... Progress
I’m nearly at 50% which is both scary and fantastic. And it has spurred me on to start looking both backwards and forwards.
I’ve plotted ahead the next three chapters or so, something I haven’t really been able to do so far as I haven’t had a clear enough idea of where I was going with it.
I’ve also started to go back over the first few chapters. It seems right that at the halfway point I should track all the action and plot elements so far, and then work out how I can use the second half to resolve them. With some elements I know how they will be resolved – with others I don’t.
Some of the early parts, especially the first three chapters, need extensive editing, but I feel I’ll be better able to do that once I’ve finished the first draft and I know exactly how it all ends. In fact I may scrap the first three chapters and write them again from scratch. That may be easier than taking what I've got and turning it into what I want it to be.
So, what’s a fitting celebration for reaching the halfway point? And what are the pitfalls I need to look out for as I work towards completing the first draft?
SmudgeWatch:
Wednesday update: his eye's not looking too great today, so I'm a bit worried about him.
He still seems fine apart from the squiffy eye. He's enjoying the opportunity to be as naughty as he likes with no possibility of being told off, and is particularly pleased that he's had get well messages from all over the world!
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13 comments:
Chocolate and champagne, definitely chocolate and champagne!
I'm always so struck by those who can plot ahead and edit what's gone before. I'm what I call one of those "just writers" - got to let the story pour out of me, and then once the first draft is down go back and clean up all the mess!
Well done on reaching the halfway mark!
So glad Smudge is feeling better!
Halfway there and a clear idea of where you're going! That definitely call for a celebration:-)
Well done Smudge. Keep on being naughty. We're all rooting for you:-)
Congratulations on reaching the halfway mark. Celebrate with chocolates and a massage - not both together, though.
Pitfall to watch out for in the second half: writing it too quickly because the end is so much nearer.
Good to hear Smudge seems fine. We'll keep the thoughts and messages coming.
Well done. Half way is a very significant milestone. The glass is now half full, so to speak.
You're clearly starting to find methods that work for you. Keep up the good work.
Halfway celebration?
Well, half a bottle of wine, I should think.
And you can't drink the rest until you've finished the story.
Ha! Just kidding. Might as well drink it all, then you can open another!
There's something really 'real' about reaching halfway, isn't there?
I wouldn't worry about what to do with the beginning until you get to the end - characters can often be as naughty as Smudge and may well get up to things you hadn't imagined at the beginning...
Wow, halfway through, good on ya!
I've just caught up on Smudge , and glad to hear he's feeling much better.
:-)
Congrats on reaching halfway! :o) When I was writing novel #1 I rewarded every 33,000 words (a third of a book) by buying myself a paperweight. Now they're lined up on the window sill, catching the light, and reminding me of what I achieved. You could buy two - one for halfway and one for the end. Or how about one of a pair of bookends? Whatever you do, treat yourself. It's a fantastic accomplishment.
Absolute Vanilla - chocolate and champagne always a great plan.
Lane - he's still got spirit! His eye is the biggest problem
Pat - the thoughts and messages are definitely helping both of us.
Captain - yes it does seem to be coming together.
Leigh - I'm leaning towards the whole bottle option
Jen - yes I feel these characters my well be quite naughty
Annie - thanks and welcome back
Calistro - ooh a little reward that will stay with me - that's a very good idea!
You must buy yourself something, even if it's a new pen or a bottle of wine. Something simply because it's a huge achievement.
Hope Smudge is ok today x
Oooh, my black box led me to you. How interesting, when it was you who recommended I got one. :-)
Sorry to hear Smudge isn't so good at the mo. He'll most likely have up days and down days. Hope he's more the ticket today.
Loveing Calistro's idea of treating yourself. I must admit, I'm so focussed on achieving the task and moving onto the next thing to be done that I rarely remember to celebrate what I've achieved. Go treat yourself!
Caroline - bottle of wine seems to be quite high on the list!
Annie - that's brilliant!
Tam - you being so focussed is obviously working!
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