. In the local tavern he meets four newly arrived German immigrants who ask him to help them acquire an outfit to take them to the Klondike. In return, they will take him with them.

Once he acquires the necessary horses, conveyances, and mining equipment, they decide that they don’t want him along, but they pay him well for his services. Again, Daniel is thwarted in his attempt to go to the gold fields.

What will he do now? Will he find another way to get to the Klondike? By now, the main gold rush is over. Will gold fever consume him and force him to go anyway?

Chapter Twelve

2005-06-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

Today I started Chapter Twelve of my WIP based on the history of the province of Alberta. For the past week I’ve been reviewing and correcting the proofs of my latest book to be published, which is not a historical novel.

In Chapter Twelve, Daniel, now recovered from a bad bout of pneumonia, still has dreams of becoming a successful gold miner in the Yukon. Again he convinces Geraldine that he must go although she is still against his venture.

This time, he decides to go alone with little baggage, as he will acquire the necessary gear when he arrives in the Klondike, but he will need money to do this, money that he does not have. He approaches his father-in-law for a stake and is rejected.

What is next step is, I’m not sure. That’s tomorrow’s problem.

Proofreading

2005-06-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

I haven’t posted for a few days because I’ve busy going over the proofs of a new novel to be published soon. I don’t have a launch date yet so I can’t give much information about it.

Since PublishAmerica will publish it, I’m doing most of the editing and proofing.

Unfortunately, I’m finding many mistakes—typos, missing words, extra words, that sort of thing. It’s tedious and sometime frustrating work—but it must be done L

I have a deadline so I can’t waste too much time; as a result, I have not been working on my current WIP, which is a historical novel based on the history of the Province of Alberta, Canada that is celebrating its centennial this year.

For more of my historical novels, check my website: http://www.telusplanet.net/public/go1c

Next week I should be back on track with my writing.

A Lost Dream

2005-05-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

Daniel’s dream of going to the Klondike is shattered when he becomes ill and cannot leave with his newfound partners who turn out to be scoundrels who sell his horses and their grubstake to others who want to go to the Yukon.

Although he and his father-in-law report them to the police, they have disappeared without a trace. Because he cannot go, Geraldine is happy about the turn of events.

Her father, Edouard Beauregarde, who helped Daniel acquire the necessary gear and equipment, is not happy since he lost a considerable amount of money, as did Daniel

Thus ended Chapter Eleven.

Ready to go

2005-05-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

Daniel is excited about going to the Klondike but he has to acquire the necessary gear and equipment, which he finds more difficult than he first thought. None of the merchants will give him credit, and his two partners, Ray Andrews and Harry Svendsen, have any money or credit.

He decides to ask his father-in-law, Edouard Beauregarde, to grubstake them. To his surprise, Edouard agrees for one fourth of any profit or gold that the find.

So they get together the equipment and gear they will need as well as six horses of which Daniel supplies four. The weather turns nasty with a spring rainstorm that delays their departure. As the day ends, Daniel feels that he is getting a cold.

Permission granted!

2005-05-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Daniel wants to convince Geraldine that he should go to the Klondike to search for gold. He is sure that he will make a fortune and be able to make a better life for his family.

Although Geraldine is unconvinced and unsympathetic, he is able to persuade her to let him go if he makes arrangements for someone to do the farm work while he is away for the summer only.

Daniel agrees and then plans to gather an outfit of packhorses and equipment for mining and the trip.

Gold fever is an exasperating and contagious disease; Daniel has a bad case of it.

Gold fever

2005-05-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Daniel has dreams of becoming a millionaire by going to the gold fields of the Yukon, so he goes to Edmonton to learn about the way there. Some of the prospectors do go from Edmonton, but few make it to their destination due to a variety of reasons: ignorance, poor transportation, poor equipment, poor companions, and scoundrels who cheat them.

In Edmonton, he sees an outfit heading out and he knows that they will never make because they are ill prepared for the journey.

He then meets a couple of seasoned prospectors who appear to know what they are doing. He asks to join them, but they do not want a greenhorn as part of their group.

Obviously, gold fever has affected Daniel and his usually sensible think has taken leave. When the malady strikes, it is like any other disease; it has to run its course, whatever that might be.

Goldseeker

2005-05-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today I started Chapter Eleven, The Goldseeker, 1899. Daniel and Geraldine are married and have just had their second child, Emily, who was preceded by Robert, now fifteen months old.

The Klondike Gold Rush is at its peak and people are still streaming to the Yukon, some of them through Edmonton.

Suddenly, Daniel is gripped with gold fever and wants to leave his homestead to venture into the far off gold fields to make his fortune.

Geraldine is alarmed at Daniel’s sudden desire although he plans to take his family with him. She feels that they are prospering on their small farm and it is a comfortable home for them.

Gold fever is an interesting phenomenon; motives for chasing the yellow metal are many and varied and not always reasonable. I suppose that is the only way to justify Daniel’s unexpected desire.

I’m eager to continue with this chapter as I explore Daniel’s motivation and aspiration.

Murder

2005-05-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Geraldine comes to warn Daniel that John is dead, and the police think that he was murdered. The police arrive and arrest Daniel for the murder of John Winter.

Daniel is tried, but the evidence is inconclusive and he is freed. Thus making it possible for him and Geraldine to marry. So ends Chapter Ten.

