Why Am I Publishing My Novel Online - for Free ?

Queen of Chaos said...     (In the Comment Section on Chapter 43)

Woah! You're posting your book on your blog? I have never seen this before! I must go back to previous posts and find out the answer. ;)

I think you're brave. Aren't you afraid of copyrite laws- even though you wrote Copyrite 2011 at the top of each post?

Guess I'm just a little worried for you.

But, besides me being worried, I'm excited to read your book right here on your blog!

My response:
Thank you for your kind words Autumn. I think that you raise a good question - one that I've thought about a lot. Here is my lengthy answer.

I decided to open-publish my fiction novel, "In Ravenscrag's Shadow", on my blog for a few significant reasons.

My first reason was that I loved writing this novel and didn't want to keep all the fun I had doing it to myself. At the beginning, I wasn't sure if I would ever publish the book (in print), so I thought, "Why not". Truth be told, I only spent about three and a half months creating "In Ravenscrag's Shadow", so if someone did try to 'rip me off', at least the loss wouldn't be unbearable. That said, however, Blogger puts date & time stamps on every post, so proving that this manuscript was mine first would be a no brainer (not to mention my original notes).

My second reason was that I hoped to soon publish my non-fiction book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off" and felt that with my lifestyle of working all the time, I needed an advertising / promotion tool that didn't involve travelling around to do book signings. I thought that publishing "In Ravenscrag's Shadow" on line would assist me in getting noticed - hopefully in a positive light. Since I have a worldwide readership on my blog, I hope that at least some of my visitors are entertained. I also hope that my readers will tell their friends about a free online novel that their children can read without fear of moral contamination to their young minds.

My third reason was to give a little back to the online writing community. I have personally benefited from the words of many others but have never seen anyone offer to show me their writing-in-progress. As an author, I felt to keep all my unedited words to myself, so I decided to breach my comfort zone and let those who might be interested see a part of my creative process. The novel, you are reading here in this blog, has been edited only by me. It is my raw writing and my very first attempt at fiction writing in excess of 1,000 words as well as well as my very first novel. ("Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off" is a collection of historical, autobiographical short stories.)

My fourth reason was that I thought that "In Ravenscrag's Shadow" did need a little fine tuning, and what better way to get some helpful feedback than to put it out there for the world to read and respond to. (As awesome as it might be to do it, I'm not naive enough to believe that I could write a fiction best seller on my first attempt - only in my dreams.) Once the book concludes with Chapter 45 (on Feb 26th) I'm going to re-edit the manuscript with consideration given to any comments that you, my readers offer. In November, I printed and hand-bound one copy of "In Ravenscrag's Shadow" which has been read by several friends.

Once the feedback is all in and I've completed my next edit, I plan to submit the manuscript to a publisher or two. If I get no takers, I'll probably self publish and offer the book for sale on Amazon - or, I might just produce hand-bound copies at home. Or perhaps both. It is a lot of fun to transform a bunch of pages into a real book!

So there you have it... It's been a rewarding, fulfilling, exciting, scary, demanding and fun experience to publish "In Ravenscrag's Shadow" online and I figure... what's the point of creating if I don't enjoy it to the max and climb a little way out of my comfort zone! If you enjoy reading this novel half as much as I enjoyed creating it, then I'll smile in gratitude, draw in a big breath, exhale slowly and feel very satisfied!


Thank you all for visiting my blog!!!

My Fiction Novel - "In Ravenscrag's Shadow" - Chapter 1

58,086!!! That is the number of words in my finished 1^st draft of “In Ravenscrag’s Shadow”, the adventure fiction novel I undertook to create on November 9^th, 2007.

In November of 2009, I passed the 50,000-word mark and claimed the 2009 NaNoWriMo Winner’s Award. Yay! The story however, was not yet completed but as of March 28, 2010 the 1^st draft is finally finished. Now all that remains is some editing - mostly to make sure I have character continuity. Once that’s completed, I plan to publish the novel online for you all to read - and hopefully enjoy.

Here is the first chapter to put you in the mood.

In Ravenscrag’s Shadow

by

Davis L. Bigelow

Copyright 2010

Chapter 1

“Grab my other hand Stan!” Glen screamed, the muscles of his neck knotting under the strain. Stan’s feet flailed desperately against the crumbling rock face as he fought for a footing. A big man, Stan was dangling nearly ten feet from the vicious looking rocks below. His only support was the hand of his good friend Glen McPherson. At first glance, Glen was not large enough to do the job demanded by this disaster, but he was stronger than he appeared. Of Scottish decent, Glen was wiry and resolute.

