Funerals suck
Yes, funerals suck... but chapter nine doesn't. I've been working most of the day on chapter nine, and I have exactly 1,477 words to show for it. How frustrating is that? I got bogged down introducing some characters at Hermione's funeral and the scene is still not done although I've moved on to another funeral.
About supper time, I realized that my estimate of 8,000 words for this chapter was probably way more than would be necessary. I'm now thinking that the chapter will end up being in the neighborhood of 6,000 words. My initial impulse is to detail every little action and conversation. However, as I started plowing my way through Hermione's funeral, I realized how repetitive/boring it will be if I didn't skip some significant snatches of time.
So, at this point, the chapter weighs in at 3,775 words. I have finished an introductory scene with Dobby and a scene with the Grangers. Hermione's funeral is mostly finished, but the Weasley funeral hasn't even begun. On the other hand, I've got a couple of nice snatches of conversation with Susan and Harry. But, most importantly, I'm pleased with what I have written so far.
Anyhow, the moral of this update is that you should never write about funerals. Its tough stuff.