This summary of what happens seems vague and unrealistic, but it is written as show rather than tell. Although in 1896 mainly the North West Mounted Police who were often the prosecutor that represented the Queen who represented the government administered justice in western Canada, they attempted to be fair and impartial. Often the defendant, in this case, Daniel, was his own defender as very few competent lawyers were available.

Separation

2005-05-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Daniel and Geraldine, after many trysts, decide that they cannot live this way anymore. So they go to John Winter and proclaim their love for each other with Geraldine leaving him. John erupts in anger and threatens to kill Daniel. They become involved in a fight.

I’m not sure where it is going to go. Certainly, it’s unlikely that Daniel and Geraldine will live together as their standing in the community, the church, and with the families will be not only frowned upon but also stigmatized.

In any case, Daniel moral beliefs as well as Geraldine’s may this scenario unlikely, at least in the culture and mores of the times. Although others might act differently, it is not so with them.

All in all, it is a dilemma that I will have to solve.

Consummation

2005-05-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

Today, as Daniel worked in his garden, he had a surprise visitor. On the way back from delivering freight to the police post at Fort Saskatchewan, Geraldine stopped by to see his homestead. At his invitation, she stayed for tea, but the tea turned into a sexual encounter that neither planned, but their mutual attracting resulted in a scene that neither expected.

The pledged their love for each other, are frustrated by their guilt and the impossibility of their situation. Now that they have consummated their love, they realize that they were meant for each.

That’s what happened today!

The meeting

2005-05-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Daniel’s encounter with Geraldine has a profound effect on him, as he cannot get her off his mind. In desperation, he arranges to meet with her. To his surprised, she agrees. They realize that they are in love, but a love that cannot be fulfilled as she is married to John Winter.

Both are frustrated by their situation; Daniel because he must live without her; she because her conscience and faith will not allow any other course.

This meeting only proves that they cannot change their situation although they love one and other. Any other course of action would stigmatized them and ostracize them. That is the dilemma in which they find themselves.

Have they acted foolishly or sensibly? What can they do now? What will they do?

Chapter ten begins

2005-05-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

Today I started chapter ten. Daniel, to forget his grief over the loss of his wife and child begins an orgy of work on his homestead, his fields, his garden, his buildings, making his farm one of the best in the neighborhood.

On a trip to Edmonton to purchase some much-needed supplies, he accidentally encounters Geraldine Winter. To his surprise and astonishment, the meeting brings back memories and emotions that he thought were dead. She as well relishes the encounter and hints at problems in her marriage to John Winter.

I’m not sure how this will develop, but we do learn that John is ill, or appears to be so. Will this affect the relationship between Daniel and Geraldine? I guess I will just have to see what my characters will do with the situation.

The End of Chaper Nine

2005-05-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

I’m back after being away for a week.

Today I finished chapter nine.

Harriet lost their first child but is pregnant again. This time the pregnancy goes well and to full term, but it ends tragically. Both she and the baby die. Thus ends chapter nine.

It seem rather trite to sum it up in such a mundane manner, but I suppose events like that were a matter of course in those days in Western Canada, probably on all frontiers in North America.

I know it was part of the history of the period, so not uncommon.

Tomorrow I begin chapter ten.

Pregnancy problems

2005-04-28T22:35:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Harriet are extremely happy now that she is pregnant, but this does not last too long as the pregnancy becomes difficult.

Doctors are few so women rely on midwifes for help and advice. Usually all goes well, but not for Harriet. She becomes very sick and the midwife advises bed rest and quiet. Harriet obeys and all seems to be progressing satisfactorily until Harriet ignores the midwife’s advice.

The result: she miscarries to her disbelief and to Daniel’s anger.

Such occurrences were common during the early pioneer days in Alberta and for that matter in most areas of Canada and the USA.

Some were due to the scarcity of doctors, others to ignorance, and still others to poor conditions in the homes—hard work, poor diet, poor sanitation, and little regard for germs, bacteria, and viruses.

This is 1894. Although Edmonton is growing into a town with doctors and a hospital, the women in the rural areas were often far from such resources. Twenty miles was a long distance in those days, usually five or six hours travel by horse or oxen. In any case, life was not as valued as it is today because deaths were common.

Problems

2005-04-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Harriet's marriage starts almost ideally as they are very compatible in most ways. But as time passes they wanted children, they find that their desire is not fulfilled.
Although they are happy, and their life is satsifying, they look forward to children. Each think they are the reason for their lack of success, yet they continue stiving for their desire.
Eventually, Harriet does become pregnant to their great joy.

Marriage

2005-04-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today I started Chapter Nine, which I’ve titled The Husband. Daniel and Harriet are married but her family is not present, and since Daniel is an orphan without family in the North West, the marriage is a simple affair.

Another anomaly is the fact that Harriet does not belong to Daniel’s faith and naturally is uncomfortable with the rite and ceremony.

Daniel and Harriet are very much in love so that compensates for any problems and difficulties. One of these difficulties is the fact that Harriet appears to have difficulty becoming pregnant since both are looking forward to many children that are really necessary to help with the work on the farm.

Whether that will continue to be a problem remains to be seen!

A happy ending?