The determined Scotsman perched atop a narrow ledge of jagged rock. His booted feet were planted as firmly as they could be, considering there was only enough room for his heels. He was hunched over; knees bent and his right hand stretching awkwardly below the level of his boots. Panting from the effort, Glen’s free hand reached downward from the narrow ledge. He tried desperately to reach Stan’s other hand. For a split second, their eyes met and time stood still. Then Stan lunged. It was more of a squirm than a lunge, but his free hand shot out to grab Glen’s outstretched one, and their sweating finger tips locked together. Stan was going to make it!

The second their fingers locked, Glen McPherson surged with all the power he could muster. Glen’s brain was screaming. His flexing muscles attempted to drag Stan to safety, but they would not respond. Stan was just too heavy! “I can’t… pull… you… up!” Came Glen’s staccato voice through his clenched teeth. Below him, Stan’s eyes widened with fear! What options did he have left? Suddenly, the big man had an idea. A grin flickered across Stan’s sweaty face and he shouted out.

“Hold tight Glen!” He was breathing heavily, almost gasping for air. “I’m going to pull back… to get a toe hold.” Stan Calderbank glanced furtively in the direction of his swinging feet and located a tiny point of protruding stone. He tentatively touched the weathered rock with the black tip of his hiking boot. Cautiously, he began to pull back.

Above him, Glen McPherson gritted his teeth and tossed his head back. In the struggle, his hiking hat had already fallen to the rocks below. The intense summer sun blinded his eyes and glared off his shiny bald spot. Glen had heard his desperate friend, but his mind was too occupied to reply. At this point, the small man was frantic to find any kind of mental or mechanical advantage. The muscles of his tanned arms were quivering. Bluish veins bulged out in inadequate response. Sweat trickled down his prominent nose and onto his wire spectacles. His wrists burned! Glen squeezed his eyes shut and dug deep inside for a final encore of power. He must hold on if he would save his friend. Glen knew that Stan would give one mighty pull before it was over. “You can do it!” Glen muttered to himself through clenched teeth. He drew in a deep breath and held it, every muscle in his body taught and on high alert.

Stan looked upwards. His toe was now firmly placed on the knot of rock. He just needed to grab the ledge where Glen stood anchored. It was only four tiny inches away! Stan could no longer see Glen’s face, but the trembling limbs said it all. If he would escape falling, it was now or never! “Ok Glen!” He roared. “One big pull!” Stan sucked in a final breath of precious air. “ One… two… three!”

With fluid precision, Stan Calderbank leaned back hard, instantly putting pressure on his foot and pushing. His thick thigh muscle propelled him upwards toward the ledge. It was within reach! He released Glen’s left hand and seized it with his right! “Yes!”

With the release of his left hand, Glen’s head began to snap back. Then the unthinkable happened. Just under his planted heels, the ledge gave way! Glen was helplessly airborne!

The insensitive effects of gravity took over, and before either of the men could react, Glen’s backside came down hard on Stan’s fingertips! Glen’s right boot struck a piece of out of sight flesh! From somewhere below him Stan screamed out in pain, but Glen had more pressing issues to contend with. Both his hands were now free. Glen scrapped frantically at the crumbling rock for a handhold. Nothing! Suddenly, the short trip to jar his tailbone on the fractured ledge became an all out terror ride! The remaining fragments of the ledge crumbled into thin air!

“Aaaaaah!” Glen screamed, but then he felt a mighty crunch against the back of his head. Helplessly, he was falling through the warm, alpine air as his world went black.

A New Year of Possibilities

Hi everyone,

I hope the Christmas and New Years celebrations were great for you all!! Mine were wonderful! I did a great many things in 2008, and here is my lengthy account of the highlights:

During the summer, Diana and I were privileged to join in a family reunion, held in Kelowna, B.C. We had a stellar time! Games, stories, late night visits, photo opps, kayaking and more gave us cherished memories of loved ones we don’t often see. Our next reunion is planned for 2011.

The year of 2008 saw my manuscript, “3 Seconds On, 3 Seconds Off – Volume I”, go through ten edits in all. Seven of them were by me. Now I am waiting for a final review prior to publication. Volume 2 is already under way.

