Time to Write Week 7

 

This week is a repeat of week 6 as you work on Chapters 7 8 9. Some may want to continue to work on one chapter a week and other may like the freedom to work it through chapter 9.

I would say if you are rolling along and even wish to go further keep going. Don't wait on thig blog to accomplish each week if you are gaining speed. 

But to keep us making positive progress. Use your outline to check your progress. Jot down notes and ideas of what needs to be fixed added or deleted. And if you have not done the read through of the entire novel do so but only a quick read to remind you of things that need to be tweaked. 

Why edits later? So the momentum of a chapter a week doesn't slow you down. Move that story. You should not give yourself the chance at all to sit and rewrite chapter 1 again and again and again. YOU CANNOT EDIT AN UNFINISHED STORY. Too many things may change to worry about rewrites right now. This whole blog is about the idea of completing a rough draft...that can then be edited!

Sure that first draft when you are done is going to be crap! And thats OK. It will be done crap! And now when we map out what to do for edits you will be ready!!!!

So week 7:
1) work on Chapters 7 through 9 with a focus on 8. Those who gain momentum move on. Those who are lagging think about why? Is something saggy in the middle? Do you have enough drama and conflict? Is suspense being pulled together? If you are board with your own story chances are readers will be too. But don't fret. KEEP WRITING!

2) do your full quick read if you didn't do it last week. Is your outline coming to life? Are things that need to happen coming together. Make notes on your outline of what is needed. I like to put little boxes by my outline of things to make sure I do later. And you know me being the nerd I like to check that box off when I get to the editing part of my story. 

3) thinking only about Chapters 7 8 9....are they meeting the mark of pulling the story together? If you are planning a twenty chapter novel you should be close or in the mid part of thr story. If not think about how you can move the story there quickly there. Now if you story is longer and you may have 40 chapters then you need to focus on what happens after chapter 9...what is coming and is your story taking the reader there? 

What has been the easy things about following this plan? What has not worked for you? While every writer does things differently my hope is this blog will just help everyone participating to make progress even if not all at the same time. 

Facebook handout: Author Kim Turner for more hints and support.