PASSed out
Just because my word count increased does NOT mean I got that scene written...hehe!! I used a method I found in Diane Chamberlain's blog once. The "PASS" method. If you get stuck (as I am on trying to type this word. I've typed stufk and stukc so far), you simply type or write "PASS" in that spot on your manuscript, highlight it, and go on. GET MOVING. Come back later. Auf weidersehn, baby.
So, yeah, that's what I did! I think I'll be able to revisit it soon, but there was another scene burning a hole in my brain when I was trying to sleep, so I got started on it instead.
In the meantime, I also decided to allow a highly trusted friend to be a prototype reader for this first quarter of my first draft. I have been undecided about whether or not to do that with this MS because lots of authors advise against it. Apparentely, it can derail you if the person who reads it hates it or sends you in another direction. But, I knew I could trust "My Gail." (Thanks, Oprah and Melinda Doolittle for that.) She has the miraculous qualities of being the perfect cheerleader for such a task. She gave me some teeny tiny things to work on as I go, lots of positive feedback, then gave me a thumbs up and a "Proceed" sign. She's read my other two manuscripts in the past, and I knew I could count on her to be just what the doctor ordered.
This one will definitely stay out of a critique group until I've finished my first draft. I loved participating in the group I was in for the middle grade manuscript, don't get me wrong, but I've decided it slowed me down a little from finishing that first draft because I was too worried about making revisions as I went from the critique group's advice. Good advice, yet still not the right timing.
Tomorrow, I owe LOTH another 1,000 words.
Labels: Progress
posted by Julie Kibler @ 11:31 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
So let me just take a guess, is the scene that was about to happen where you left off, in the hospital (don't want to give away too much here) the one you are struggling with writing? I can see why it would be hard, but you can do it! Get information, get details, talk to professionals . . . Rah Rah Sis Boom BAAAAAHHHHH!!!!! I'm shakin' my pom poms right now in your direction . . .
Yep, that is indeed the one. I've done a lot of research on it already. (That's part of the putting off process you know..."Research". Heh.)
I'm sure I'll get it soon.
Your pom poms, huh? :-O
Wow, Julie! That PASS method sounds pretty good. I know what you mean about the critiquing slowing the process. As some wise person once said, too many cooks spoil the soup. I try to remember that when I read a pile of critiques that veer in several directions. Sounds like you've made a wise choice. I applaud your discipline!!!
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