Using Merriam-Webster as a reference, a "word" is:
a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning usually without being divisible into smaller units capable of independent use
A further definition is offered for "words":
any segment of written or printed discourse ordinarily appearing between spaces or between a space and a punctuation mark
Interesting. 🤔
I've been quite happily writing the Blackridge Peak Series, Book 1 and Book 2 are both through editing and although Book 1 has been formatted, I am reformatting it, in line with some changes I made for Book 2.
It's a bad habit of mine. Overthinking is my downfall, causing me to overcomplicate things and inevitably mess them up. But, in a nutshell, Book 1 and Book 2 of the Blackridge Peak Series are done. So onto Book 3, right?
Wrong.
Allow me to explain. The blank page of Book 1 holds endless possibilities and untold tales. In Book 1 of your story, you can write about any setting, any character, and any adventure. Unleash your creativity. In Book 2, there is an opportunity to expand your horizons, shift your objectives, and yet remain on the same journey as outlined in Book 1.
Book 1 ☑️
Book 2 ☑️
Book 3...?
In Book 3, the last book of my trilogy, the boundaries of freedom are much narrower. A little more restrictive. Less movement and more of a case of the horizon being the only destination, on the road you've traveled so far.
Okay, I wrote the above line, thought of "the road so far" - and immediately jumped to Supernatural and Dean Winchester in my head and got distracted...
So, let me put it this way, envision your book series as a house under construction, with each book adding another essential element to its structure.
Book 1, sets your foundation; Book 2 builds upon it, forming the walls; and Book 3 brings it all together, adding the final touches like windows and a roof ensuring a secure and weatherproof structure.
And here is my current dilemma. With my foundation solidly in place, my walls have taken shape and...I don't have a roof and maybe only one window in so far. Okay, I have no windows.
But why? The story is two-thirds complete and the climax is approaching. My final destination should be in sight.
The task at hand is simply to navigate from the end of Book 2 to the conclusion of Book 3. I want to tie up all loose ends, leaving no unanswered questions, and provide my story with a satisfying and complete conclusion. Those windows should be primed and ready to seal in place. The roof should be ready to be assembled, almost premade in fact.
It's so simple. Foundation, walls, here come my windows and roof.
So, I ask you reader...what are words?