If you are reading this post then you are at the writing of chapters 7 through 9 I hope. And for the remainder of Feb. The next 2 to 3 weeks this is your assignment. We'll keep working on these three chapters so you have time if you are not there yet and so if you are there you can make sure the story has what it needs.
Decide where you are in your story or along your outline and decide what do you need to make sure chapters 1 through 9 are happening, at least in rough draft format. Some novels have 20 chapters, Some have more and some have less. There is no amount that is required but if you are thinking you may be near the halfway point then think about what is needed to head that direction. The other side of that is to take a look at what you have and is the story staying true to the plan or have you written it right off the planning pages. Panstering is great and I love to let the characters lead me right through a story. But are things coming together or has that saggy middle caught you? If so you may need to take time to tweak a few story items. That is not to say you are going back to chapter 1 and rework the entire things. THAT IS NOT ALLOWED. Just make notes of what is needed where for your story to continue on the path you are making.Usually my brought draft is for me and it is not good. But it is a finished story that can now be tweaked to make it better. My second go through a story I usually ready carefully, fix typos and errors and add better dialogue and more description and make sure everything sounds well. I take time on this second run through to fluff details to make things more intense. And I usually make sure I have more actions tags instead of he said she said.
When you are done with chapters 7 8 9....it's time to delve back to the beginning and read quickly thru again. Fluff where needed quickly and make notes but DO NOT LINGER. Tweak where needed but no big edits yet.
Week 6:
1) Write chapter 7....8 and 9. Push hard for fast completion of these three chapters. If that is all you get done this week remember you have 2 more to work on these same scenes. If you choose just work on chapter 7. Next week 8 and the following week 9.
2) Do that quick reread of the entire story. Add note to your outline about things the may be needed or changes to make but don't make them yet if they are huge. You can edit a completed story later. This read is to just keep your mind focused on where the story is going and to check if you are on track.
3) check ahead on your outline and see what the plan is for chapters 7 through 9. Are you meeting those ideas you planned. If not what is needed. Fix it now but only in these three chapters.
Toss out a couple of hints that are helping you as you move further into your novel. What has hindered your progress? Do you need to put out more "I am or I will be writing from this time to this time" or do you need order the day better where you get to your writing. Fix what is broke and move that story forward.
Dont forget to check out facebook Author Kim Turner for more hints.
Happy writing this week, it should be coming a routine!!!
