When I started the final book of my Crossroads trilogy, I had no idea how to wrap things up. I spent many days–weeks–researching what the Iberian Peninsula (where my main character Xhosa now lived with her People) was like 850,000 years ago, hoping if I drenched myself in the atmosphere, I’d understand the challenges Xhosa faced.
And it worked. The land–I found out–was challenging, primeval, and life-threatening in ways I’d never imagined. What I envisioned as a peaceful settling of Xhosa and her People into their new life wasn’t. Not even close.
I thought it would be instructive interesting for efriends from Raimey Gallant‘s #AuthorToolboxBlogHop, which meets every third Wednesday of the month to share writing resources and tips, to see how I’m building the final chapter in Xhosa’s search for a new start.
I have to say, I am excited at the progress. This book, unlike the first two books in the trilogy, is from scratch. It’s not drafted, plotted, or scened and that has worried me! So to help me organize, I went to Novel Factory’s novel writing roadmap. Here are their steps:
- Write a Premise
- Develop a Plot Outline
- Complete Character Introductions
- Write a Short Synopsis
- Expand that into an extended Synopsis
- Establish a Goal to Decision Cycle
- Carry out detailed Character Development
- Research your Locations
- Complete Advanced Plotting of subplots
- Write Character Viewpoints
- Do your Scene Blocking
- Write your First Draft
- Think about Themes
- Edit, edit, edit
- Polish your Final Draft
- Submit to agents or self-publishing platforms
Notice there are 11 steps before I can start writing–and I want to be ready for November’s NaNoWriMo.
A situation I have that doesn’t work well with this approach (and will definitely cause me problems) is that while I thought I knew where the story is going, turns out I didn’t. Here’s an example of what I ran into about a month ago:
At the end of Book 2, after a year of migration, my characters landed on what is now called the Iberian Peninsula and declared it their new home. But when I researched this location as it was 850,000 years ago, I realized it wouldn’t work. So, I–like you–will have to see what my characters do when they run into the death-defying seemingly-unsolvable problems I found.
Another problem:
A plot piece I wove through the first two books became invalid in this location.
Happily, both problems solved themselves under the unstoppable tenacity of my characters.
I thought you might enjoy seeing my workspace:
The left-hand screen is for real-time–to keep me in touch with my 21st-Century world. The middle screen is the spreadsheet where I map out my story. The right-hand screen is my notes (about sixty pages) The thing sticking up over the middle screen is my webcam with a sock over it for privacy!
Here’s what I have done the past few months:
- I have the Premise–Step #1 of the Novel Factory’s list, and started on #8, #10, and #11.
- As I wrote Book 2 of the Crossroads trilogy (The Quest for Home), I took notes on all the plot threads that I had to resolve in Book 3. Unlike one-and-done novels (books not part of a trilogy), I have to tie up all the loose ends in this final book. I added all of these to a spreadsheet as the bare bones of the story and built out from there.
- I did a very rough story arc (Step #2 above) in my spreadsheet–only plot, no setting or character development.
- Then, I started to flesh out the plot points, build the characters, recognize actions and reactions, track a timeline (so I know when winter and summer arrive), determine the POV character, and add notes about what needed to be followed up on. By the time that was done, I had about
100 200300 rows (in the spreadsheet). - Then, I added story details, minor characters, chapters, and scene purposes. Here’s what my spreadsheet looks like now–550 rows and over 66,000 words:
The spreadsheet has tabs, too, at the bottom to organize character details and more:
- I had planned to do a detailed character development (Step #7) on each of the main characters, to see how they fit into the plot I’d laid out, but that didn’t work. I know my characters. What I don’t know is the new situations the story will throw at them.
- I joined Kate Johnson’s Team Writer Facebook group to prepare for NaNoWriMo.
- I’m signed up for November’s NaNoWriMo. Let me know if you are and I’ll try to figure out how to connect. I think you can find me at JacquiMurray.
Future
- I’m thinking about doing Diana Peach’s PowerPoint book trailer idea but for the entire trilogy. I’ll release it when Book 3 is ready as background on Book 1 and 2 and to encourage readers to buy the early ones if they haven’t.
How are you doing on your latest WIP? I’d love to hear!
More on my writing
How I’m Doing on The Quest for Home– 4
How I’m Doing on Survival of the Fittest — 4
Book Launch–Born in a Treacherous Time
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, In the Footsteps of Giants, Winter 2021. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
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I like this novel writing road map!
Ronel catching up for Oct Author Toolbox day The Pros and Cons of Starting a Company as a Self-Pub Author
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I just transferred everything to Word today. Oh my–it’s nerve-racking!
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Wow, you are so organised, Jacqui! I always do an outline for my stories and set up scenes, a strategy to plot out the story. I’m still in the process of writing, small steps.
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It helps to keep track of the timeline, where they are, that sort of stuff. Usually, I want to make sure my main characters have enough face time in the book but in this one, it seems to have worked itself out.
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That is so great 😀 Love it when it all comes together like that.
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We definitely have similar writing styles, Jacqui. I also use three screens and spreadsheets.
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You’re the first one I’ve heard like that. Very cool. You know exactly what I mean then.
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Thanks jacqui you are doing so much for us i know its very hard working and involve an extensive research to produce great stories. you are soo great i am a big fan of your writing and good luck
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Thank you! I do love writing.
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I do some of the preliminary stuff you do, though not all of it. And I don’t do it in the same order as you. For instance, I do my two Synopses after all the other stuff but before the actual writing of the story. I guess I just need to know more before doing that part.
What is ‘Goal to Decision Cycle’? I haven’t come across that term before.
