Countdowns
I’m in countdown mode on a few different fronts.
23 weeks to Surrey International Writers Conference. Several different things I need to accomplish before I can go to that.
22 weeks until Will’s birthday. Since his laptop is overheating badly, I am working on getting him a new one to take to Iraq.
13 weeks until I have to re-file my divorce petition if it isn’t finalized. I will be surprised if it is. Don is having more surgery done and I put everything on hold until his health improves so as not to stress him.
10 weeks until Will leaves for Georgia. After finishing a school there, they will ship to Iraq.
10 weeks until I move. I am putting most of my things in storage and moving into Will’s apartment so he doesn’t have to put his things in storage and worry about them while he’s gone. I will take some things with me, my antique trunks, desk, dining room set, since I am refinishing it, my antique buffet and my leather couch. I’m not really looking forward to moving, even as badly as I detest this apartment.
11 days until Barbara Rogan’s workshop starts and I still don’t have the synopsis done and I’m still shuffling Paladin around. I printed out all the chapters today and the snippets. I think, hope, I will find myself in better shape than I feared, but I still have to tackle the synopsis. I read through Miss Snark’s and copied off about a dozen good ones. Maybe something will click, but it hasn’t so far.
In the midst of this I am looking for a second job. Should be an interesting summer.
To say the least, I will be haunting blogs less. This is probably a good thing since I need industrial strength duct tape for my mouth anyway.
And as part of my new community service to provide interesting things to view, I am directing you to Pam. She is hilarious and if you haven’t checked her out, you need to.
Have you seen the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson? It’s intended to be a way to plan out your novel, but it also works great to get to the core of what it’s actually about, and by the fourth step or so you have a fairly decent one-page synopsis.
The ‘base article’ is free. I also bought his sample snowflake for Gone with the Wind – very helpful.
Heather (no affiliation with Randy, just a satisfied customer 🙂
Heather, I actually have him linked in my sidebar. I read the article and thought it was interesting, but didn’t put it into action.
Duh!
I’ll go check it out. Thank you, my friend.
I printed out all the chapters today and wanted to hit panic mode. I’ve gone back and done so much revising I have big gaps.
Oh, Julie. I’ll be praying for you and Will. As for the book, delete the panic button. Not good for you.
Wow, you have your hands full.
I use index cards to lay out my novel. I make one for each chapter with details and notes on each. I flip through them at red lights, in waiting rooms or anywhere I have two minutes. It helps the story cook in my brain.
Good luck with the move!
Wow. Sounds like you have lots of emotional upheaval right now, and you’re still plugging away on your novel. Kudos!
Ah, Lynne, had meant to e-mail you last night about Powys. Needless to say, I am thrilled you are working on it again.
Lynne, thank you for prayers. I gave my boys to God long ago and I trust He will care for them.
I’m feeling better about Paladin this morning. Going back to review the Snowflake method jogged some things loose.
Thanks, Aimless. I used to do the card method and switched to notebook paper so I could make notes. I might try the cards again, though.
Good to see you, how is your horrid stalker doing?
Thank you, Freddie. Life goes on and writing is one of my things I decided I am doing for me. It’s a selfish, guilty pleasure.
Writing can help you stay sane! It’s nice to have a retreat where you are in control (and it’s usually more entertaining than real life, as well!).
I will miss you, though. Keep us updated on how things are going for you when you get the chance. You’ve got a lot of people rooting for you!
Well, I’m not disappearing off the face of the earth, but I am going to try and nail this synopsis.
too much to worry about all at once, but you can do it, i’m sure
thx for the links to pam and randy
too much to worry about all at once, but you can do it, i’m sure
Oh, yes, this is just life. I just need to keep on track.
Thanks for stopping by.
pleasure’s mine 🙂