2005-04-22T22:24:00.000-07:00

Today I completed Chapter Eight that I gave the working title The Bridegroom. Daniel and Harriet fall in love but are hampered by her parent’s rejection of Daniel. Daniel tries to convince her parents that they love each other, but to no avail and he is banished from their homestead.

Frustrated and rejected, he throws himself into work on his homestead when to his surprise and elation Harriet arrives because she has been banished by her father when she tells him that she and Daniel have made love.

She finds Daniel and his homestead, and they plan to marry.

Again, writing the chapter was very different from the plan although the outcome was the same. Although I have a vague idea of what I expect to happen in each chapter, seldom does it turn out as I originally plan. Circumstances, events, emotions, etc. dictate what will happen and how it will happen, often to my surprise.

Love or passion?

2005-04-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

Today Daniel decides to revisit the Dyer homestead in order to determine whether he is infatuated with Harriet or if he has actually fallen in love. As he rides toward their home, he speculates on how he will handle the meeting since he realizes that her parents are not in favor of his interest in their daughter.

When he arrives he is pleasantly surprised to find that the parents are away and Harriet is alone at the campsite. Their mutual attraction immediately surfaces, and their passion finds them embracing each other.

Daniel is exhilarated when Harriet confess her attraction and love for him. He ask her to marry him, but she knows that will be impossible and tells him so.

Another scene

2005-04-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

Today I wrote scene three of this chapter. Daniel has become obsessed with Harriet and decides to find the location of her family’s homestead. Soon he arrives and his feelings for her increase but her parents are not very sympathetic to his desire to court their daughter although she does nothing to discourage Daniel’s attention.

This was an easy scene to write as the characters’ motivations were clear-cut. Sometimes a scene is difficult because the intent and motivation of the characters is not obvious. The greatest difficulty, I find, is to keep in mind the mores and culture of the period and the milieu of the characters.

Presentism can become a problem if a write is not careful when working on a historical novel based on a time long past. Even language—the idioms and colloquialisms of the period—must be adhered, in my opinion.

A possible romance?

2005-04-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

The spring of 1892 in Alberta was one of bad weather—cold, snow storms, melts, freezes, etc.—not a good time for farmers, new settlers, and anyone expecting the land to provide.

As well, a new group of settlers arrived at Strathcona on the south shore of the Saskatchewan River that was the railroad terminal as no bridge was built to cross the river. An ice road in winter and a ferry in summer joined the two communities.

Alfred Dyer, his wife, and his daughter, Harriet, are headed for their homestead north and east of Fort Saskatchewan when Daniel meets them on the trail. Instantly, Daniel is attracted to Harriet, and she reciprocates, but a romance is unlikely as they will be far apart in distance as well as culture. He is French and Catholic, while her family is Anglo-Saxon and Protestant.

That is as far as the chapter progressed today.

Problems

2005-04-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

I've been posting regularly, but they haven't been appearing. I'm not sure what the problem is, but it is frustrating to write and not have it posted.

Chapter Eight

2005-04-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

I started chapter eight today with a leap of seven years from 1885 to 1892. By now the insurrection has been squashed, and, of course, Daniel is no longer in jail.

For the past years he has worked on his homestead improving it to the point where he now has title to the land because he cleared twenty-five acres, built a barn, acquired several animals—four draft horses, two cows, some pigs and chickens. In other words, he has become a prosperous farmer.

He lacks a wife and is now seriously thinking of rectifying that situation although he still dreams of Geraldine and what he considers a missed opportunity. Although he knows he can never love Marguerite, he even considers her as a possible mate.

That’s the first part of chapter eight.

A good day!

2005-04-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those great writing days, unlike yesterday that was a ‘bust.’ Today the words flowed, the characters worked, the action moved the story along. So the scene was written quickly and with satisfaction.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that it is perfect or even that it will remain as part of the book, but it was easy to write. Maybe it was because I gave it more thought, and although I had it planned it didn’t follow the script.

I’m not sure if the characters took over or whether the plot line was drive behind the scene. Nevertheless, I’m satisfied with the way it turned out.

Basically, Daniel went to visit the people of St. Albert who belong to the mission served by the Oblate priests and brother missionaries. His purpose was to ascertain the attitude of the Métis there, and to find out how the Cree first nation is considering its options.

He is assured that the Métis and the Cree have no quarrel with the settlers and citizens of Edmonton, but once he returns to Edmonton he learns that several incidents have occurred where some settlers have been forced from their farms and a Cree band invades the Hudson’s Bay post at Lac Ste. Anne demanding provision for the hungry.

Obviously, the situation is tense!

Back on track

2005-04-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

I’m back working on my WIP after a hiatus of several days. Today, I was in the middle of chapter seven, and as usual I planned the scene that I intended to write with a goal for my protagonist, Daniel Martin, now twenty year old and working to improve his homestead. His plans are thwarted by the troubles brewed up by the Metis and Indians.

It’s the spring of 1885 and trouble is really brewing in the Saskatchewan Territory around the town of Prince Albert, Batoche, and Duck Lake, the centers most riled up.

Danny is sympathetic to the Metis and Indian cause and tries to convince the people in and around Edmonton that violence is unlikely when the Duck Lake debacle takes place and several North West Mounted Police and Metis are killed in a clash between the two.

At this point, young Margerite Beauregarde rides out to Daniel’s homestead to apprise him of the situation.

