Anyone who has followed this blog knows the struggle I’ve had with my third (which was supposed to be my second) novel. Here’s the quick and dirty version: I lost the manuscript after writing about 20,000 words. I tried to write it again and failed, because I couldn’t get it exactly the way I had it. I wrote Butterfly instead, which was a fun and completely different story (that probably stopped me from quitting writing all together). I went to Jamaica and found inspiration for the lost novel – I really want to finish this one. I started writing it again and now…I decided that it’s not working; one of the subplots needs to go and some of the characters aren’t acting sensibly. Really, I’m not buying what they’re selling. Which means I’m going back to the drawing board…sort of. I’ve been marking up my outline and doing some more research. I’m liking where the story is going now. The only challenge is I know I’ll have to cut out some good scenes that no longer belong in this manuscript and I’m over 55,000 words in. But, it must be done.
Since it’s still early enough in the new year, I can do some things differently this time around. I’ve already added evening writing sessions to my routine (and those who know me know I only write in the mornings). A friend also recommended a new approach – 12 challenges in 12 weeks. I’m going to try it out. So, here’s my personal challenge: 12 writing goals in 12 weeks. I figure if I also blog about my progress, I’ll actually be forced to make some and hopefully I’ll be far enough along by the end of April that I will see light at the end of the tunnel.
Goal 1: I’m going to finish redrafting this outline by January 31st.
Check in with me next week to see how I’m doing and feel free to put your own challenges in the comments below.
Here's a song I'm listening to for inspiration: Natural Mystic by Bob Marley. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWoDSGfSu6o
