Hello!
Today I’ve watched the FIFA World Cup Final – still feeling a bit gutted England weren’t in it, but excited for the next stage of their development – and completed the first draft/very detailed outline of my next project.
I’d aimed to write the draft, aiming for 20,000 words, in June. But as it stands, it’s 20,001 words and not quite June anymore. Looking at my progress chart, there were a couple of weeks in the middle where I didn’t write a single thing. I know I got disheartened with the plot, or lack of one, but I didn’t realise it was that long.
In the end, I decided I just needed to write words, to get something on the page, so I could make a proper decision. I’ve actually got a story now, for starters – there were a couple of aha moments as things fell into place, especially as I was trying to fall asleep. But I did it.
It needs about 60k more words, a title and a much clearer structure. But I’ve started.
I always thought it was better to write the story and then figure out about the outline. I tried both ways and that seems to work better.
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The characters have a way of changing the story for themselves, anyway, don’t they? 🙂
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Starting is half the battle! You’ll figure out the story line.
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I agree, and I hope so 🙂
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Well done is all I can say and excellent you’ve got that good start … now enjoy the process …take care and yes that thing is over!! … cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary – it does feel satisfying to hold the printed out pages!
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You are inspirational in your dedication. It’s good to let things sit sometimes. And I never do an outline until after the book is underway and has told me where it’s going. And then, the outline is pretty sketchy because once I start writing, other things happen :).
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I usually have an ending and a title. This time I have the ending, but not having a title is disconcerting.
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I love those ‘aha’ moments where things fall into place.
Congrats on getting started—sometimes, I find that to be the hardest part.
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Thanks M.J. On my last project, the ‘aha’ happened quite late. I’m glad it happened sooner, this time 🙂
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Always when we are falling asleep! But I know you’re grateful those moments happened.
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Definitely! My subconscious loves to work overnight!
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Plow through and you’ll be surprised at yourself. And England was quite respectable in World Cup. Now let your words be respectable. Practice, practice, practice and yes, take a header once in awhile. Good luck and chocolate!
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England were pretty fantastic! Chocolate – how did you know? 🙂 🙂
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Good for you for starting! Keep at it, keep going! 🙂
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I will, thanks Madeline 🙂
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I think the hardest part is just getting started on writing, or at least it is for me; once I start writing, it becomes easier to keep going. And good luck with your writing! I’m sure you can get it done. 🙂
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It’s slow and evolving, but there are words – quite a few of them now 🙂
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Making a start is an achievement in itself. Wish you the best. 🙂
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Thanks Pradeep. I’ve been scribbling all over the print out of those 20k words, and I’ve just today started to type them up. Fingers crossed, I might reach 30k – I definitely think this is a novella now!
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I was rooting for England even though I’m not even a football fan. That was a fun World Cup but I’m sorry their time ran out before the finals.
Congrats on getting started – I hope the second half of July has been productive for you. You know I am always anxious to read new stories from you! 🙂
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It was a fantastic competition this year, so many of the big teams crashed out early – I can see how it would have been fun for a neutral observer to watch it.
I’m not very happy with this story – it could be amazing, but I don’t know if I’ve got the skills to pull it off. However, I’ve got nothing else to work on, so at least it keeps my fingers in tip-top typing shape 🙂
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Starting is always the biggest step, isn’t it? When I look back after I’ve waded through a project, I’m so pleased that I put down those first words. Of course, during the process, I often scream, “Why did I do this again?” Congratulation on your new work.
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Lol, yes I’m screaming that right now, and eating a lot of chocolate! It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one who has those moments of struggle, but I really wish I didn’t struggle like this with every new project!
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Congrats on getting your start in place. Sometimes we need a couple of weeks or a month to get it, but it is worth the time.
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I have words… they’re not necessarily in the right order yet 🙂
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Awesome. So exciting!
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Thanks Nas!
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Anytime you get words down, it’s worth celebrating–no matter how many. Here’s wishing you epic success with this one.
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Thanks Crystal 🙂
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Woo Hoo! Way to go, Annalisa. I’ve been hitting those same potholes so I’ve been jumping around on my wips.
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Oh, it’s a maze sometimes, this writing business… but we’ll get there in the end. Good luck with your WIP hopping 🙂
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