The interesting thing about this scene was the intrusion of Marguerite Beauregarde as the deliver of the news to Daniel. It surprised me, but it was fitting. I’m not sure what significance this will have for the story.

But it is fun to speculate!

Away

2005-04-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't been posting because I've been away and so have not written much in the past week. I will get at it tomorrow and will post my progress then.

The meeting

2005-03-31T23:32:00.000-07:00

Because Daniel sympathizes with the Indians and Metis, he seeks a meeting with Big Bear an important chief of the Cree who are restive because of their treatment by the Canadian government.
When he goes to the Cree camp he meets with Raven, Sparkling Eyes uncle, who believe he is there to retrieve her as his mate. When Daniel inidcates otherwise, Raven is not prone to help him meet with the great chief.
Sparkling Eyes, on the other hand, believes that it is important and helps him achieve his mission since a confrontation between the government and the Indians, Crees, and some disgruntled whitemen seems very likely.
This scene is mainly historical in nature.

The meeting

2005-03-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

Starting Chapter Seven

2005-03-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

Today, I started chapter seven.

The setting is Edmonton in early March 1885 prior to the beginning of the North West Rebellion led by Louis Riel. Although the center of the violence was in the District of Saskatchewan, most people in the North West are worried about the involvement of the Indians who were assigned reserves after the signing of treaties with the government of Canada.

Daniel, like others, is concerned about possible violence, yet he understands the plight of the Métis, the Indians, and many settlers.

During a meeting that is held in Edmonton, John Winter, who is now married to Geraldine, clashes with Daniel over the role that should be taken by the people of Edmonton because fear is rampant over the likelihood of the Métis of St. Alberta and the local Indians’ bands possible involvement.

This discord only increases the conflict between the two men.

Chapter Six finished

2005-03-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Before the start of the Easter holiday season, I finished chapter six, The Suitor. Daniel, althoug he and Geraldine love each other, is foiled in his desire to marry her. She is betrothed to his rival, John Winter, who has become a partner of Geraldine's father, Edouard, in the freighting business.

This, of course, increases the animosity and rivalry between Daniel and John Winter, whom he now considers as his enemy. This happens in 1884 in the area that will eventually become the Province of Alberta. The coming of the railroad to Calgary and then to Edmonton opens the area to an influx of settlers mainly from the United States and eastern Canada, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Both Calgary and Edmonton are developing into populous towns, appraoching cityhood. Most of the First Nations have been forced to reserves by various treaties although they are unhappy about the curtailment of their movement.

The North West Rebellion of 1885 is approaching with the truculent Metis led my Louis Riel, the exile who returns to help them in their quarrel with the government of the Dominion of Canada. That's the next phase of the novel.

Surprise!

2005-03-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Daniel successfully resisted Marguerite’s attempt to seduce him because he aspired to make Geraldine his wife.

He again attempts to seek permission from Geraldine’s father, Edouard, to court Geraldine.

Although Edouard is certain that his wife, Agathe, will never allow it, he does tell Geraldine about Daniel’s request to see her.

Daniel meets Geraldine secretly and they confirm their attraction and love for each other, but they are discovered by Agathe who separates them and vows that neither of her daughters will ever have any relationship with him.

This is the crux of the scene that I wrote today. One important aspect was to research the practice of courtship during this French Canadian era to which Daniel and the Beauregardes belong. This was 1884 in the North West Territories of Canada.

It was interesting to learn that many marriages at this time were arranged by the parents of daughters who had little input into the pact. Also most females married at a very young age, some hardly reaching puberty. Most people lived with a strict code of conduct.

This was a driving force for many young people at this time.

Rejected, maybe?

2005-03-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today the plot thickened.

Daniel decided to seek Edouard Beauregarde’s permission to court the daughter, Geraldine. At first, the father appeared favorable to his request, but Agathe, the mother soon intervened and denied his suit.

Disappointed, Daniel prepares to leave Edmonton and return to his homestead when Marguerite, the fourteen year old younger daughter, finds him with a message from Geraldine.

Marguerite also is attracted to Daniel and tries to seduce him, much to his surprise and consternation.

Now the characters have taken over the story, and history is only incidental although it cannot be neglected and forgotten. Still the culture, the mores, and the locale must be kept in mind as the story proceeds.

Writing a Historical Novel

2005-03-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

Writing a historical novel is an interesting endeavor. Besides plot and characters, setting is an important part of the story as the time and locale become integral to the project.

The plot must be in keeping with the history of the time; the characters must live in the culture of the period, and the setting must be realistic and relevant to the locale and the era of the novel.

Usually, this requires research to find the details that make for realism and this includes elements of weather, architecture, clothing, tools, language, etc.

The historical novelist should enjoy this or the writing becomes a chore. Sometime frustration sets in as it becomes difficult to find a tiny bit of information that is relevant to the realism.

Another aspect is whether the narrative is plot or character driven. Both are important to the historical novel, but usually one dominates.

Personally, most of my historical novels are, I think, plot driven although I do spend time on developing the characters before they ever appear in the story.

These are a few of my views on writing a historical novel.

Links

2005-03-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite links are:

http://www.amimckay.blogspot.com

http://www.amimckay.com

http://www.warwriting.blogspot.com

The Suitor

2005-03-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Today I started chapter six with the working title "The Suitor." Daniel, against his better judgment, allows the young Cree woman, Sparkling Eyes, to live with him. Although he finds her attractive and satisfying, he feels guilt and uncomfortable with her presence.

