1,102 words. Manuscript total: 72,553.
Back in May, after drafting over 75,000 words, I decided I didn’t like what I had written and threw away everything to start over again. It’s taken me three months, but I’m finally almost back to where I was.
You might be wondering, did I throw *everything* away? No, not quite. I was able to save about 15 or 20,000 words — enough for a short novella.
Outside other writers, word counts don’t mean much, so as a point of comparison, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is 76,944 words long. In essence, I threw away what could have been an entire novel to start nearly from scratch.
I’ve learned a lot through writing this novel. The most important thing I’ve learned is that a vague outline is really not an outline at all. Through my failure, I reinvented my writing process itself, and I’m hoping that this means this novel and future ones will be better, and that the process will be smoother.
I respect discovery writers like Stephen King and George RR Martin, who turn out incredible works of fiction without an outline. But I think I have come to feel that, for most of us mere mortals — or at least for myself, the concept of being a “pantser” or a “discovery writer” turned out to be just a way of saying “I am too impatient to outline” or “I don’t have a way to outline that works for me.”
That’s just my opinion, though. I understand why discovery writing is appealing and I certainly don’t want to judge those who choose that method. It is valid, but I don’t think it’s for me anymore.
For anyone who might be interested (for, like, all three of you who actually read my progress reports!), I created this outlining tool based on the Three Act structure that you are welcome to use if you wish.
6 Comments
Sarah Wiseman · August 4, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Just to say, I read all your blog posts… and enjoy/am inspired/am moved by them. And if I don’t comment it’s down to not wanting to come across as slightly creepy and stalkery… commenting on everything seems a bit obsessive… It’s a tricky balance which I find hard to navigate.
On the subject of this post… I totally admire your shear hard graft to plan so meticulously, I think it shows.
As a teacher (until recently) of 8 to 11 year olds it is so difficult to get kids to plan their writing, as the curriculum demands, but those who manage it create writing that is sooo much more interesting to read, as opposed to the enthusiastic, but rambling efforts that otherwise result.
Your plan tool is…. well, impressive…
If this is what you’re using to write SoD, then it’s going to be incredible.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts… It’s a privilege to read them… (too creepy? Hmmm.)
The Real Person!
Aww, thanks. 🙂 I started to think that posting every day would probably get old quick for people and become more obnoxious than interesting, but then I decided to keep doing it anyway, because as I said in my first journal entry / progress report, this practice is to keep ME honest, not so much for anyone else. But doing it publicly instead of privately somehow aids my accountability, even if ultimately I do it only for myself. I’m also hoping that there are people out there who will find it useful somehow. So it’s good to hear that you do find it useful.
Sarah Wiseman · August 7, 2019 at 5:22 pm
Hmm, I like the idea of being one of your Accountability Partners when it comes to writing SoD. 😊
The Real Person!
Me, too!
Annette Mori · August 4, 2019 at 7:46 pm
I am an unapologetic pantster. I’ve never once created an outline. It isn’t because I don’t want to do the work. It is because if I do I am afraid my OCD will kick in and I will feel compelled to follow it no matter what. That would intensify my imperfections as a writer. Yes, it might take longer and yes I might have to fix a boatload if plot holes, but the alternative is downright scary! Trust me on this. Unleashing more OCD is crippling.
The Real Person!
Never apologize for what you do or your personal style! And definitely don’t unleash that OCD if it’s crippling. 🙂