Nano progress post!
Nov. 9th, 2010 07:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
seraph7So far, things are going uber slowly. I'm kind of frustrated with Scrivener which worked fine until today and now refuses to save. This mean I can't seem to get any flow going. If things don't improve I'm going to have to transfer back to Word. I hope it's just a beta glitch as I really like the software and find it useful. I would be very disappointed to abandon it.
I really do need to work on my synopsis. Make sure I have enough scenes to fill this out. I don't really want this to be a long novel. I think 75-80k would be ideal and that's what I'm aiming for.
11661 / 50000 words. 23% done!
What I'm going to do is include a snippet and I would really appreciate a couple of f-list opinions? Pretty please? I just want to know that I'm on the right track. It's like I know what I want the story to be, since it is based on the Sutherland/Callas story. I have changed things significantly though and developed the characters to be different. I didn't just whack the two characters into an RPS story. Tom and Rob are facets of Ricky and there isn't really an equivalent of Pierre. Anyway here's the excerpt.
“So have we got our Don Giovanni yet? You’re not going for Ifans?” Edwin asked Sergei. It had been a long meeting but they had to settle this soon.
“I hope they don’t get him in, he’s such a sleaze.” Miss Painsworth opined.
“And I’m convinced he drinks.” added Edwin putting his two penn’orth in.
“What about him?” Miss Painsworth said pointing at the next head shot.
“No, he’s too old for the role and he took an age to get off book. I need someone competent enough to run with it.”
“What about him?”
“Gino Devery? Couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag. No!”
“No I have someone fabulous in mind. All the way from America.”
“Really? America. You had to get a Yank in? The press won’t like that.” She said looking down her pince-nez in disapproval. “You know how they like to cluck about home-grown talent.”
Sergei smiled smug as ever. Confident in the knowledge of his secret weapon.
“Trust me when you see this guy you will completely understand. He is perfect in every single way. The company won’t know what hit it.”
He slid the final headshot across the table. Painsworth let out a breathy little giggle at the sight of the young man pictured.
“Really, Edwin , you have excelled yourself. Him as Don Giovanni and the Count! He’ll be a sensation. Every woman in the audience will want that man.”
“Can he sing?” Sergei asked.
“Oh yes. Lovely rich baritone, smooth as butter. He’s performed at San Francisco and Dallas Opera. Done a couple of recordings. Here, his agent sent a sample.”
He switched on the record player.
“We have our man, that is if he is willing to come out here.”
“Oh yes, he’s keen. By all accounts he’s eager to get away from the distractions of town.”
Rob Pemberley got off the train and hefted his suitcases.
“Say, you couldn’t tell me how to get to Glasslake Opera theatre could you?” he asked treating the ticket to his most charming smile.
As soon as she looked up she melted. Dazzled by the golden blonde hair and blue eyes of this gorgeous giant stood in front of her. He was a Nordic god come to life. That smile was like being bathed in sunshine. Even though she was engaged, her cheeks coloured at the thought of kissing this man, just once. That knowing sleepy sexy smile, the sweep of his very blue eyes, the long lashes that framed them. He’s as pretty as a picture. He almost doesn’t seem quite real.
“Sir, it’s about a mile from here. Why don’t I call you a taxi? It’s a bit of a way-” she said, staring at the man as if she would love to eat him up with a spoon.
“No need. I want to see the scenery. Get a feel of the place since I’m going to be here for a while.”
“Eh, Trev, you’re off in a moment ain’t you?”
“Aye, miss?”
“Would you be as kind as to drop this gentleman at Glasslake. For me? Please.”
“Really there’s no need to put yourself for me. I’m perfectly capable.”
“Oh no, there’s no trouble at all! I absolutely insist!”
Trev humped his bags into the back of his triumph. Rob gave the car a look. It was doubtful that he would be able to fold his frame into such a small car. His bones ached at the thought of it.
“Well, happen I might have to strap yer to the top of th’ car. That might work-”
“This always happens.”
“What women throwing themselves at your feet, trying to do stuff for you? Must be such a hard life, mate.”
Rob was just about to protest when he saw the twinkle in Trev’s eye. Perhaps it was just his rather taciturn turn of humour.
“Look, I can heft my bags if it’s a problem.”
“No fear, Lizzie’ll have my guts if she heard I left you to fend for yerself. She’s me fiancee, yer see. A lovely lass but ye don’t want to get on th’ wrong side of ‘er and that’s a fact. Don’t you fret lad, I’ll drop yer bags off and if you want to stretch yer legs, I’ll say no more on it. We’ll keep it to ourselves.”
