Those of you that have been following and commenting on my blog know by now how much I HATED, DESPISED, ABHORRED trying to outline my new story. I was using Scrivener and the little note cards on the corkboard. I have discovered two things…1)I don’t think Scrivener has anything to offer that I can’t do other ways, and 2) I can’t outline the same way other people do. Or I can’t outline the way I “thought” other people do. I’ve found, by reading blog comments, there are vastly different ways to outline . What works best for me is to have a basic synopsis of my story with some main points, but not necessarily in outline form. The problem is that I’ve always just had this basic “outline” in my head. What I’m going to do is try to be a hybrid pantser/plotter for now and see how it works. That means WRITING DOWN my synopsis (for lack of a better word to use) instead of having the idea roll around in my head. As I get used to doing this, I might be able to plot a little heavier with each project.
All that being said, I’m either 95 words ahead of my 700 word count or 605 words behind. I have a little spreadsheet (I’m all about the spreadsheets) where I keep up with my word counts. I just haven’t decided whether to count the first day, since I was doing nothing but outlining and cursing (not really because I don’t curse) or start my word count on the second day when I really started writing. For now I’m counting the first day because I think I can catch up. 🙂
On the exercise front…I didn’t get up at 5:30 and walk on the treadmill this morning. I just couldn’t. I stayed up too late last night watching Final Destination 2 (for about the 3rd time) and then I had to watch a little of something else to get my mind off FD2 before I went to sleep. So I was up until about 1:00 or later. But I plan on making up for that tonight. And I’m NOT giving up on the morning walks. Also, I’m learning to eat 1/2 to 2/3 (depending on how big the serving is) of my meals and having the rest for another meal. Cheaper in calories and dollars! Oh, and I’ve lost 8 lbs. 🙂
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First of all…I don’t think any two people outline the same (for their writing, that is) and we all have to find what works for us! My system would be awful for someone else – but they might find one or two little parts of my system helpful. I like the mix-n-match variety. Ha.
Congrats on those missing 8lbs! Way to go! I’ve been bellydancing (it is so absolutely fun I can’t stand it. I’ll actually be posting about it in a few days…lol…it’s research…haha) And another shout out for the new eating habits! You’re accomplishing your goals.
I’ve been a bit of a bum. :} A little of this…a little of that…a lot of reading.
Nadja, I think you’re right…everyone is different in how they approach outlining. I can just imagine you have an “interesting” system. LOL
I’m kind of stuck on those 8 lbs. I’m ready for MORE to come off!
I have a couple of belly dancing DVD’s and they are awesome. I don’t think people realize how hard it can be. What a workout!
Whatever works, works, it’s that simple. My style of outline, first draft, story draft, character draft, re-visit story draft, and final draft would be way too much editing for some, but it works for me. And while its not a bad idea to try different things don’t tie yourself down to them experiment and if it works, great, if not, move on. But yes, like you, I have spreadsheets, timelines, character bio’s, and thousands of notes: sticky notes, notes in margins, notes in my notebook I keep for making notes (and doodling).
Good luck, and bring on the gnomes!
Wow, you really have a lot of editing stuff going on. My first draft is usually fairly clean…the biggest problem is it usually needs a little fleshing out, some stuff added, etc. I love spreadsheets. I keep up with my books sales that way, too. 🙂
My gnome book is with beta readers right now. My fingers are crossed that they won’t hate it.
8lbs!?!? Awesome! Good on you.
i was so excited when i stepped on the scale and saw that! 🙂 You actually had something to do with that, too. The whole thing about not having to eat the WHOLE meal all the time. I knew that, but it helps to see people do it.
Don’t worry about what everyone else does anyway. Although, I am fond of those little corkboard note cards. 🙂
And well done on those 8lbs! That’s amazing!
Those notes stressed me out. LOL
Thanks, I’m happy with the 8 lbs. I’ll be happier if it’s up to 20 before I go on vacation in less than two months.