Grobug Tales CH 11 III| Story Over Everything 041

Join MJ for his daily writing log and a brief discussion on building that buffer.

#amwriting #writer #author #WIP

TOPICS

CHAPTERS
0:00:00 – INTRO
0:00:59 – 10-28-2023 10 MINUTE WRITING
0:02:26 – 10-29-2023 10MW
0:03:11 – 10-30-2023 10MW
0:03:51 – 10-31-2023 10MW
0:04:50 – 11-01-2023 10MW
0:06:01 – 11-02-2023 10MW
0:07:06 – REFLECTIONS
0:17:56 – OUTRO

PLAYLIST

October 28-November 03 Author’s Log Text

October 28, 2023 – XV

But what am I going to do? I don’t have anything to me the way Watcher Hum does. But I have to do something. I don’t think she can keep this up much longer. Think! Think! Think! “Yes!” Quiver worried for a moment that he had been too loud, but realized the sounds of fighting were far more loud than him. He watched them again to work out the timing and approach that would give him the best chance to do the most good.

Quiver concentrated and grasped the nest where it was tied together. He knew the binding would hold the entire nest together while he did his maneuver. The [Hide Nests] were designed to withstand nudging and even being crashed into. The clever construction fascinated him and he had asked Grunt a lot of questions about how the structures held together and what kinds of stress they were able to handle. I’ll need to get the timing right on this. I doubt I’ll get another shot at this. From up above the fighting, Quiver held the [Hide Nest] above and carefully considered the best target. The higher he went, the more damage it would do, but the better chance there was of missing the Mockwings all together.

[10 minutes, 209 Words]

October 29, 2023 – XVI

“Luz, guide my mark.” Quiver dropped the [hiding nest] and pivoted to look down. It grazed one invader and redirected into a direct hit on a second, knocking it out of the battle. He whooped triumphantly and several pairs of eyes snapped to him. Hum laughed. The grazed enemy bolted to meet Quiver. Uh oh! Quiver darted behind the nearest tree for cover. The night was still long and he hoped the shadows would be enough to hide him.

[10 minutes, 79 Words]

October 30, 2023 – XVII

Chirp snapped from her daze. She felt a sharp pain cut through her consciousness. “I’m OK now.”

“Hmm?” Glimmer asked.

I’m OK. I can keep up on my own.” Chirp pulled at Glimmer’s [Radiant Arm] which had a firm grasp on her to keep her with the fleeing Grobugs.

“Very well.” Glimmer released her. “When we make camp again, remember to talk to me if you feel up to it.”

“I will.” If I make it back…

[10 minutes, 75 Words]

October 31, 2023 – XVIII

Chirp looked turned to leave.

Shush noticed and made a beeline for her “Is everything alright, Cadet?”

“Yes. I mean -“

“I understand, Chirp. It’s what we must do. Take heart, child. We will persist.” A fresh bought of blubbering and wailing broke out from the front end of the caravan. Shush turned to see who it was “I’ll check back on you soon.” Then turned back. “You’re one of the toughest Grobugs I’ve ever met. You’ll be fine.” Shush rushed off to attend to the others.

Am I really that tough? If I am, what am I doing here? I should be there with Quiver and Watcher Hum. It’s my fault she’s in trouble and Quiver is too timid to do what he needs to do.

What would Quiver do of he wanted to break away from the group?

[10 minutes, 139 Words]

November 1, 2023 – XIX

He would go along as long as possible and then just slip away. So that’s what I’ll do when the time is right.

Chirp made her way back to the fight as quickly as she could. She slowed once she heard the din of battle. As she drew closer she was surprised to see Hum fighting three Mockwings. Hadn’t there only been three before? Were these the same ones? They couldn’t be. There was a fourth one flying around a tree on the outskirts of the canopy. She was distracted from the battle by the strange behavior of the attacker. What was it after? Then she saw it. A flash of light here. Then wings and shadow. Then another flash. Yes, it was Quiver! He was hiding from one of the monstrous birds and the bird was chasing after him. No surprise he’s hiding. I’d probably be doing the same, alone against one of them. Hum looks OK for now, but Quiver need my help. Maybe we can help Hum once we’re done beating that thing.

[10 minutes, 176 Words]

November 2, 2023 – XX

Chirp burst out from behind leaves and charged at the Mockwing that pursued him. It flinched as he sparked and shone brightly, dashing towards its face. It jerked away and crashed into a bough it hadn’t been able to see. Am I really gonna do this? Chirp pivoted and pursued his pursuer. [Light arms] grabbed at leaves and twigs, ripping them from the branches and he cast them at the bird. No good. Between his meager strength, the lightness of the flora and the size of the bird, it was not an effective strategy.

Chirp blazed towards the Mockwing, hooping and hollering as she did. It actually turned and gawked at her for a few moments before she bashed through it.

“Chirp!”

“You were great!”

“So were you!”

“Naturally!”

“We need to go help Hum.”

“I know. I saw her when I-“

Chirp was cut off by an twisted echo of her battle cry.

[12 minutes, 154 Words]

November 3, 2023

DNW

[X minutes, Y Words]

Blog Summary of Podcast

Building a Content Buffer for Consistent Output as a Writer

Consistency is Key for Serialized Stories

For writers, consistency is crucial. Avid readers look forward to new installments of their favorite ongoing stories or series. Maintaining a steady release schedule keeps them engaged. However, real life often interrupts creative plans. Illness, busy schedules, or writer’s block can derail writing momentum.

What is a Content Buffer?

That’s why I’ve started intentionally developing a content buffer for my projects. A buffer entails creating a backlog of material that I can space out publishing over time. This provides flexibility in case of disruptions. I know I have content ready when life happens.

Generating Material for My Buffer

Recently, I did 10-minute writing sprints to generate new passages for my middle grade fantasy series Grow Bug Tales. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear short excerpts from that writing. However, I’m only releasing them now in November, weeks later. This lag time enabled me to stockpile content I can draw from.

Why a Buffer is Invaluable

Building a substantive buffer requires discipline and time management. But it’s invaluable for serialized stories. Inevitable obstacles arise that stall creativity temporarily. A buffer smooths out those lulls for your audience. They still get regular content while you recharge.

Consistency Takes Planning

Consistency takes strategy and planning. My buffer is a work in progress, but an important one. Let me know any tips you have for maintaining steady output as a writer!

Coming Up Next!

Next week, I’ll add to my buffer with a Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban “Skimming Leaves” edition of this podcast.

Grobug Tales CH 11 III| Story Over Everything 041