http://phywriter.com/archives/2004/11/01/chapter-one-enter-alacrity/ I've started, reaching 2410 words already today. It's sappy, it's pulpy, it's probably just so much dreck, but hey, it's hot off the presses and it's mine. The goal for today was to start the novel and start to introduce some of the main characters. Keep in mind also that 50k words is a metric ton of words and I wanted to embellish while I can - if I do edit this, I'm sure I'll end up with a fraction of what's currently here. At this stage of the game, I'm just throwing whatever I can up against the wall to see what will stick - I can edit it down later. Here's the first snip: [quote] "They're doing a mass launch tomorrow, fifty of these ships >from across the South Brittanic. This particular ship is neither the largest nor the most versatile of the fleet, but she is the fastest, and she is capable of being helmed by a relatively small crew. She is perfect for our purposes." He looked around him then for what could only be considered dramatic tension. "Besides," he said, "which other band such as ours has this?" and he produced a piece of paper bearing the distinctive arms of Her Majesty herself. "What's that," grunted Bola, a strange sound for one as beautiful yet dangerous as she was. "He produced a Writ from the Queen Herself, giving one Cooper Flynn sway to fight the Steampunk Armada in any way he sees fit," grinned Eggplant, who proved himself in that moment to be weird but not dense. "Oh yeah? What's a writ?" blustered Bola, who proved herself dense but not weird. The Captain neatly refolded the ornate paper and stowed it away inside his short jacket. "Why, it's nothing less than tacit permission to assume control of this vessel," he grinned, "which is exactly what I intend to do." He looked around him then, meeting the eyes of everyone in his little crew. "Gentleme… gentle peo… huh." He gave a quiet chuckle, shook his head, and tried again. "Does everyone have their gloves?" Everyone gave their nod of assent with the exception of Eggplant, who didn't bother, being informed ahead of time that he was taking a different path. "Ok, this is our night," he said "Let's take what's ours, with alacrity". "What's alcrety," whispered Humble, softly. "That's the name of the ship, you dullard," said Bola with a sneer. That nearly set the Captain into a fit of laughing. With a great smile on his face, he rose as he straightened up and tested his harness. "My friends", he said, "let's fly." With that, he nimbly ran forward and slapped his chest, rising off the ground as he did. He gracefully grabbed a tether line and smoothly rose at an angle up into the darkness toward the unsuspecting ship. "Keen, it works, " observed Chain quietly.[/quote] There are links to the full chapter thus far at the site. Thanks in advance for being a part of all this. Johne (Phy) Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . johne cook wisconsin, usa johne.cook at gmail.com / jcook at apostate.com http://www.phywriter.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .