Some Novel Chat
Let’s begin this writing blog with a quick look at my own novel writing practice.
At the time of writing, I have not yet completed my first novel. Of late, there have been distractions, including a massive plot hole. Creative writing puzzles are not easy to deal with. Sometimes they untangle if you leave them alone for a while.
There are other aspects of life that the Later Writer will need to embrace. Unless blessed with perfect solitude (is that a blessing?) you must interact with Life and People. It is all possible future material so try not to isolate yourself too much.
What Can You Do With Your Edited Text?
You’ve just cut one or two paragraphs, or just a few words, from your work. There’s nothing inherently wrong with them – they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. They do not deserve to be lost. While still on your computer’s clipboard…
Store It Carefully
- open a new document – mine is called The Compost Bin
- here, you can copy & paste your edited pieces
- I keep mine under Chapter Headings as it helps me locate them
- even if a paragraph removed from Chapter One will eventually end up in Chapter Three, I will be glad The Compost Bin kept it safe for me.
Idea for You to Try
- as you edit your drafted work, allow your inner critic to whisper softly to you
- don’t panic about every word or full stop
- not yet
Train your Inner Critic to suit your needs… to know when you have written something that is…
- not relevant to the piece you are writing
- not representative of your own writing style
- out of place
- really very good! You can leave that in situ