Rob could hardly disagree with that. “Done-”
“I’ll see thee at the big house. Just follow this road but turn at the traffic lights towards the lake. Ye can’t miss it.”
“Thanks.”
Rob enjoyed his walk taking the scenery of his new home for that foreseeable future. So this is Glasslake! Not bad at all. It was a great opportunity. The chance to work on some meaty main roles and far away from the distraction of the town. At least other will be pleased I will be free of distractions of the town.
About half a mile down the road he decided to stop for a glass of lemonade and a snack. Why not, I’m no great hurry to get there. I may as well take my time he thought to himself.
There was a village pub that looked promising...
“Oh I am so terribly sorry. I am so clumsy!”
He took another look at the woman. She was younger than he’s first thought just into her twenties. It was just that horrific lumpy dress she was wearing. She had mousy blond hair that was all mussed from their collision, a strong stolid face. She wasn’t pretty but it was an interesting face, all strong bones and firm chin. Almost heroic in a strange way.
“No harm done, Ma’am”
“Ma’am? She laughed, a lovely resonant rich sound that carried across the street. Idly Rob wondered whether she might possibly be a singer. “Now you’re making me sound old!”
“Please let me buy you a drink to make up for my blunder.”
She seemed to shrink away from the suggestion . Rob wondered what he had said to offend her so suddenly.
“You don’t have to do do that.” She said.
“It’s just a drink, there’s no need to over react!”
“I really can’t. I’m sorry”
Who on earth was that?
Flora could help thinking about that stranger as she hurried away to the grocers. Fancy meeting a gorgeous man like that looking a state! Her most unflattering and ancient dress, messy hair and those godawful shoes. She cringed at the thought. He must have thought I was some crazy cat lady from the village. He was possibly the most beautiful man she ever seen. As gorgeous as Errol Flynn or Basil Rathbone in their prime. Oh he could sweep me off my feet any time!
Don't be silly Flora. As if a dreamboat like that would ever look twice at you?”
“Have you seen the new Don Giovanni. I think casting has excelled itself!”
“What are you talking ‘bout?”
“Pay attention, Florrie! The new Baritone arrived today.”
“He is a dreamboat! Oh lord you have no idea!”
“Blonde, blue eyed with such a beautiful face.”
“That doesn’t sound that manly does it?” She couldn’t help thinking of that good looking stranger she had bumped into in the village. Could it be the same man. Coming to work here? Working opposite her. She cringed inwardly at her awkwardness and rudeness to him that day.
“You have no idea. If he sings as good as he looks you wouldn’t even have to act. I’d let that man get me into all sorts of trouble with not the slightest bit of regret!”
“You’re engaged, Angela!” Mavis exclaimed with big scandalised eyes.
“Like you wouldn’t Mavis!” She retorted with a grin. “You’d be first in there.”
“For him, I’d ask my hubby for a pass!”
They all laughed complicit little laughs of desire and complicity.
“He’s probably super bigheaded if all you women are practically drooling all over him!” Flora observed.
“Well Lizzie in the village was talking about his arrival.” Confided Julie eager to be the centre of attention. “-apparently he was going to walk here. She made Trev give him a lift. He seemed to think he was a decent chap.”
Flora couldn’t help but wonder how a tall man like this Rob Pemberly would get into Trev’s dilapidated old Triumph. Surely it was impossible! That explained what he was doing wandering through the village. She made a mental note to ask Tom when she got home.
“He seems pretty down to earth. I think he’ll fit in well here.”
“I probably won’t get to work with him. I’m only second cast , remember?”
“Ah well, you might be surprised. I think Mr Bolshevijian is keen to give one of our home grown sopranos a chance on the big stage. More than just a night or two on stage. I think this might be your chance. Your ticket to the big time. Just imagine.”
“It’s just a pipe dream-”
“Really Florrie, you must stop so much of a pessimist. Good things do happen when it’s least expected. You just mark my words. This could be it!”
“Mr Bolshevijian?”
The boss stopped as he made his progress through the house. “Ms Monaghan, how can I help you?”
“There was talk of one of our homegrown getting a chance at some roles this season. First cast.”
He gave her an appraising look. “And you believe you would be suitable?”
“Yes, Sir-” she looked almost expecting to mock and brush her off a a timewaster. To her surprise Mr Bolshevijian seemed inclined to listen to her.
“I imagine there will be auditions in a forthnight. Now that we have our Baritone and tenor. Put yourself forward and let’s see what happens. eh?”
I don't know how I feel about this, to be honest.
