Recently I discovered another useful tit-bit to add to my writing toolbox.
It’s so unbelievably simple that it’s scary. It comes from the fact that is nothing like a deadline
or goal to get you cracking! I put together a simple word counting spreadsheet.
The formula gives me the word increase for each writing session. its qualitative different to using word count because I can see my progress. For me, that’s important
because I can’t sit at the PC for long periods, so in the times I am able to do so do so, every
word counts. My goal is to finish with more words than I started knowing that I
have limited time available to do it in. Being able to see my progress
makes a huge difference to my motivation. Sometimes I add only a few
hundred words but every word moves the total forward. I know it isn’t all about
the word count but without the words on the page there is nothing to edit and
shape. In the last few weeks, this strategy has helped me feel like I can get
to the end of my novel – counting on every word.
Big Fish Creative are three Melbourne-based writers who write, teach, mentor, edit and inspire. We offer workshops and events that aim to develop and improve writers’ skills and confidence. You can find us on our Facebook page @bigfishcreativewriters
A bit of prose panel beating
Like everyone who writes, I have periods where I struggle with my
writing. Often it has to do with my confidence in my work. Sometimes it has to
do with my physical health. At other times, it’s simply that I’ve lost the plot!
I talked with a writer friend today and though that realised that my current
struggle is to do with the structure of my story. Each time I try to move it
forward I'm overwhelmed by what is in my head and not knowing where to insert the
new sections I am writing. Under the weight of that, it’s easy to give up.
My
friend suggested that I map out the story on a large sheet of paper using a simple
three act structure. She thought this might help to place all the existing character
elements and plot in sequence and to identify what was left out of the story. In
panel beating my story into this shape, I worked out the inciting incidents and turning points, not just for
the main story but for the subplots as well. It was an interesting exercise and
not the sort of rigour I normally bring to my writing. Even a rough draft of a workable
structure gave me movement and renewed energy for the project. Until then I had
been stuck for words more specifically stuck for the right words and in the
right order. It’s worth trying if you’re stuck. Add it to your writers’ toolbox.
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