Elizabeth Heppenheimer - Senior Project

December 18th

This week I wrote the last scene of my story. It is the most historically dense section, and its probably the longest. It took a lot of research and I had to work some odd historical details into a conversation. Its been time consuming, but I like how it’s unfolding. I’m not quite finished with it, it probably needs one or two more pages so I can hit every important point. Also, the whole story needs some final editing... and I need to give 3 of my characters names. So basically, at this point, I’m almost almost finished with my project. I have a decent amount of work to do over break, but not too much. 

December 11th

This week I got a lot done. I finally filled in all of the gaps between different parts of the story and I did a tone of research. I also started writing the end of the story. I have about 4 pages and I think I probably need  5 or 6 more to hit every point I want to hit. I'm right on target for my estimation of 50 pages total. Since most of the research is done, it shouldn’t take me more than a few days to finish up the ending, I can probably even do it this weekend. If all goes to plan, I should be pretty much done before break. Scary. 

December 4th

Over Thanksgiving break I met with my outside consultant and we discussed the importance of ritual within a culture and how exactly a ritual is defined. She gave me a textbook reading on it, which has been very helpful. I also did some more writing and editing and I started to brainstorm about how I’m going to end my story. My mentor and I came up with what I think is going to be a really interesting conclusion, but it’s going to require some research.  This week, along with even more writing and editing, I did some preliminary research. I also I ordered a book, which just came today.  I figure I need about a week to write the ending, so if I spend next week doing intense research, I should have enough time to finish before break.  The only thing I’m having trouble with is writing a death scene, I can’t seem to find a balance between too dramatic and not dramatic enough.