Anyway what else is going on. I have to leave home in about an hour because I have to go hand out leaflets at work again. I need to do a mini-review of that random 'La Faniciulla del West' production I watched, and I really want to hit at least 15k tonight, and 20k by tomorrow to get myself back on track.I also need to find that Russell Braddon bio of Joan since I will probably be using that as some kind of source.
I really do need to work on my synopsis. Make sure I have enough scenes to fill this out. I don't really want this to be a long novel. I think 75-80k would be ideal and that's what I'm aiming for.
What I'm going to do is include a snippet and I would really appreciate a couple of f-list opinions? Pretty please? I just want to know that I'm on the right track. It's like I know what I want the story to be, since it is based on the Sutherland/Callas story. I have changed things significantly though and developed the characters to be different. I didn't just whack the two characters into an RPS story. Tom and Rob are facets of Ricky and there isn't really an equivalent of Pierre. Anyway here's the excerpt.
“So have we got our Don Giovanni yet? You’re not going for Ifans?” Edwin asked Sergei. It had been a long meeting but they had to settle this soon.
“I hope they don’t get him in, he’s such a sleaze.” Miss Painsworth opined.
“And I’m convinced he drinks.” added Edwin putting his two penn’orth in.
“What about him?” Miss Painsworth said pointing at the next head shot.
“No, he’s too old for the role and he took an age to get off book. I need someone competent enough to run with it.”
“What about him?”
“Gino Devery? Couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag. No!”
“No I have someone fabulous in mind. All the way from America.”
“Really? America. You had to get a Yank in? The press won’t like that.” She said looking down her pince-nez in disapproval. “You know how they like to cluck about home-grown talent.”
Sergei smiled smug as ever. Confident in the knowledge of his secret weapon.
“Trust me when you see this guy you will completely understand. He is perfect in every single way. The company won’t know what hit it.”
He slid the final headshot across the table. Painsworth let out a breathy little giggle at the sight of the young man pictured.
“Really, Edwin , you have excelled yourself. Him as Don Giovanni and the Count! He’ll be a sensation. Every woman in the audience will want that man.”
“Can he sing?” Sergei asked.
“Oh yes. Lovely rich baritone, smooth as butter. He’s performed at San Francisco and Dallas Opera. Done a couple of recordings. Here, his agent sent a sample.”
He switched on the record player.
“We have our man, that is if he is willing to come out here.”
“Oh yes, he’s keen. By all accounts he’s eager to get away from the distractions of town.”
Rob Pemberley got off the train and hefted his suitcases.
“Say, you couldn’t tell me how to get to Glasslake Opera theatre could you?” he asked treating the ticket to his most charming smile.
As soon as she looked up she melted. Dazzled by the golden blonde hair and blue eyes of this gorgeous giant stood in front of her. He was a Nordic god come to life. That smile was like being bathed in sunshine. Even though she was engaged, her cheeks coloured at the thought of kissing this man, just once. That knowing sleepy sexy smile, the sweep of his very blue eyes, the long lashes that framed them. He’s as pretty as a picture. He almost doesn’t seem quite real.
“Sir, it’s about a mile from here. Why don’t I call you a taxi? It’s a bit of a way-” she said, staring at the man as if she would love to eat him up with a spoon.
“No need. I want to see the scenery. Get a feel of the place since I’m going to be here for a while.”
“Eh, Trev, you’re off in a moment ain’t you?”
“Aye, miss?”
“Would you be as kind as to drop this gentleman at Glasslake. For me? Please.”
“Really there’s no need to put yourself for me. I’m perfectly capable.”
“Oh no, there’s no trouble at all! I absolutely insist!”
Trev humped his bags into the back of his triumph. Rob gave the car a look. It was doubtful that he would be able to fold his frame into such a small car. His bones ached at the thought of it.
“Well, happen I might have to strap yer to the top of th’ car. That might work-”
“This always happens.”
“What women throwing themselves at your feet, trying to do stuff for you? Must be such a hard life, mate.”
Rob was just about to protest when he saw the twinkle in Trev’s eye. Perhaps it was just his rather taciturn turn of humour.
“Look, I can heft my bags if it’s a problem.”
“No fear, Lizzie’ll have my guts if she heard I left you to fend for yerself. She’s me fiancee, yer see. A lovely lass but ye don’t want to get on th’ wrong side of ‘er and that’s a fact. Don’t you fret lad, I’ll drop yer bags off and if you want to stretch yer legs, I’ll say no more on it. We’ll keep it to ourselves.”
Rob could hardly disagree with that. “Done-”
“I’ll see thee at the big house. Just follow this road but turn at the traffic lights towards the lake. Ye can’t miss it.”
“Thanks.”
