First, sorry for the delay in posts. I had family over for an extended trip, which basically meant no blogging, no writing, and a disaster for a house!
I mentioned last week (or maybe the week before…hmm…my days are mixing together) that I was ¾ into my WIP and slammed to a halt. I bought a plotting book—checked out 3 more from the library—and at the end of the day knew more about plot, but was no closer to breaking through the wall.
So this is how I pushed through, and as it worked I thought I would share.
So this is how I pushed through, and as it worked I thought I would share.
- Write out a plot paragraph for your entire novel, including the ending.
- Read through what you have already written—meaning the MS. Make/add notes anywhere the plot drifts from that plot paragraph.
- Once you reach the point where you are stuck, push through a page or two, keeping with the plot paragraph, and writing “as if” you have already fixed the earlier plot issues.
- Give yourself plot points for the rest of the MS. Detail the reversal, climax, and ending.
- Smile at yourself when you crank out 14 pages in one day!! Yes I did!
I am so relieved I could scream in excitement. I hoped to have the draft complete by today, but with the delay that won’t happen. I should have it complete in a week from today though! Come back to celebrate with me next Monday.
Now tell me, how do you push through?
M.B.
I wondered what had happened since you told me about your blog and then *poof* no posts. Don't you hate how you get the house all neat for company, then it's a wreck as soon as they walk in the door and stays that way for the duration (and long after in my case!) their visit? :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you found your way! I'm not sure I have a good method for writer's block specifically, but I often take out a good book and try to analyze it for plot points.
Hey Erin! Glad to hear from you. Yes! It amazes me the level of cleaning we do *prior* to guests arriving, just to have the house trashed after. :) And I analyze books as well. I love dissecting scenes of books I love, especially Hunger Games.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great feeling, getting through plot problems. Sometimes I have to just lock myself into a room and just think with no distractions. I get some good ideas that way!
ReplyDeleteYay! I can only imagine how relieved you are. I have to say, the plot paragraph for the entire novel really seems to work! I wasn't as far into my re-writes as you were with TR, but it's really helped my momentum for sure. Can't wait til next Monday :-D
ReplyDeleteI hate it when I get stuck like that! It sounds like you've developed some great strategies for getting through it.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you found a way to push through.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I usually take the punk approach and write around what keeps me blocked. I usually find my way back there later. :)
Lydia - lockdown is a great idea, though I can see my toddler banging on the door already! :)
ReplyDeleteLaura - I can't wait to send you the full version of TR!
Andrea - Yes, I can't stand when I get stuck and no amount of planning helps me stay clear of blocks.
Karen - I tried so hard to write through the problem. I ended up writing (and trashing) 5 chapters. It's so interesting how differently we work to get to the same conclusion! :)
I'm a huge planner. I write a long summary of the entire manuscript and then break it into chapter summaries before I start my first draft. I do this because I'm terrified of staring at a blank screen. I find that by doing all this planning up front, I cut down on writer's block. Yes, on occasion I do stray from what I thought would happen. Characters have minds of their own and sometimes go in directions we weren't planning, but then I go back to my chapter summaries and adjust them before I keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI actually just blogged this morning about how I plan my manuscripts. Here's the url if you are interested, http://www.kellyhashway.com/apps/blog/show/6297994-careful-planning-or-idea-binge-
Kelly - I half plan. I need the freedom to go where I choose, but I must have a blueprint in place else I go crazy. I'm hoping over to your post now. :)
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