He goes to Edmonton for a few supplies and while at the Hudson's Bay Company store, he meets Geraldine Beauregarde to whom he is immediately attracted and she to him; her mother sees this and berates her daughter and, in a tirade, scolds Daniel.

Obviously, he has fallen in love with this young woman--sort of love at first sight, but already there are obstacles.

An excerpt

2005-03-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

Claude, here is a snippet of the first chapter of the novel of my WIP. It's the first draft so it will probably be revised in the rewrite. I hope you will find it of some benefit.

Chapter One—The Orphan—Fort Calgary, 1880
Daniel removed the copper kettle from the mud and wattle fireplace of the small log cabin that he and his parents, Robert and Angeline Martin, called home. For the past three days he attended them, as they lay ill on the narrow bunk along the west wall.
As he poured water into the small pot he used to prepare tea, he turned to the bunk. “Maman, how are you this morning?” A groan was his only answer.
“Daniel, you mother is not better. She had a very bad night.” Robert raised himself to his right elbow.
“Papa, are you better?”
“I think so…but not much.”
“Do you want some tea?” Daniel cocked his head questioningly.
His father nodded.
“What about Maman?”
Robert turned to his moaning wife. “Ma chère, do you want some tea? Daniel is preparing some for us.”
A deep whimper was the only answer.
“Your mother is too sick.”
“Papa, what can we do? Should I get the doctor?” The small cabin was outside the stockade of Fort Calgary, the North West Mounted Police post, at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers in the southwest corner of the District of Alberta, a territory of the North West Territories of Canada.
Robert shook his head. “What can he do?”
“I don’t know…but he will be more able than I am.”
“Son, you are doing a good job.” Robert gazed at his fifteen-year-old son with glazed, fever-filled eyes.
“But you and Maman are not getting better. I think you have the pox!”
Robert dropped to his back, heaving a great sigh. He shivered. Daniel is probably right, he mused. “I am getting better. I’m not so hot.” He reached with his right hand to feel his wife’s head. “And Maman is not as hot either. I think we are over it.”
His wife groaned but lifted her head as she whispered, “I feel better. I will have some tea.”
Daniel smiled. “I’m glad to hear that you are feeling better, Maman.”
“Thank goodness its not the pox…just the grippe. I’m feeling better too.”
“Papa, I’m happy to hear that.” Daniel turned back to preparing the tea.
For several moments, a deep silence filled the small room except for the clang of metal against metal as Daniel pour the steeped tea into two tin cups. Then he brought the steaming containers to his parents.
Both hoisted themselves to a sitting position as he handed each a cup. Daniel smiled. This was the best his parents appeared for the past three days.
His father took the vessel in both hands, sniffed at the contents, and smiled. “I feel so much better. I think I’ll get up.”
“Papa, you better rest some more. You’re not completely well yet. Neither is Maman.”
Robert nodded. “Maman needs more rest…but I think I’m well enough….”
“How are you, Maman?” Daniel reached to touch his mother’s hand. It felt cool. “I think you are better.”

Acquitted

2005-03-16T23:33:00.000-07:00

Fortunately for Daniel, Sparkling Eyes, the young Cree woman, arrives with her uncle Raven and her testimony frees him. A short time later, Raven and Sparkling Eyes appear at Daniel's homestead. Raven wants some ammunition for his rifle from Daniel, and in return he wants Daniel to take Sparkling Eyes. Daniel does not want her although he finds her attractive and desirable.
He gives Raven some bullets and tells him to take the woman with him, but Raven leaves without her; she, according to the custom of her people, expects to become Daniel mate and makes herself at home in Daniel's cabin.
So ends chapter five.

Arrested

2005-03-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

Daniel rescues a young Cree Indian woman from the drunken group of men, but is arrested by Corporal Ed Shepherd and accused of kidnapping and rape. The next day he appears in court and Shepherd brings evidence against him, but Sparkling Eyes, the young woman ran away and disappeared. So Daniel is at the mercy of the police officer who believes that he is guilty.
It does not look good for Daniel although the judge does ask some pointed questions.
The scene today took place in the courtroom, a simple process presided over by a judge, a procecutor, the accused, and the witnesses.
In those days, justice was simple and usually swift. Even murder trials were brief and sentencing quick and not always just.

The secret

2005-03-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

Daniel soon finds out that the men have kidnapped a young Cree Indian woman whom they plan to use to satisfy their lustful desires. As the drinking continues and the young woman is brought from the nearby tent, Daniel feels his urges taking over.
His conscience bothers him and he tries to rescue the maiden from her captors. He is jeered and sneered at by most of the men, but Jake Darby agrees that they should free the young woman.
And so ends today's writing.

Chapter five

2005-03-09T23:41:00.000-07:00

Today, I started chapter five. Daniel spent the winter on his homestead near Fort Saskatchewan in a small log cabin that he built complete with birchbark shingles and a wattle and daubed clay fireplace.
Spring arrived so he decided to got to Edmonton for some much needed supplies before the heavy work of clearing, breaking, sowing and other chores took up most of his time. On the trail that evening he comes upon a group of men drinking and carousing. To his surprise, two of them are acquaintances from his railroad days, Jake Darby and Barnie Gray who invite him to join them.
The half inebriated men suggest that they have a a great evening in store although they are secretive about it.
That's where the story is at now.

