Updates on the book and some lessons learned.

With the end of Act I almost complete, it was time for a pause and regroup. Counting words is not enough anymore; a sum of cells does not translate into a being, after all. Therefore, many other ingredients are required.

Planning: One of the most challenging things for me is the pace at which information is given to the reader. After 11 chapters, I lost track of what I had already mentioned and what I hadn’t. So I required a serious re-reading time and a tracking system that worked.

In the meantime, I’ve discovered that Plottr, after all, is not for me. I don’t use it enough, I don’t know where I store the information, and I keep searching without finding it. I’ve decided to decommission it for the time being and will use what I am proficient in: Word documents, Excel, and a notebook.

Looked for some tips from other authors online, mixed it up with my preferences, and have a system going. I’m not sure if it will hold until the end of the book, but for now, it’s okay.

English review: A challenge I was unaware of. English is not my native language, but I have lived in English for more than 10 years. All I read and write is English, but the challenge remains real and very specific: my insecurities. I need to confirm that I am using words and expressions correctly at every step of the way, which hampers my writing rhythm.

Maybe I should have chosen to write this book in Portuguese; I used to write beautifully in my language. But I cannot anymore. So, I often feel like a foreigner, inadequate everywhere. I can no longer use proper Portuguese, but I may still not be proficient enough in English to use it properly at all times.

Critical plot questions: Without an agent, I’m unsure how to solve this one. Yes, my friends can read my drafts; some of them are avid readers, so I’m sure to receive valuable tips. However, they are still my friends, not literary agents. I’ve started reading some books about writing, and I am continuing with Masterclasses, although I’m unsure if it will be enough. I need to find a local writers’ club, but I’m procrastinating.

These are the current challenges and how I am addressing them. For the second book, it will be easier, and that reassures me that I am indeed doing the right thing by starting now and taking my time.