Managing a looming manuscript
Maybe it’s good to start small. But for some of us, we decided that we would start with a large manuscript.Once you finally realize what you’ve done, you’ve already told so many people that you’re working on a novel. You probably feel kind stuck right now.And to be honest, I’m right there with you.
The words used to flow from my fingertips, but my wondering mind makes it difficult; I keep thinking of ways to make it better/ edit before I even finish the book.
I never want to give up on it; Torque is my first novel I wrote when I was younger and finished it. I wrote it out of being inspired by (albeit, I am a bit embarrassed to admit this) Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight.”And I feel as though if I take a step back that I won’t come back to it. But I am going to push these feelings aside to keep writing it.
I’ll do my best to balance it with another manuscript but I’m going to finish Torque. I think I’ve rambled on for a bit, but I wanted to explore ways for writers to keep going or take a step back without feeling they are abandoning their manuscript.
For fun
I guess the obvious would be to reread what you have, but don’t make any edits. Realize what you fell in love with when you first started writing. If you start to make edits, it’s possible to become critical of what’s there. There is such as thing as over editing.
But don't over #edit....if you feel like you should stop, stop. Step away for a few weeks and come back. #writerslife #amediting
— Alyssa Flynn (@WordsbyFlynn) April 21, 2017
Fill in the blanks
Write specific scenes — whether you plan to fit it in your manuscript or not. This will keep the brain moving and could add more depth to character. If you are adding the scene to your book, hopefully it will excite you to get to fill in the blanks. A writing prompt is also a good way.
Plan or pants?
If you’ve planned things out with an outline — forget it. It may restrict the writing by sticking with the plan. If there is no plan, create one. Your novel may need some direction — it doesn’t have to be detailed, just mention three important actions you want to happen. ( Three is a good number because there is less of a chance to make the outline too complex or overwhelming.)
Like Nike’s tagline: Just Do It
Put that butt in that chair, or favorite writing spot and just write. Push through the feelings you may have, no matter how rough those sentences, hell, even chapters, are. Don’t give up.
Step back and reflect
As mentioned in a previous post, Making the most of your time, hop into another project. It may be time to step back completely. It doesn’t make you a failure. Even if you don’t hop into another project, use that time to reflect on another.And if any one of those people you’ve told about your novel asks you how it’s going, say it’s fine. Sometimes keeping it to yourself can lessen the pressure of a large manuscript.
Keep writing!
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