Chapter four is finished

2005-03-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

I finished chapter four today. Although Daniel tried to appease John Winter, he was unsuccessful. John threatened him and invited him to a fight, but Daniel declined although John called him many different things to entice him into it.
The result was that they were further estranged.
Life must go on. Tomorrow is another day in Daniel's life as he prepares to build his future on a homestead near Edmonton during the late 1800's.

Another week--another chapter, almost

2005-03-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

Another week and another chapter almost finished.
Daniel and John Winter get into an argument over the rights to a particular homestead quarter of land. Daniel learns that John is not the friend he thought he was as he finds out about a serious flaw in John's personality and character.
Another possible antagonist for Daniel. At least it seems that way at this point in the chapter.
Today, the writing went exceedingly well and in little time had had my quota done for the day.
I don't write on the weekend, so tomorrow and Sunday are days to rest the mind and the creative process.
If anyone is interested, I might post a smidgen of a chapter to let you see how I write. :)
But someone will have to ask for it before I post!

Straight Flush

2005-03-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, Daniel won the last poker hand by beating the crew foreman, Jake Darby. Jake has become a character to reckon with in the novel. He was never originally planned for, but is is becoming a serious antagonist. I may have to give him a greater role.
Jake accused Daniel of cheating to win, but he could not prove his accusation. He threatened to get even.
With the money Daniel won, he and John Winter decided to leave the railroad job and head for Edmonton where they plan to acquire homesteads.
That's what happened in today's writing.

The poker game

2005-03-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Would you believe it? Daniel got involved in a poker game that included Jake, the crew supervisor, his friend John Winter, another railroader by the name of Clem. His luck started out bad, but seemed to be getting better as the game progressed.
As I left him he had the makings of a very good hand, and the stakes were getting high. I'm not sure how the game will end and how Daniel will fare. That's for tomorrow. Oh, by the way, Daniel motive for getting into the game is to make enough money to get a homestead and to set up as a farmer although he knows little about husbandry or horticulture. As well, he has hopes of finding a wife although nubile women are few.
We'll have to see how he accomplishes his desires and goals.

Finished Chapter Three

2005-03-01T23:11:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, I finished chapter three, but I'm not very satisfied with it. I'm sure I will revise it, rewrite it. Somehow, it just do not seem to fit.
Today, I started chapter four. I got off to a good start so I hope it ends up better than chapter three.
Although, I know I will redo chapter three, I will let it set for a while, probably until I've finished the entire story.
Daniel Martin is now eighteen and thinking seriously of his future. He knows that he wants a wife and to acquire some land, probably a homestead somewhere near Fort Edmonton as he believes the land is better for agriculture. At the moment, he is back working for the railroad on the line being built between Fort Calgary and Fort Edmonton when he meets John Winter, the young NWMP constable who has now left the fort and plan to become a homesteader too.
Continued tomorrow.

Lost

2005-02-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

It seems that my last post is lost. Oh well. I'll try again tomorrow!

Ok, so Daniel got the job

2005-02-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

Daniel got the job on the track laying crew of the Canadian Pacific Railway as it pushes across the prairies. Unfortunately, some of the crew are not happy with him because of his enthusiasm and energy although Barnie, the foreman, appreciates his attitude.
Barnie leaves suddenly and Jake, who, for some reason, does not like Daniel takes over bossing the crew.
I'm not sure what will happen to Daniel now, but I should know tomorrow. I plan to finish the chapter tomorrow and if it goes according to my outline, it should be a positive situation for Daniel.

Better

2005-02-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a better day as far as the writing went.
Daniel applied for a job on a work crew constructing the railroad line to the east of Fort Calgary. Although he is willing and capable, his age and size were against him; he had difficulty convincing the boss and foreman that he could do the job. Eventually he was hired and assigned to a work crew that didn't want him.
I hope he survives and has a good experience with the railroad.
The time period is 1882 and the Canadian Pacific Railroad is making its way across the western prairies of the North West Territories through the districts of Assiniboia and Alberta that will become the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Back at it

2005-02-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well, after a gap of several days, I'm finally back at work on my novel. Today, I continued with chapter three. First, I reviewed what I wrote before to get back in the groove, so to speak. Daniel was now working on a new ranch that was established in the foothills south and west of Fort Macleod.
Cattle and ranching were a new experience for him so he had much to learn about breaking horses, rounding up cows, roping and branding, and the lonely life of a cowboy. Today, he rode a wild bronco but did not break it. As well, he learned how to round up and rope calves to be branded.
He didn't find the experience to be pleasant so he now has second thought about that kind of life. Perhaps he will move on to something else. If all goes according to my plan, he will, but I'm never sure if my characters will follow my vision of their life.
The writing progress well, but I'm not sure that I'm satisfied with it. Tomorrow, I'll review it; maybe it will require a rewrite.

