Toolkit: Episode 5

Have you been keeping up with the tools?

Here’s an overview:

1. Handwriting practice, or Morning Pages, every day.
2. Prepping your space and your materials to write.
3. Tracking your progress, no matter how small.
4. Writing with abandon.

If you’re just starting and this is overwhelming, let me help.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Now that we’ve gotten to the nitty-gritty of writing, what’s next?

Revising, of course.

I can hear the groans from here.

This may be everyone’s least favorite process, but I think there is joy in creating order from chaos, and revising can be its own reward.

Write Drunk. Revise/Edit Sober.

As long as I keep the two processes distinct, I don’t have the angst of either.

Here’s how I separate the two processes:

1. Write with abandon. Find the Joy. Do not backspace (I have gone so far as removing the backspace key from my keyboard). Do not judge the work. Do not edit as you go. Move forward only.
2. Take a Break. This can be for weeks, months, or years.
3. Print it out.
4. Read the draft.
5. Steps 3 and 4 may happen several times as I make changes.
6. Read it aloud.
7. Read it backward.
8. Have it read to me.
9. Have someone else read it.
10. Begin again.

What’s the point? To separate myself from my own words as much as possible before I judge them.

I happen to like this process as much or more than writing itself. If you don’t, you can shorten my process and bring others in earlier, or hire a developmental editor (like me) to help you make sense of your mess.

I won’t be revising or editing anything of my own probably until the fall. I’m supposed to finish this draft of TDG by the end of the month, and that will sit for a while before I touch it again. In the meantime, I will be drafting (writing drunk) all April on the next novel in line, All Saint’s Day (ASD).

I’ll keep you updated on my progress here and in my weekly email. If you’re not getting those head over to linseyewing.com and click the Get Access tab. You’ll find Writing Freebies and be signed up for the email (separate from this blog though I’m working on linking them).

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 18,080

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting has be changed to Monday, APRIL 14 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

If you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Until next time

xxxlinsey