Abstract

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This project will involve writing an original manuscript consisting of at least 20 chapters. The genre of my fictional story is fantasy, and will involve multiple settings and cultures. I plan to use my ever-growing knowledge of psychology to help me develop my characters and their intertwined relationships, as well as my world including aspects of military, government, politics, education, culture, etc. I am excited to begin working on this project as it combines my two passions: writing and psychology. I will have the opportunity to spend time doing something I love while further expanding upon my knowledge of psychology and applying it within fictitious and fantastical situations. Along with giving me a head-start on writing my first novel, this project will also help me immensely with time management, which is something that is a huge part of professionalism and will help me to be better prepared for my future in the workplace. This project is something that will require much motivation and dedication, as it will take me well over 40 hours to complete.

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Purpose

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I chose to write this book for my project because writing a novel is something I have always wanted to do. For as long as I can remember, I have loved writing. Getting my thoughts, ideas, and stories on paper is for me, tangible evidence that I will one day be able to accomplish a greater goal. The short-term goal of this project is to have a fully written manuscript I can present to a publisher(s). My manuscript will not only show my dedication to my passion, but my motivation to see it through. The completion of this project will allow me to accomplish this goal, and will also hopefully allow me to get my foot into the door of the writing/publishing world.

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Outcomes

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One outcome is that having a completed manuscript will later allow me to take some time to focus on in depth editing so that I can ultimately present my book to a publishing company. Another outcome is that I will have a more solid idea of exactly how to go about putting together future books. Finally, I will have a firmer grasp of certain psychological concepts by having applied these concepts within various elements of my story.

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Deliverables

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Planned deliverable

The main deliverable of this project will be the completed manuscript of my first novel. I will also give documentation giving clear detail of what I was doing, such as writing chapter summaries, writing a chapter, editing, etc. Also for the process deliverable, I will be providing times and dates. For example: 2:00pm-7:00pm, January 1, 2016.

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Final deliverable

At the end of it all, I was not able to submit a complete manuscript of my entire first novel. However, I did manage to finish and submit a prologue, six chapters, and about 50 pages of incomplete pieces and scenes. Although the original goal was not met, what I did submit was a substantial chunk of work that I put a great deal of time and effort into.

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Differentiation

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My deep interest and curiosity in all things psychology will help me to develop my world, my characters, and the various relationships among them to hopefully create a more complex story. On the surface, this may not be obvious to some, especially those unfamiliar with psychology, and my book may feel/read like any other fantasy novel. However, I personally will be able to see the work put into my character and world development, and will be able to identify various theories/principles/aspects of psychology within certain elements of my novel. These will be seen in interpersonal and intrapersonal harmonies and conflicts within individual relationships and political elements. This project will make me stand out from others in my major because unlike many, I will not be conducting research. Rather, I will be applying the information I have learned and will continue to learn to my writing in order to create a fictitious world that will involve many aspects of psychology, and which most if not all psychologists should be able to detect or identify within my work. With this project, my two seemingly very different passions will collide. My project will also take considerably more time to complete than the most projects of others in my major, and other projects in general. The minimum amount of time it should take to complete an EDGE project is 40 hrs. My project will take at least twice if not three times as long.

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Differentiation Update

While my project did not take twice as long as 40 hours to complete (since I did not write the full manuscript), it did take me about 56 hours. 

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Hopeful for the Future

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This book will hopefully be the first in a fantasy series to be found in bookstores across the country. Since I was first started taking an interest in creative writing, it has been my ultimate goal to have a series of at least three books in the fantasy genre ready for purchase for anyone who is interested in reading my story. One might say that becoming a published author is something I hope to cross off my bucket list within the next decade. Authors like Terry Goodkind and Susanna Clarke have even had television shows created based off of their books. A TV series or movie inspired by my books would simply be a dream come true! I desire for my stories to enter the world proudly, and to be told to anyone who might listen. The creations of my imagination are something I deeply wish to share.

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