Writing happens in phases: an idea hits, you write it down, type it up, edit it, groan about it, wonder if anyone even cares, edit some more, then send it out.
Boy do I hear you. I am meeting with my editor today, to begin work on cutting my manuscript by a third. I forsee alot of cutting/pasting in my future.. let the slashing begin!
THIS -> "Becoming a writer feels like a mad dash to nowhere. Somewhere. I’m still not sure."
But I absolutely love where you are with your novel, printing it out to cut it up and put it back together again to see what you have. I have a large, ornery, multi-year something (I don't feel comfortable calling it a draft, since it is in such a state that no one could actually read it), and I've JUST started the same process by printing out what I have. I love to see another writer doing the same, and I also believe this is a key part of the process of really building something from nothing—because that's what writing is! I'm excited about the possibilities.
I also love your cork board of notes—I just ordered one for my new writing room, and I can't wait to get it up on the wall. It's so important to see tangible things instead of always gazing at a screen. The connection is so much stronger. We have to keep reminding ourselves that what we're doing is really real, and the tangible things help.
Thanks for the advice and for sharing your process/questions. Keep going!
Thank you, Tara! Likewise it helps me knowing that you do the same thing too! I still have notes from 10 years ago that I keep in a separate pile, thinking... maybe it'll fit somewhere, somehow? Maybe? Now that I'm printing everything out, I can physically put those notes somewhere (or finally in the trash) but at least I'll know at long last where they belong.
This is just a fabulous way to stimulate others to write and show writing process ideas that work for a real author to others. It’s blog worthy, book worthy (a workbook?) it’s so valuable. You are doing an awesome job!!!
yeah, nice pants...but it is the same beautiful smile. say hi to your folks and sisters
Thanks very much, Jon. Will do and same to you!!!
Boy do I hear you. I am meeting with my editor today, to begin work on cutting my manuscript by a third. I forsee alot of cutting/pasting in my future.. let the slashing begin!
Congrat, Sue! Nothing like using actual scissors to cut out all those much-loved-but-can't-keep-em-darlings!
It’s always fascinating for me to hear about process. Thank you for sharing!
THIS -> "Becoming a writer feels like a mad dash to nowhere. Somewhere. I’m still not sure."
But I absolutely love where you are with your novel, printing it out to cut it up and put it back together again to see what you have. I have a large, ornery, multi-year something (I don't feel comfortable calling it a draft, since it is in such a state that no one could actually read it), and I've JUST started the same process by printing out what I have. I love to see another writer doing the same, and I also believe this is a key part of the process of really building something from nothing—because that's what writing is! I'm excited about the possibilities.
I also love your cork board of notes—I just ordered one for my new writing room, and I can't wait to get it up on the wall. It's so important to see tangible things instead of always gazing at a screen. The connection is so much stronger. We have to keep reminding ourselves that what we're doing is really real, and the tangible things help.
Thanks for the advice and for sharing your process/questions. Keep going!
Thank you, Tara! Likewise it helps me knowing that you do the same thing too! I still have notes from 10 years ago that I keep in a separate pile, thinking... maybe it'll fit somewhere, somehow? Maybe? Now that I'm printing everything out, I can physically put those notes somewhere (or finally in the trash) but at least I'll know at long last where they belong.
Wow! What a process - very impressive!
This is just a fabulous way to stimulate others to write and show writing process ideas that work for a real author to others. It’s blog worthy, book worthy (a workbook?) it’s so valuable. You are doing an awesome job!!!
PS. The above is from Toni (aka Mrs. Rockwell)
You kick ass! I never cease to be impressed.
You have a passion...keep up expressing
Youself...I like your organization
Such good reminders! I love that 5-minutes a day. I can do that! Thanks for sharing!