I'm back

2005-02-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm back after being away for several days to attend the funeral of a favorite uncle.
Now to get back at my writing. I started chapter three, but didn't get to do any writing today as I answered e-mails, snail mail, and attended to some other chores.
Unfortunately, tomorrow is a lost day as I have to go into the city of Edmonton to attend to some business which will take most of the day.
As well, this weekend is a long weekend as Monday is a statuatory holiday--Heritage Day, so I won't get much done until next Tuesday although I'm itching to get back at my novel.
I picked up two books for research on ranching in southern Alberta in the last quarter of the 19th century, just the era that this chapter is all about, so I'll probably sneak in some time to read them.

The end of chapter two

2005-02-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I finished chapter two and today I started chapter three.
In chapter two, Daniel finally succeeds in being hired as a scout for the the NWMP after several frustrations and disappointments.
In chapter three, after a year as a scout, he decides that he wants more than that in his future, so he joins a ranch in the southern foothills of the Rockies.
That's where I'm at now. I don't think he'll stay long with this job, but I'll have to see where he goes from here.

No work today

2005-02-09T23:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I didn't write a single word of my novel. I took the day off from it although I did some other writing chores.
I'll probably get back to it tomorrow.

Daniel's dilemma

2005-02-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Today, Daniel returned to Fort Calgary and asked the commander there, Inspector Denny, for a job as a scout. Denny gave him the job but was forced to resign his position in the force for a number of reasons. The new commander, influenced by Corporal Shepherd, revoked the assignment, and Daniel no longer had the job.
That summarizes what happened to Daniel in today's episode.
Writing was easy today and the scene worked well. Of course, it will require rewriting and some facts need to be verified.
When I read the summary, it sounds trite and contrived, but I hope the actual writing will make it sound more realistic. Nevertheless, the story is moving forward.

Not a good day!

2005-02-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today was not a good writing day. The scene I planned to write did not happen as I expected or hope, but I will let it rest and review it tomorrow.
I started writing it and realized that I did not have enough information about one of the characters that was necessary to accomplish what I wanted. Nevertheless, I wrote the scene although it was a slow laborious job.
On other occasions, I've found that such scenes in retrospect are often as good a those that seem to write themselves.
I'm sure that has happened to most writers. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Chapter two

2005-02-04T23:08:00.000-07:00

Today, I started Chapter Two. Daniel is now a dispatch rider carrying messages and mail between the scatterd NWMP posts, but he dreams of becoming a scout like the renowned Jerry Potts. He requests such a job but learns that his age, sixteen years old, is against him, yet he knows that he is capable of doing the job.
The first scene went well, but it got off to a shaky start; yet as it progressed it became easier and easier. It may need some rewriting, but for now I'll let it incubate over the weekend.
As I mentioned before, I seldom write much on the weekends and when I do, it's on other projects, short stories or articles. And now, maybe, my blog.

The end of chapter one

2005-02-03T23:04:00.000-07:00

Well, today I finished chapter one and it ended with a bit of surprise as a well-known figure from the early days of the province stepped into the scene.
Jerry Potts, a renowned scout and interpreter of the North West Mounted Police appeared on the scene and helped my protagonist, Daniel Martin, out of a tight spot.
Tomorrow it's on to chapter two.
Oh, by the way, I'll titled the first chapter, The Orphan. Although Daniel is fifteen years old, which was often consider a man or adult, he is orphaned when his parents die of small pox, a serious and dangerous disease in the late 1800's in Western Canada.

The fight

2005-02-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Writing today went very well. The confrontation between Daniel and Ed Shepherd turned into a fist fight, but unfortunately Daniel was not the winner.
I suppose that was expected, but I'm never sure until it happens that it will occur. Since this conflict was planned, I should have expected it.
Tomorrow is the last scene in this first chapter. Again, I'm not sure how it will end.
So this first chapter is set at Fort Calgary in 1880 when it was a principal post of the North West Mounted Police, the force established in 1873 to bring law and order to western Canada's North West Territories. My protagonist is fifteen-year-old Daniel Martin a French-Canadian youth who has just been orphaned when his parents die of smallpox, a not unusual happening in those years.

Back on schedule

2005-02-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

Today I got back on schedule and worked for three hours on my novel, the third scene of the first chapter. My young hero meets two antagonists, one apparent and the other not so obvious. As a matter of fact, one befriends young Daniel Martin who is now a dispatch rider for the North West Mounted Police.
The scene unfolded well, and the writing progress with ease, not as it is sometimes--a trial.
I'm sure that happens to most writers, but I find that later I can't tell what writing was an ordeal and what was feast, so to speak.
So far, I'm happy with the way in which the first chapter is progressing. I might say that I always start my writing day by reviewing what I wrote during the previous session. I only make minor corrections and changes unless I spot something that definitely needs a rewrite.
Of course, if my characters have cause major changes in characterization, plot, or some other aspect of the novel, I make those changes in my outline, plan, and character sketches. I do this so I will not make major errors or oops later on.

Back to my novel

2005-01-31T20:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to work on my novel for several days now--visitors, the weekend, other commitments, and editing and rewriting for submission.

I do hope to get back at it tomorrow. When I get away from writing for several days, I feel as if something is missing from my life, especially when I'm working on a novel. The characters haunt me and want expression. Do any of you writers ever feel that way?