As the year progressed, I went scuba diving seven times (and got my certification), sailing twice, kayaking three times, rock climbing once, snowshoeing twice and hiking three times. I also began the hobby of low-relief woodcarving. I have one carving project in progress and plan to finish it soon.

As for theatrical events, Diana and I attended “Corteo – Cirque Du Soleil”, “Corb Lund”, “Anne Murray”, and “The Vinyl Café”. All performances were excellent!
In April and May, Diana and I repainted our upstairs bathroom and refinished our oak living room floor. Both rooms look great! With the living room looking good, we bought our very first new couch, love seat & chair set. After making do for 26 years, the new matching leather furniture is definitely appreciated.

On February 2, 2008, we bid farewell to President Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In my life, President Gordon B. Hinckley has been a profound influence, leading me by example as well as inspiring me with the spoken word to try to stand a little taller and be a little kinder. While I have sometimes forgotten his wise council, I have also sometimes succeeded in practicing it. My small successes continue to give me hope. I will miss his wise words.

In May, I was approached by a fellow author and asked to contribute a short story for a book she was trying to assemble about family home evenings. I felt deeply honoured and eagerly accepted the challenge. (Family Home Evening is a program our church advocates. It involves gathering the entire family each Monday night for singing, a spiritually uplifting lesson, fun activities and, of course, a sweet desert.) The upcoming book will be called “Famous Family Nights”. The book has 88 contributors in all, and is expected to be released in the Fall of 2009. I am very excited about this project. The piece I contributed is called, “Six Squirming Children On A Lighthouse”. I'll post more when I know more.

On June 5th, my Mother was trying to work in our garden when she fell, breaking her neck. She was alone, but the Lord was there to help her with a few miracles. Mom got up, supporting her head with her hands, walked out to the street, flagged down a car & rode to the hospital. The break in her neck was described by the specialist as “the worst possible break you can get”! We are grateful her life was spared. Mom spent three months in a halo and is now doing very well. She can even drive around our small town (when snow & ice are not covering the streets). Mom will turn 78 this year.

Diana’s Mother is still battling cancer (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) & its complications - kidney failure being the most prominent. She also has a defibrillator/pace maker in her chest to help with her Mio-Cardiopathy (heart condition). Late this past spring, Diana spent nearly a month with her parents. They live 1900 miles (3000km) away. I stayed home to work, but the lengthy visit was worth my minor sacrifice. So far, Mom is surviving, but we know that that could change quickly. Diana’s Dad is feeling pretty stressed too. Go figure? From so far away, about all we can do is make phone calls & pray. We do lots of both. Diana’s sister lives an hour away from them, so that helps calm our worries.

From November 1st to the 30th, I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) I wrote 30,902 additional words on an adventure novel that I began in November 2007. The fiction novel, “In Ravenscrag’s Shadow” now contains 45,540 words. Once I get my real book in circulation, I may publish this tale too.

For Christmas, Diana gave me a book about boat building techniques. "The Boat Builder's Apprentice" was a sweet read, and I conjured and imagined up more dreams than I could achieve in a lifetime. Still, I plan on building something boat-like this year, but my plans are currently caught in a swirling pool of possibility! I think I will first construct a pontoon (an ama for those who know the term) to use along side one of my kayaks. The outrigger will be relatively easy to make and I already have my basic plans drawn up. Once the frozen outdoors warm up a bit, I will commandeer the garage and get to work on the hull. The other boat I am listing towards is a fast, fibreglass kayak. No matter what I decide, I'll post photos of whatever I do.

Before I sign off, I wish you all a wonderful year for 2009. I hope you and yours will embrace happiness and enjoy good health. I hope you will find success in your plans and projects, but most of all, I hope you and I will all be found contributing positive things to our wonderful world!! God bless you all, and thank you for visiting my virtual world.

