Hey Howdy and How Do You Do?

It's been awhile, hasn't it?

But I had to break away. It was a need to define my writing processes, and put to use what I discovered.

I learned some pretty pertinent stuff, like that I write better when I edit as I go - that is, take time to really make sure I'm saying what the story begs of me any given moment, instead of rushing through, just for the sake of getting it out no matter its quality. That works for some; I understand now, not me.

I realized it's best to keep my projects quiet. My momentum is steadier, and I hold up better to my own expectations and accountabilities than I do to those of others. That said, I've omitted the word count statuses in the sidebar, and plan to post only generically about my WIPs - at least during the creating and writing stages.

My output spikes when I write during morning hours, and if I change up my location every few weeks.

What I've always known is, my dependence on your support and encouragement is high. I couldn't write and dream if I didn't have all of you lifting me up and helping me along. And that won't change.



Have you ever taken the time to really discover who you are with your writing? What methods do you identify with?

How Much Do You Share?

For those of my readers who are also writers, I have a question. I know how I operate, but I'm curious to see what others do...

When it comes to a big project, I'm thinking particularly of novel-length, how many of the details do you share with others? Are you one who keeps mum about everything from the storyline to the progress you're making, choosing not to relinquish updates to anyone? Or do you talk things through with one person or more, because you like to share, or feel you work better through your project that way?

For me, I'm hesitant to give too much detail, either because I'll "jinx" myself, or look silly before my idea has fully developed. But I can't keep everything in. I have to give the basic rundown to my parents and a friend or two. I have to have that initial feedback to kick myself into drive. And I periodically update my husband ("I hit 1000 words and a new chapter today!"), or run a scene by him, ask for input.

How do you work? What do you share?

Don't Say Maybe

So I've come to that stage with my new project: Do I or don't I?

Outline, that is.

I never want to outline. I'm the kind who likes to sit in front of the computer, a few notes here or there beside me, and just let it flow. I like the culmination of words and story to build with few set confines. Plus, starting with an outline is like starting with a piddly appetizer, when you're hungry for the whole meal!

Chapter 1 of my new WIP came out great. (That's not to say there won't be lots of tweakage, because, for now, I'm writing without editing as I go. But that's another post for another day...) And I know the general meanderings, the guts, of the whole book. But what about the minor details? What about the sub-plots? How will the rest come out?

My first novel (Bliss Lake, for any new readers, is currently under publisher consideration) unfolded page by page in front of me without an outline. I couldn't believe how well everything tied in, how much it all flowed, without having strategically planned it in advance. (It was a huge blessing for me; a reassurance I was on the right path with my writing. Also another day's post...) But could it happen again? Do I test it, supposing I could fail? Part of me feels I should at least jot down some kind of informal outline. I mean really, there's no one way to outline a project.

I think it's just such a question in my mind right now because the task of jumping into a new full-length novel - from scratch! - is daunting. Am I right? And anything serving to point me in the right direction can't be bad. Right?

So do I or don't I?*

Do you or don't you?

*I guarantee many of you are thinking Janna, it's up to you, girlie, because every writer is different and has to choose their own way. I know this. But I figure myself out better when I share my thoughts and absorb everyone's feedback. Thank you, thank you.

From Writer to Acrobat

My writerly tasks have been put on hold for the next week or so (though I'll still try to post here each day), as I take to the duties of a manual laborer: We've a new deadline by which to complete painting in our living room.

Why? Because our carpet guy will be unavailable for the three weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. And since we don't want to wait until after the holiday for carpet installation, we're busting hump to get everything ready by the 8th. Eep! That's not far away!

It seems like so little time because we have a lot of wallspace in the living room - some of which the contractor is still taping, mudding and sanding, and most of which still has to be primed first. We also have to sand, clean, and poly-urethane all the exposed beams. I suppose it's most overwhelming because there really is no we... misterwrites is still working six days a week (12+ hours each), which means he's unable to help... and it'll just be me. (We're not willing to pay the contractor for the work we could just as easily do.)

Oh, I'll make it happen. What's that saying about eating an elephant one bite at a time? That's how I'm approaching this; one task at a time.

I worked on the beams yesterday. Here's me at the peak of our living room - thus my new title of "acrobat" - on the scaffolding, almost sixteen feet in the air (talk about a deer in headlights... and what's with the hair?) :

Here's the view down, from where I was perched:

Sure, I'd MUCH rather be at my computer, writing. But I'm bankin' on the fact that, in the long run, it will all be worth it...

Progress... In Little Steps

It occurred to me this morning, as I lay in bed trying to catch a few extra winks before jumping into my day, that a few months ago I'd set the goal to finish my WIP by Valentine's Day. Whoops. It's still not finished, but I have, at least, made decent progress.

Last week I wrote the last chapter, which I'm superbly happy with. I also wrote out "what has to happen" to reach that end, and I think the sub-plots are coming together nicely. The last few days have been spent adding to word count. And I'm learning I don't have to write the story in order. Before, I'd have never been comfortable jumping around, but somehow it appeals to me now. Because if I get the main ideas written out, I can go back and fill the spaces. There's something comforting about that.

So it seems, whereas last month my energies went to freelancing and the WIP didn't see the light of day, February has meant work on the ms and my freelancing has fallen behind. But I'm okay with this. Nothing says I have to hit it all hard, every week. I can set my pace, in whichever area, and make progress where my inspiration and work take me. Right? Will this back-and-forth between projects always be the case with me? Is this common? I guess it doesn't matter, as long as it works for me and I'm proceeding with something.

My last two goals for completion of the WIP (Christmas, then mid-Feb) haven't been met, so I hesitate to set another. BUT, I think I'd rather lay something out there to shoot for than to aim wildly at nothing. So... I'd like to think I can finish the first draft of Bliss Lake by the end of March. Let's see where that takes me.

Good luck with all your writing endeavors!