Excitement…and no, it is not an Orgasm

I’m brimming with excitement at the moment. I only have five more chapters to write and the first draft of the novel is complete. But what I’m most happy about is the passion that has come back to me regarding this novel. For the past couple of weeks, I have lost interest in this project, simply because I thought I had written a steaming pile of crap and it was going to take a ridiculous amount of time to rectify. I knew I needed feedback from someone else to see what exactly needed to be improved for the novel to be successful to its target audience. So I sent the first few chapters to my friend Chris.

To my surprise, he loved it, calling it “excellent”. He said the characters are well fleshed out and that there are exciting incidents and surprises, as well as tension, heartbreak and motives. He couldn’t find fault, which for me was a shame because I really wanted to improve and raise it to exceptional. But alas, I can’t improve if people reading it give no reason for me to improve. I will however, read the entire thing when all the chapters are done and then try and expand and elaborate on some parts.

So far, I added a new chapter after the 2nd and then tweaked the following chapters here and there. Unfortunately, I have a feeling the entire thing will add up to roughly 70,000 words, which is a bad thing as I intend for it to be at least 80,000. But I do have ideas for the beginning bit, as I feel it could be expanded, for the travellers are being followed and I have not really shown that. The part where the enemy turns up suddenly is too abrupt and vague and the beginning bit can do with some parts that lead up to the surprise.

Other than that, I’ve been applying for more jobs. Annoyingly, I got an email from the University of Birmingham, who informed me that I have not got the library job. Drat. Seriously, what does it take to beat competition in the job hunting field? Well, I suppose it’s the almighty bastard…Experience, something that is rarely handed out to job hunting virgins. Not that I have never worked before, I have during the summer holidays. But not a lot of it, unfortunately.

I have also spent my spare time watching Entourage with my older brother. I’m not sure how he got the DVDs of the first and second seasons…he either borrowed it from my cousin or randomly bought them. Either way, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that I’m addicted to the show.

Of course, the L.A look is all exciting with it sun-polished beaches, glossy skyscrapers and Motor Show cars. But what draws me to the show is the chemistry between the actors, their pranks and name-calling all too characteristic of typical male friendships (Yes, I should know as I have a lot of male friends) Not to mention the hilarious performances from Jeremy Priven who plays the agent and Kevin Dillon, who plays the actor’s brother. I would highly recommend it. Although, if you dislike nudity, promiscuous girls and player behaviour, I suggest you keep away. And if you have seriously low self esteem regarding your appearance or lifestyle; then definitely keep away.

For those who are interested, I included a clip of Jeremy Piven aka Ari Gold's best moments from Entourage. Enjoy!