The Manuscript's In The Mail

Merry Christmas everyone,
I hope all of you are healthy, happy and terrific! I certainly am. I wish you all a cool Yule and a frantic 1st!
As most of you already know, I have been working over my manuscript for "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume 1" since the end of July 2008. I carefully went through the manuscript four complete times, in these past five months, reading (aloud) many hundreds of thousands of words in the process. Whew!!! I felt like I was staring in the movie "Groundhog Day"! It was awesome though, and I'm so very glad I did the four additional edits. It amazed me to realize that I could still find errors - even after working so meticulously to get rid of them. That means only one thing - I really am just human. Oh well, did you expect more???
Anyway, the completed manuscript is now in the able hands of my publisher. Now I wait. The manuscript is expected to go past the eyes of the owner of Writing On Stone Press and then to a final-touch editor before I see it again. I don't expect any changes, but I'll know soon.
While I wait, I have resumed work on "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume 2". It is progressing much faster than Volume 1 did. I suppose that seven years of intense writing have taught me a little.
I have temporarily set my fiction novel aside, but still haven't decided if I will save it for NaNoWriMo 2009 or not. "In Ravenscrag's Shadow" is nearly finished, and I don't know if I can stand a 10-1/2 month wait before I see how it ends. The epic novel is a work of pure fiction, but there is an actual location that provides the setting for the story. I hope to visit that remote location in the summer of 2009. I cannot just go there on my own because the region is the home of grizzly bears. (Bears are intimidated by groups, not by individual humans - and perhaps the term intimidated is a bit too strong.) If I visit the region, as part of a group of five or more, we should not have any trouble, so I have to organize the event before I can be certain of going. Stay tuned.

My Nanowrimo Adventure Novel

As some of you long-time readers might remember, in November of 2007, I joined Nanowrimo. It is a website devoted to authors who are in pursuit of creating a 50,000 word novel in one month. Last year, I managed to conceive a plot and then to write 14,638 words - all by Nov 30th , 2007. With the competition over, I put the novel on hold until Nov 1st, 2008. This year, I was ready and raring to go. I wrote every day of the month, building on my words from last year. By the end of November 2008, I had a total word count of 45,540! I was disappointed that I didn't make it to 50,000, but totally thrilled that, even with my super busy schedule, I was able to create a nearly completed novel. It was so much fun!!! I would encourage everyone who feels inclined, to sign up and participate for November 2009.

This morning, I was reading a blog that challenged the creation of words (in Nanowrimo) without employing the editing process. I have not edited my novel, but I will. If I think it is good enough, I will consider publishing it as well, but that is not the point of my writing it. I participated in Nanowrimo to stretch myself. Adventure is what you have when you explore uncharted territory - inside your mind or with you feet. It is true that I never made the 50,000 word threshold, but that is really not important to me. I participated. I had a blast. I did something great that I am very proud of. After I read the fore mentioned blog, I wrote a comment. I thought you would enjoy it, so here it is: (Jody left a comment before I did. She expressed struggling with procrastination and felt that she was getting off to a late start in life - in so far as writing was concerned.)

"I agree with Jody on several levels. Procrastination kills. An overzealous inner-editor isn't good either, but I don't like to kill him off as much as I like to team up with him. As far as my own writing goes, I am about to become a published author (of an 8-year-in-the-making non-fiction book). I also have a word count of 45,540 at Nanowrimo 2008. I lack, however, the perspective of authors who have already travelled farther down exciting literary roads than I have… but I do have an opinion. As far as Ian's question goes, I am left to wonder whether he was just asking, for the sake of provoking thought, or if Ian was really trying to infer that there is no point to writing without an anticipated editing process in the future. I agree that editing is essential to a published product, but I see only a benefit to writing - no matter what follows the creation process. I know people who go on hikes, not intending to reach the trails' final destinations, but to simply go as far as they can. While their experiences may seem pointless to some, these hikers do enjoy the sights, scents and sounds that they have the power to reach. Not every writer is going to be published, but that should not stop anyone from taking a stroll down Literary Lane. Who knows, maybe they will get farther along than they anticipated? I say, “Just write something and then see what happens.” The future awaits, and it isn’t written yet!"

Blog Review & The Temporary Bachelor

Welcome to all the recent visitors from around the world in the countries of Costa Rica, Guam, France, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, as well as the readers from the US and Canada. "Welcome back" to all the regulars too. It is great to have so many who stop in to check out my blog. Thank you all so much! I have recently registered on "blogged", and my blog is now open for independent reviews by my readers. If you wish, you can go to the review site, click on "review" and set the rating you think is appropriate. If you're up for it, it will just take a few seconds but if you wish, you can also add a review.

As for my upcoming book, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume I"; it is still in the cover-design phase. I am anxious and excited but I'm working on Volume II while I wait. I sure enjoy writing! I also look forward to resuming the creation of my fiction novel, "In Ravenscrag's Shadow". It is 100% outlined and about 25% written. This summer I plan to create a few photographs for it. In November, if I can wait that long, I plan to finish it. (You can read a "first draft" excerpt from the novel at the above link.)

