It’s the start of my new regime today; and the beginning of a period with a deadline.
I’m not meant to say what it is (because if I do, it will go poooof in a puff of smoke) but today has been good. I’ve finally (I think and hope) sorted out how to do my planning and to make sense of what I have achieved already. I’ve even sorted out how to manage the 16,000 words that I axed here. I’m a bit irritated with myself because this ‘system’ I’m using is exactly the same technique that I’ve used each time (twice) I have written a dissertation, so really I should’ve just gone straight to it. But I didn’t, after considerable pain wondering what process to use, I reinvented the wheel again. Doh.
Mine is a very technical procedure, traditionally involving a print out of the material, a pair of scissors and sellotape (I’ve got a feeling that somewhere in the world, sellotape means condoms… but I don’t know if it’s a children of the ‘70s joke? Any answers?)
So the procedure today has been to divide the 8,888 (properly written first drafty style - that is also a technical term!) words into scenes (a new page for each new scene), and to cut up the remaining information (lots of notes and ideas) and insert each separate thought into the folder where it will go. These are notes that will act as an aide-mémoire to the scenes to come, so that when I sit down to write (timetabled every day!) I will know what is required. It also means that I’m utilizing the words I worried were redundant, even if they need re-writing.
And did you spot the clever refining of the system? I don’t need the sellotape…
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9 comments:
Sellotape scares me. I ripped my mouth off (well, ok, just ALL the skin on my lips) on my 5th Christmas Eve.
Reinventing the wheel is fine if it means you finally discover that the wheel you have will make you happy and do the job.
You wouldn't be a writer if you didn't do things your very own way.
Am a philosopher today. Hic. ;)
The use of scissors and tape sounds like a good way of planning. You actually see it all in front of you... Must try it!
See...you knew how to do it all along!!
C x
News just in......sellotape shares plummet......
Jen,
OOOOoooooowwwwww. Yes, I've done that but not quite so dramatically. Ouch.
A.Writer,
I think that may be the clue: you can SEE it all in front of you. That's the kind of mind I have.
Carol,
MMmmmm, one day honey. Let's not count our chickens before they can run... Or chicks and walking, or was it counting, or something?
JJx
Go Girl :-) What ever works be it old or new - it soeasn't matter!
Sounds complicated but if it works for you then it should not be knocked!!!
I think it was Australia, Jasper Carrott, sellotape/condom connection...sounds odd...
Sounds complicated, but very artsy. Sometimes having that visual aid is so helpful. I pull up pictures of the settings in my story so I can get a feel for the surroundings. Good luck!
p.s. Just to let you know I've nominated you for the Creative Blogger Award on my blog, so now you can add another trophy to your sidebar. :)
Thanks Liz, I do have to keep reminding myself that preparation is okay and not more procrastination.
Jon, was it? I was beginning to think I'd imagined it. Maybe it's a child of the 70s myth?
Angie, Thank you so much. I'm proudly sporting it now! I think I do need a visual, it's just the way my head works.
Now guys, it's to work for me: Hey Ho, hey ho...
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