The second scene

2005-01-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

My young protagonist, Daniel Martin, a fifteen-year-old French Canadian lad whose parents have just died of smallpox get into his first trouble for forgetting to advise the North West Mounted Police post commander that his parents were ill although the officer is sympathetic to the boy in his grief.
To complicate his life, the force has destroyed everything that belong to his parents in order to stop the spread of the disease; this leaves Daniel destitute without any means of support. He is offered a job as a dispatch rider by the inspector, but the rank of the force are against this because they fear the contagion of the disease.
That's the point in the story that I'm at now. One Daniel's major antagonists is a constable, Constable Edward Shepherd, a bigot who hates the French and Catholics.

A new beginning

2005-01-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I wrote the first paragraph of my new novel, but I wasn't satisfied with it. Somehow it just didn't ring true, so I started again.

Today, I wrote a new first paragraph and continued from that point. Yes, I even wrote my first one thousand words, my usual quota.

The first paragraph that I wrote was too much tell and not enough show. I think this beginning is much better as it does a better job of introducing the protagonist and hints at his major goal and the conflicts or barriers that he will have to overcome.

I think I can safely say that my novel is on its way.

2005-01-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Charles Goulet, Writer

The first paragraph

2005-01-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today I wrote the opening paragraph of my novel. This paragraph is critical because it serves to introduce my protagonist, the setting, and a crucial event of the story.

Writing that first paragraph involves a great deal of thought and several possible beginnings before I'm satisfied that it is the best I can do.

Originally, I planned on fifteen chapters, but I soon realized that the first chapter was merely background material so my novel now begins with the second chapter. The material of the first chapter will be introduce little by little in the following chapters.

Of course, as I go along, I will continue to research the historical details that I need, as well as the development of the various characters.

Nevertheless, the first paragraph is written, so the novel is on its way.

Tomorrow I will write the first thousand words of the novel; that is what I set as my daily goal. Sometimes it's easy; other times it's difficult. At this point, I seldom edit or rewrite, but I do grammar check and spell check each day's work.

Clean up day

2005-01-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday is the day I clean up my computer and office. I do a general back up of my files and other maintenance.

That's in the morning; the afternoon is for recreation, visiting, receiving visitors and general socializing.

Today is no exception and since the weather is balmy, I'll probably go X country skiing on the lake which is only about twenty-five feet or ten meters from my deck.

Fun Day

2005-01-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday and Sunday I don't work on my writing; they are fun days, days to relax and forget about any writing project. Well, not really, those are the days I surf the Internet, looking at other writers websites, blogs, etc.--almost anything that catches my fancy.

Today I surfed Ami Mckay interesting site. She is a first time novelist whose book The Birth House will be published in 2006. Although it is her first novel, she had written many other pieces. I recommend her site highly.

I suppose I should tout my own site and the writing group that I belong to.

My site is:
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/go1c
The writing group is:
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/Canadian_Historical_Novels/

I hope you enjoy them and feel free to comment on either.

I'm new at this

2005-01-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Charles Goulet and I'm a writer. I write historical novels based on French Canadian history.

I have published three young adult/juvenile historical biographical novels: The Isle of Demons, The Godmother, and Little Snowbird.

As well, I've also published The Divorce a contemporary teen age novel. It's the story of the friendship of two boys who affected by the divorce of one of the boy's parents.

Presently, I'm working on a new novel based on the history of the Province of Alberta, Canada. It's the story of young Daniel Martin who comes to the are in 1874 with the North West Mounted Police. It follows his career from that time until Alberta becomes a province in 1905.

When creating a novel, I follow a very organized system which starts the first day by deciding on the theme of my novel which I reduce to a single sentence.

The second day, I make a list of the characters that will people the novel. I divide this list into Major and Minor characters and to fictious and historical characters.

The third day, I list locations and setting of the story. These, of course, may change as I write., but it is a starting point, and often requires research.

The fourth day I define my characters goals, the goals of the protagonists and the antagonists. These may conflict with my main characters ambitions, and well they must because this creates the obstacles that the hero or heroin must overcome.

The fifth day is spent determining the obstacles to the goals that I developed the day before. They must be realistic but difficult.

The sixth day I plan the conclusion that I expect. Often this will change as the characters and the events may determine how the novel will end.

On the seventh day, I write a length outline of the story which serves as a guide to my writing.
I let the words flow with little thought to grammar, spelling, syntax, etc.

On the eighth day, using my outline, I make chapter headings covering the major events that occur in the story. Here I write a one or two sentence summary of each chapter.

Today was the ninth day and I set up a system of files, six in all: 1. Characters 2. Locations 3. Chapters (one for each heading) 4. Mannerisms 5. Speech patterns 6. General Observations

In the Characters file I will place a character sketch of each character in the book. I will try to make this as complete as possible.

The locations file will have all the details of each location or setting of each scene I plan.

Each chapter will have an outline of it stating the intent, the obstacles, the reversals that take place, and finally the conclusion.

Mannerism will be the unique way in which each character is differentiated just as every individualt has his or her own style.

Speech patterns is related to Mannerisms; just as every character has uniqu ways of acting, so they have unique ways of speaking--pet words, phrases, etc.

The final file, General Observations, is collection of ideas, thoughts, opinions, etc. that might have a bearing on the story.

Now that my files are set up, I will fill them with a collection of ideas and writing to help flesh out the characters, setting, plot, etc.

In this blog, I will try to show how the novel develops--good or bad.

Feel free to make any comments, suggestions, criticisms, etc. that that you want to make.