A week ago, my sweetheart left me for some much needed time with her parents. Diana's mom has been fighting lymphomatic cancer for about three years now, and the doctors are amazed that she is still alive. The disease is progressing, but thankfully it is slow and Mom can still do much. She suffers from serious heart problems and kidney failure too - as if the cancer were not enough. It seems that sad times overtake us all! Two summers ago, we all met for a giant family reunion to celebrate Diana's parent's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a great time for family memories and I'm grateful we could all make it. It is an 1800km+ drive from our house to theirs, so the trips are not as frequent as we would like, but we keep in touch often by phone. I am blessed with a great mother & father-in-law - and I'm grateful.

I miss Diana like the taste of fresh air, but I'm glad she could go anyway. These next two weeks will pass - hopefully quickly, and Diana and I will be reunited again. Then, our three weeks apart will be but a fleeting, painful memory and Diana's precious memories with her parents will linger on and an. The loneliness of bachelorhood is not at all a welcome companion, but I'll make it. When I think about the thousands who are off in some war-time pursuit, at school or work - all for extended periods of time that make my three weeks seem minuscule, I feel a new respect for them and wonder what right I have to whine. Sacrifice of one kind or another is just part of life. Perhaps I need to take the advice Wesley gave to Indigo (The movie: Princess Bride), "Get used to disappointment!"

What Is Going On With My Writing Projects?

Today, Autumn Ables asked some good questions. It appears that I have created a little confusion. Sorry. I will endeavour to explain what on earth I am doing with my writing projects.

The fiction novel I began for nanowrimo 2007 is called "In Ravenscrag's Shadow". It is an adventure novel and is only partially written, but I have a completed outline for the entire book. I completed its conception, invention and nearly 15,000 words in the month of November. (I was trying for 50,000 words but needed sleep.) Once November came to an end, so did my work on that fiction piece. My publisher is aware of the 15,000 words, but my publisher has never published a work of fiction. (ie. I'd probably need a different publisher.) I have plans to publish "In Ravenscrag's Shadow", but "plans" are all I have at this point. I may publish the book a chapter at a time on my website (when it is up and running). It was extreme fun to write the first part of this fiction novel, and I will definitely finish it. I may wait until nanowrimo 2008 before trying to reach the 50,000 word goal, but if I get time, I will complete it sooner.

Presently, I am on page 187 of 261 pages in Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off – Volume I. My editor has returned the manuscript with her recommended changes and I am reviewing them - making further changes where I think they are needed, but mostly just going with her recommendations. I hope to have the entire book completed within the next two weeks. After that, the manuscript goes back to the editor so she can review my changes. I think that she reviews it again and either accepts my revisions or makes new ones. Then the manuscript comes back to me to review a second time - and so on until we both agree on everything. Then the book goes to an editor who checks for grammar and spelling. Then, if I understand it right, the manuscript goes to the printer. At this point in time, I do not have a tentative publication date, but it is anticipated to occur in the neighbourhood of March 2008. My publisher is anxious to complete the project, but is more anxious that it is done right. I feel the same way.

My full time job demands a lot of me, and I have to sleep some of the time too. (I drive a double trailer semi, hauling grain so that cows can eat and do what they do.) However, I make good use of any down time I have by pulling out my laptop or a notepad. I was able to get through over 30 pages of editing today while I waited to unload, load and get a tire repaired. (So far this year, my semi has run for nearly 50 hours - and I took the 1st off.) It is a challenge to get writing things done, but a challenge I usually enjoy - its always an adventure.

I hope I have clarified a little. Thank you all for your interest. I will keep you posted (no pun intended) on my progress, but please feel free to ask about anything that you're not sure about. Talk to you soon!

My New Business Card

First, I'd like to welcome all the new readers. I hope you enjoy my blog. My website still isn't quite ready, but soon. I am trying to animate the introduction screen, using my new logo. When I say "I", I mean Josh, (my daughter, Amberle's boyfriend). He does computer animation, so I left the task in his capable hands - or is it his mouse?