Rob enjoyed his walk taking the scenery of his new home for that foreseeable future. So this is Glasslake! Not bad at all. It was a great opportunity. The chance to work on some meaty main roles and far away from the distraction of the town. At least other will be pleased I will be free of distractions of the town.
About half a mile down the road he decided to stop for a glass of lemonade and a snack. Why not, I’m no great hurry to get there. I may as well take my time he thought to himself.
There was a village pub that looked promising...
“Oh I am so terribly sorry. I am so clumsy!”
He took another look at the woman. She was younger than he’s first thought just into her twenties. It was just that horrific lumpy dress she was wearing. She had mousy blond hair that was all mussed from their collision, a strong stolid face. She wasn’t pretty but it was an interesting face, all strong bones and firm chin. Almost heroic in a strange way.
“No harm done, Ma’am”
“Ma’am? She laughed, a lovely resonant rich sound that carried across the street. Idly Rob wondered whether she might possibly be a singer. “Now you’re making me sound old!”
“Please let me buy you a drink to make up for my blunder.”
She seemed to shrink away from the suggestion . Rob wondered what he had said to offend her so suddenly.
“You don’t have to do do that.” She said.
“It’s just a drink, there’s no need to over react!”
“I really can’t. I’m sorry”
Who on earth was that?
Flora could help thinking about that stranger as she hurried away to the grocers. Fancy meeting a gorgeous man like that looking a state! Her most unflattering and ancient dress, messy hair and those godawful shoes. She cringed at the thought. He must have thought I was some crazy cat lady from the village. He was possibly the most beautiful man she ever seen. As gorgeous as Errol Flynn or Basil Rathbone in their prime. Oh he could sweep me off my feet any time!
Don't be silly Flora. As if a dreamboat like that would ever look twice at you?”
“Have you seen the new Don Giovanni. I think casting has excelled itself!”
“What are you talking ‘bout?”
“Pay attention, Florrie! The new Baritone arrived today.”
“He is a dreamboat! Oh lord you have no idea!”
“Blonde, blue eyed with such a beautiful face.”
“That doesn’t sound that manly does it?” She couldn’t help thinking of that good looking stranger she had bumped into in the village. Could it be the same man. Coming to work here? Working opposite her. She cringed inwardly at her awkwardness and rudeness to him that day.
“You have no idea. If he sings as good as he looks you wouldn’t even have to act. I’d let that man get me into all sorts of trouble with not the slightest bit of regret!”
“You’re engaged, Angela!” Mavis exclaimed with big scandalised eyes.
“Like you wouldn’t Mavis!” She retorted with a grin. “You’d be first in there.”
“For him, I’d ask my hubby for a pass!”
They all laughed complicit little laughs of desire and complicity.
“He’s probably super bigheaded if all you women are practically drooling all over him!” Flora observed.
“Well Lizzie in the village was talking about his arrival.” Confided Julie eager to be the centre of attention. “-apparently he was going to walk here. She made Trev give him a lift. He seemed to think he was a decent chap.”
Flora couldn’t help but wonder how a tall man like this Rob Pemberly would get into Trev’s dilapidated old Triumph. Surely it was impossible! That explained what he was doing wandering through the village. She made a mental note to ask Tom when she got home.
“He seems pretty down to earth. I think he’ll fit in well here.”
“I probably won’t get to work with him. I’m only second cast , remember?”
“Ah well, you might be surprised. I think Mr Bolshevijian is keen to give one of our home grown sopranos a chance on the big stage. More than just a night or two on stage. I think this might be your chance. Your ticket to the big time. Just imagine.”
“It’s just a pipe dream-”
“Really Florrie, you must stop so much of a pessimist. Good things do happen when it’s least expected. You just mark my words. This could be it!”
“Mr Bolshevijian?”
The boss stopped as he made his progress through the house. “Ms Monaghan, how can I help you?”
“There was talk of one of our homegrown getting a chance at some roles this season. First cast.”
He gave her an appraising look. “And you believe you would be suitable?”
“Yes, Sir-” she looked almost expecting to mock and brush her off a a timewaster. To her surprise Mr Bolshevijian seemed inclined to listen to her.
“I imagine there will be auditions in a forthnight. Now that we have our Baritone and tenor. Put yourself forward and let’s see what happens. eh?”
I don't know how I feel about this, to be honest.
Anyway what else is going on. I have to leave home in about an hour because I have to go hand out leaflets at work again. I need to do a mini-review of that random 'La Faniciulla del West' production I watched, and I really want to hit at least 15k tonight, and 20k by tomorrow to get myself back on track.I also need to find that Russell Braddon bio of Joan since I will probably be using that as some kind of source.
