2009 is here and I’m jumping right into one of my goals—finish a YA novel. I hooked up with a fabulous and motivated group where we email each other our daily numbers. Having a core group to bounce ideas off of and encourage each other makes the process slightly less painful. At least you know that there are others as crazy as you out there.
For my last book I made a sketch of an outline, which kept me focused and helped on those days where I wanted to just stare at my computer.
But for this novel, I went a step further. First I used this template to keep my story focused. I also took each character and created a web for them with all their favorites, needs, desires, motivations, and such. Jenny Myers has a fantastic character questionnaire that I used too, which got me asking some tricky questions.
Finally, I read Donald Maass How to Write a Breakout Novel, which by the way is excellent. Everything he had to say was spot on but what I liked best about his book were the examples he gave. It brought the concepts he wrote about to life. I also got the workbook that goes along with the book and I’ve been using that as well.
So, with all these tools, I’m ready to start writing! Better head back to my novel and start FAST DRAFTING!
For my last book I made a sketch of an outline, which kept me focused and helped on those days where I wanted to just stare at my computer.
But for this novel, I went a step further. First I used this template to keep my story focused. I also took each character and created a web for them with all their favorites, needs, desires, motivations, and such. Jenny Myers has a fantastic character questionnaire that I used too, which got me asking some tricky questions.
Finally, I read Donald Maass How to Write a Breakout Novel, which by the way is excellent. Everything he had to say was spot on but what I liked best about his book were the examples he gave. It brought the concepts he wrote about to life. I also got the workbook that goes along with the book and I’ve been using that as well.
So, with all these tools, I’m ready to start writing! Better head back to my novel and start FAST DRAFTING!
8 comments:
Sounds like it's going to be a wonderful writing year!
Very cool! Good luck with your fast draft. One of my New Year's goals is to start on an outline to a sequel for my MG novel, as well as start submitting the first one. I don't want to get too far with the outline until I have a better idea how the first is going to do. Good luck with your writing, Christina!
Thanks so much guys!
Christina - Love the template. I'm getting ready to plot a new novel. I think I'll try this tool. Good luck with your fast draft.
Good luck! :)
I haven't even figured out my goals yet and you're already on your way :(
I just printed out the template ... maybe that will keep me focused when I don't feel like Fast Drafting anymore!
Good luck with your goals! Sounds like you are starting things off on the right foot...
Thanks for the template...
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