Pantzer Problem Solving -Wordcount
Yes, I am a pantzer (writing by the seat of my pants, flying into the mist, driving into the fog) and I write Out Of Sequence. I'm also obsessive about wordcount (to prove to myself that I'm progressing, and to hold myself accountable). So what happens when I write up to a scene (or several) that I've already done and are previously "counted," like yesterday?
I keep a separate file, called Wordcounts and as I write I copy the new stuff into the file called 09-19-05 (the date). Yesterday (you people are keeping me motivated) I didn't make my 5000 words, but I did make my 20 pages. I wrote 4422 words = 20 pages and 1 line. And I did that plot thing.
I had to revise a chapter because of the plot (and I'm setting up characters for the next Heart book I hope to sell), and I reached a scene which was no longer applicable because of the plot growth and salvaged only a couple of paragraphs out of 5 pages. :(
With those "unuseable" scenes I do a couple of things. First, since the plot has moved past it, I look to see if I can incorporate it into the earlier scene that I wrote that had the same arc. In this instance, I could have, but it would have made the previous scene longer and more unweildy. That is, I could have satisfied my artistic ego to add some cute dialogue with the kitten instead of keeping the scene leaner for my readers. I went with craft.
I also saved the scene in a file I call "Holds," which is a catchall -- for backups, revised scenes, original scenes, bits I don't use. And when Heart Quest is published, I can post this particular scene -- a cut one -- on my website, which also pleases my readers.
That's it. I'm tired (and while writing this, I had inspiration for the next book and wrote a scene for it in another window. You NEVER turn down inspiration unless you're at a place where you can't write or dictate or jot a note. I wrote the beginning of Heart Quest before a memorial service -- the mother of a friend died of alzheimer's complications and age). Anyway, I'm tired and it's a work day.
So checking in to you with my free Monday, I did well. I also got a reality check budget wise, so it's more Costco shopping for me. But that was the tradeoff and I'm happy.
Love to all,
Robin
I keep a separate file, called Wordcounts and as I write I copy the new stuff into the file called 09-19-05 (the date). Yesterday (you people are keeping me motivated) I didn't make my 5000 words, but I did make my 20 pages. I wrote 4422 words = 20 pages and 1 line. And I did that plot thing.
I had to revise a chapter because of the plot (and I'm setting up characters for the next Heart book I hope to sell), and I reached a scene which was no longer applicable because of the plot growth and salvaged only a couple of paragraphs out of 5 pages. :(
With those "unuseable" scenes I do a couple of things. First, since the plot has moved past it, I look to see if I can incorporate it into the earlier scene that I wrote that had the same arc. In this instance, I could have, but it would have made the previous scene longer and more unweildy. That is, I could have satisfied my artistic ego to add some cute dialogue with the kitten instead of keeping the scene leaner for my readers. I went with craft.
I also saved the scene in a file I call "Holds," which is a catchall -- for backups, revised scenes, original scenes, bits I don't use. And when Heart Quest is published, I can post this particular scene -- a cut one -- on my website, which also pleases my readers.
That's it. I'm tired (and while writing this, I had inspiration for the next book and wrote a scene for it in another window. You NEVER turn down inspiration unless you're at a place where you can't write or dictate or jot a note. I wrote the beginning of Heart Quest before a memorial service -- the mother of a friend died of alzheimer's complications and age). Anyway, I'm tired and it's a work day.
So checking in to you with my free Monday, I did well. I also got a reality check budget wise, so it's more Costco shopping for me. But that was the tradeoff and I'm happy.
Love to all,
Robin
posted by FantasyAuthor RobinDOwens | 6:25 AM
4 Comments:
Hey, I LOVE Costco! I got my special sale coupons sitting right here. Besides, their roasted chickens ROCK!
I am doing some writing now after tearing through Gail D's The Compass Rose, which I liked. Different though.
And I can't wait to read that kitten scene since cats are off-limits. Xanth would be quite mortified that some humans could actually be allergic to cat/Fams.
:(
Terri (who has always wanted and orange tabby)
Oh Robin! I found this and thought of you!
http://www.pyramidcollection.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=P23964
Terri
okay. go to the Pyramid collection and look at item #P23-964
Terri
Oh, so sorry you can't play with cats, Moon. I live in dread that I'll develop an alergy...
Thanks, Terri! I get the Pyramid Collection catalogue, but missed this -- then one of my readers sent me the link, too!
Catie, 5000 words is my off-day, deadline hell wordcount. It IS 8+ hours for me, usually, and what I can do if I push and the muse cooperates.
WHEN I become a full time writer, I'm going to aim for 1/2 of that -- 2500, 4 hours, so I don't become brain dead.
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