All this talk about word points and spreadsheets this week is giving me hives! However, it’s also got me thinking about where I’m headed. So here are my simple thoughts on how to progress forward and keep track of what I’m doing at the same time.
I’m working towards getting as organized as Karen Wiesner, outliner and planner extraordinaire, author of First Draft in 30 Days. She’s written enough novels to know how long each step takes her and can plan on a calendar to the day when her book will be finished. (She wrote a whole blog series for us last Oct/Nov.)
I’m still learning how long it takes me to write a first draft, second draft, etc, but my goal is a book-a-year turnaround.
Here is my big picture rotation (writing routine!) involving three categories: marketing, editing, writing. The categories should probably go writing, editing, and marketing, but I happen to be at the marketing stage with Book #1 (unless that doesn’t pan out and I have to stick it back into the editing stage!) so that’s where I’m starting. Each project will fit into one of these categories. “Simmer” could be another category, but I think that is more of a transition step between each category.
Summer (July-Sept):
Book #1—marketing: submit to contests and agents
Book #2—editing: second draft (First Draft has been sitting and simmering)
Book #3—writing: thinking about and taking notes in prep for First Draft during the Fall
Fall (Oct-Dec):
Book #1—marketing: depends on success of Summer campaign
Book #2—editing: set aside again to simmer in prep for Final EDITS.
Book #3—writing: write First Draft, NaNoWriMo
Winter (Jan-March):
Book #1—marketing:
Book #2—editing: Final EDITS pass
Book #3—writing: if needed, finish up First Draft, set aside to simmer
Spring (April-June):
Book #1—marketing
Book #2—marketing
Book #3—editing: second draft
Book #4—writing: thinking about and making notes.
What do you think? Does it make sense? Am I missing anything? Of course, within each category I’m also working on routines to follow each time. But that’s for another blog.
I need a name for this plan. The MEW plan? The WEM? Category Outline? Hmmm….oops, getting distracted. Stick to the plan. Back to editing Book #2.
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Sounds like an excellent plan, Shonna. I spend a lot of time tweaking my annual goals plan, to make sure I’m working realistically, efficiently and in a way that challenges me. Best of luck with your goals. : )
BTW, can I invite everyone to check out the workshops I’m teaching this summer. Visit my website http://www.karenwiesner.com and click on the Appearances button.
Karen Wiesner
Thanks, Karen. I’m hoping it’s a workable plan.
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