Since several readers have commented on recent blog posts, asking how much of the manuscript I’ve written so far, I’ m here with answers.
Of my 15 chapters, two are drafted in full. Drafts of another two chapters are more than half written.
That doesn’t sound like much. But since I’m writing this book out of order, piecing it together, I’ve already written parts of every chapter. I’ve gone through more than 100 blog entries, selected dozens that will turn into scenes, and plugged them into chapters where they belong. And the entire book is outlined.
(Writing a book is about more than putting words on the page. This post explains what else I’ve been doing.)
So yes, I’ve got a lot more writing to go. But I’m making progress!
I also write scenes “out of order” sometimes in a manuscript. In fact, the other night I got an inspiration and wrote the FINAL scene in a book I’ve only started writing! 🙂
Anytime members of one of my critique groups complains about being stuck or having writer’s block, I suggest they write a scene that takes place later in their story. Most of us know bits and pieces of our story in advance, (and memoir writers know even more) so if we’re stuck on a transition, skip it for now. It seems to work well for a lot of writers.
Patricia
http://patriciastoltey.blogspot.com
I don’t think it matters what order we write in as long as we keep writing. Sounds like you’re making great progress, Alexis. I created a story board with an editor prior to re-writing my memoir (too long a story to tell here). It identified chapter titles and what pieces should be included in each one. Since you’ve got an outline, you can easily shift from one to the other and write transitions later. Can’t wait to read your book when it comes out!
Karen
http://www.karenfollowingthewhispers.blogspot.com
Congratulations!! You are already further along than most people get on that book they’ve always meant to write!
Elle Parker
http://elleparkerbooks.blogspot.com/
It sounds like you’re doing great – you have the book plotted out and outlined so you know exactly what you want – just keep moving forward!
NA Sharpe
http://nasharpe.blogspot.com
Sometimes when you get stuck it helps to jump ahead. Generally , though, I’ve found I work better when I chug along and solve problems as they arise.