After I came down off the *I SOLD* high with a thump, the reality of having to write the followup book to BOND slapped me a good one. The good news is I’d done a lot of research and characterization on Gil’s story. The bad part (which is really a good part) is that I’ve grown as an author and more than a few glaring plot holes yawned before me.
Now I’m not an intense plotter–in fact my process is part planning and a good part trusting my instincts on the fly. But with a deadline facing me, I convinced myself I’d be more comfortable with a working plan, even if it was a loose one.
The three act process makes the most sense to me. I can tell pretty quickly if my idea is going to work, or if I’m climbing a icy hill in flip-flops.
I’m looking at my white board littered with post-its and what I have looks solid to me–at least solid enough to get that first draft done. Good news is I’m on schedule. Now if it’ll just stay that way–
March 25th, 2006 at 8:09 am · Link
I’m glad the white board with post-its works for you. I can see it in my office–for about a minute. That’s how long it would take either my dog or cat to swish their tail over it, and all that’s left is a white board with a bunch of post-its on the carpet.
You’ll write the book, Jan! I have faith in you!
March 25th, 2006 at 8:43 am · Link
LOL, it’s working because I nailed the sucker to the wall. If I laid it on my desk, I’d lose it. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Edie!
March 25th, 2006 at 1:48 pm · Link
You can do it, Jan!
Funny what a deadline will do to a girl. I’m getting ready to start sticking post-its up on my closet again. My way of getting the story events down.
That three-act thing though…makes me have a melt-down. Any kind of structure thing like that and I break out into hives.
Good luck!! You kick my butt, I’ll kick yours, and we’ll get ‘er done. 🙂
March 26th, 2006 at 8:01 am · Link
Sounds like a plan, Amy! Kick away. I like the three act system because it’s not strickly structured. I have three sections: Set Up, Complications and Resolutions. Needless to say the middle section is packed, and the last has two post its–off the bad guy and HEA, lol.
March 28th, 2006 at 12:12 pm · Link
You’ll stick to your schedule. You’re one of the most disciplined writers I know. Go, Jan!
March 28th, 2006 at 1:34 pm · Link
LOL, thanks, Michelle. It’s been tough sticking to my shedule this week. Murphy (the bugger) one; Jan zero. 🙁