My adventure to Red Deer, this past Thursday and Friday, ended well. Thanks again to everyone who helped out with that. To reload, for my return trip, I had to drive south-east for an hour and a half, so I didn't get home until late. But I did get home!! :D

My website may not be ready, but I have finally completed my business card. I spent hours playing with logo designs! Last night, when I went to pick up my repaired truck - (I do hope it stays working this time!) - I took my business card to get printed. For those of you who only visit me online, here it is - larger than life of course.

Oh, there is one more matter to tell you about. Sadly, I never got to 50,000 words written by the end of November. :( Considering my extremely busy life, writing over 14,000 words in 20 days seems pretty good to me. The good news, however, is that I am going to finish the novel to see if it really will be 50,000 words in length. :) Maybe I'll save the rest for next November. I have a five page outline , so I should, in theory, be able to shelf the project and begin again right where I left off. I am considering publishing the novel on line - perhaps a chapter at a time on my website, but the ideas are still swirling. Anyone have a recommendation for me? (If you wish to get in touch with me, but don't want to leave a comment here, you can go to my profile and email me.)

Of all things... A lighthouse cartoon!! Cool!!

This past week has found me putting in lots of hours at work. Sorry I haven't got to posting, but finally, here I am. A few days ago, my daughter's boyfriend sent me this link to a lighthouse comic strip. I laughed and laughed. Maybe I found it so funny cuz I have some practical experience with this sort of thing, but maybe you all will enjoy it too.

As for my first fiction novel, "In Ravenscrag's Shadow", I am approaching 10,000 words, but I'm not quite there yet. For the most part, I have written it on my laptop, utilizing tiny blocks of free time in my workday. For those of you who don't know, I drive a double trailer semi, hauling grain around so that cows can eat, get fat, and ... well, you know the rest. I often have to wait for other trucks to empty or to load, and whenever it looks like a few free minutes will present themselves, I grab on with both hands. Since I have so little free time, this technique is also how my first book was written. That book is more appropriately named, however, "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off". Some days, I take out my laptop and three seconds is all I get!

Speaking of "Three Seconds On, Three Seconds Off - Volume 1", the editor is still working his magic and I am just waiting (and writing more stuff). I do expect to hear something soon. On a very positive note, my publisher has taken a look at my artwork (I do my own interpretation of west coast native drawings). He liked it very much and wants to include most, if not all of it in Volume 1. It takes me a long time to complete a piece, but I do have a few to choose from. I need to get the 8 1/2 x 11 inch drawings digitized soon. Maybe this weekend - if I don't have to work again.
Later.... and Thanks for dropping in.

A Worthy Adventure!!!

You won't believe it if I told you! (But I'm going to give it a shot anyway.) As of the evening of November 4th, I am writing a fiction novel of 50,000 words - by the end of the month! Sounds wild? Check out the website that is hosting this wild event. http://www.nanowrimo.org/ OR just click on my link at the top right of this blog.
My daughter, Amberle as well as her boyfriend, Josh both told me about it so I took a look and was hooked.
Here is my progress so far:
Nov 5th - Outlined the basic plot and story from start to finish.

Nov 5th, 6th - Researched names for the characters and places - (they all came from the place name list from the Canadian Province of Saskatchewan).

Nov 7th, 8th, 9th - Assigned names to everyone and everything in the novel. Expanded the story into detailed structure. It went from a one page outline to five pages.

Today, Nov 10th - Strap on my microphone and tell the story to my computer - (it will write it from my dictation). I'll let you know how far I get.

A brief outline of the novel: Glen McPherson and Stan Calderbank leave their wives, Lille and Alida (respectively) at their base camp near a beautiful lake nestled in the Mistawasis Mountains to pursue a five day backpacking adventure. Near the end of the first day, the two middle aged men are exploring off the trail when they fall, badly injuring themselves. The area is several hundred yards from their packs and is extremely rocky and rugged. Big C (Stan) sustains a broken femur, three broken ribs, a concussion and several cuts and bruises. Stan's trauma is worse because, during the fall, Glen is knocked unconscious and partially lands on top of Stan. Glen is also bruised and bloodied, but is still able to move about. His left ankle is so badly hurt that he's not sure if it is broken, but it cannot bear any weight.
The two adventurers know that no one will come searching for them for five days, and that they will have to survive unaided. The remote area is home to bears, among other creatures, so Glen will not leave Stan alone while he hobbles the five kilometers back to their pickup truck to get help.

9:49AM - 812 words written
1:51PM - 2431 words written - I love this fiction thing - it is so awesome!!! :)