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I wish I’d write my synopses earlier than I do. I end up waiting until everything is done.
Goal to decision cycle is Novel Factory’s term. They say: Goal >> Conflict >> Disaster >> Reaction >> Dillemma. The term doesn’t resonate with me but the steps do.
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I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this insight into your work, and progress. It is fascinating to me. Do you do nano every year?
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This is my first year, doing NaNoWriMo. I have two more weeks to decide if I’m really in! I’d love to see how you put together one of your Sim stories. It fascinates me.
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That’s a great suggestion, thank you. 🙂
I can’t wait to see if you do NaoWriMo, and how it all turns out. 🙂
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Always so fascinating to read your creative process, Jacqui! Wow, what a set up you have! The world building aside, its exciting to get the books rolling. I’ve been messing with the cover of my fitness book which is coming along quite nicely.
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It’s fun making the covers and marketing materials. I have to get in the mood, but then, it’s golden!
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Jacqui, this is one fabulous post! I think Diana’s PowerPoint plan is a perfect idea.
And I wanted to tell you how much Paul loved the second and latest of the trilogy, which I am just starting. We both really liked the first, but he said he loved the second one even more. Great job. 😊
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I am so excited about that PowerPoint from Diana. It’s exactly the way I’d be comfortable making one and her sample was perfect. I can’t wait!
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Really interesting strategy. I like the 3 computer screens!
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It’s like having a big desk with lots of room. That always stays neat.
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It makes a big difference. One for writing, one for notes–love that.
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I am doing NaNo this uear too, especially that I was recently chosen my city’s municipal leader. I don’t think I’ll be able to write 50,000 words in my new conditions (taking care of a 90 years old mother), but I’ll finish a novel started during a previous NaNo and I might start the second volume.
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I’ll look for you though I haven’t yet figured out how to find buddies.
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I will try to buddy you
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Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your writing world. Love the 3 moitors! Sounds like you’re on you way just fine. 🙂
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I thought two monitors was as good as it got. Then I got the third. Oh yeah, it is wonderful.
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Brilliant!
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Good luck with Nanowrimo! I’ve only done it a few times, but I’d like to maybe try again this year (assuming my MLIS program doesn’t eat up all my time first). Have you ever tried the leviathan method for worldbuilding before? http://kittyspace.org/leviathan0.html It’s a bit too thorough for me, so I skip some of the steps, but it really makes you work through everything slowly!
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I’ll look at it. I used the Marshall Method for several of my books and liked it. I like starting with structure and then smoothing out the edges.
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I definitely want a third screen now. For my first book, my approach was very similar to the steps you indicated. That plotting process took me all of October, and I did end up winning nanowrimo as a result. I don’t think I would have won, if I hadn’t done all that October prep. I took a different approach for the book I wrote after that, much less planning, and it worked out really well, in my opinion. What I’m realizing is that different books call for different kinds of prep.
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That makes a lot of sense. I almost didn’t do all this plotting for this book, but then realized I really didn’t know where the story was going. I am panting, trying to finish by the end of October!
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You’re on a roll… Good luck with nano! 😀
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Thanks, Kevin. Still pondering it. I’ll know a lot more in about a week.
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Keep us all posted. 😀
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Those three screens are hugely impressive. So is your storytelling ability. Glad the third is going well since I’m ready to read it:)
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My husband comes in and just stares at me work at times. It is a bit like a cockpit!
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Enjoyed “watching” you at work, Jacqui…you’re a wonder! ❤ Looks like Nanowrimo is sure to find a happy ending! xo
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I am hoping. I’ll definitely get the book drafted by the time I’m done!
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Go Girl! 🙂
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Fascinating! All those steps and research. Wowed by how you use those 3 screens. Good luck with Nano. Sounds like you are ready to go. Just let it flow and don’t look back!
JQ Rose
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Each piece of research folds into the story. It’s amazing what knowing about the caves during that time can do for the setting!
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Thank you for sharing this list of steps. It is tough to start writing because their is so much to plan others never think about. I purchased on online world building reference tool I’m enjoying. I’m making progress on my own wip, but not fast enough 🙂
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Steps like that really help me. It forces me to start. Whether I use what I wrote is secondary to thinking it all through. Thanks for visiting, Erika!
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I’m sure all your prep will pay off in November. Good luck with NaNo. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
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Thanks, Anna. I’m still waffling a bit.
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It’s really cool seeing your 3-screen setup. I’m always curious about how writers organize their workspace and their stories, so thank you for sharing.
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I’m a little more out there than most of my writer friends but it works for me!
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I’ve been there! haha
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It’s pretty cool you do so many vlogs. I’m a tad jealous.
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You’re SO professionally organized!
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I do have a lot of balls in the air. I get bored easily.
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Great tips. Sometimes it’s good to get back to basics and reintroduce some structure. All the best with the book, so impressed with the research.
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Thanks! I definitely get away from the structure once it’s in place, try to imbue creativity.
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Oh wow! As a pantser doing that much prep work would scare me, but you seem to have it all laid out. Even finding ways to deal with the hiccups you found. Good luck with NaNo!
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If I don’t write with an outline, it’s chaos. I think the lack of one is why my first book took 25 years to publish.
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Great work.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
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Thanks for visiting.
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Good luck with NaNo! You don’t lack for preparation, so I think you’ll do great.
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Maybe over-prepared. That’s my worry at the moment. Maybe I don’t have 50,000 words left to write.
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Keep up the great work, Jacqui! Hugs.
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Thanks, Teagan. Lucky writing is so darn much fun!
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Excellent writing strategy, Jacqui. My copies of your Crossroads books are on the way even as we speak – so excited, can’t wait to get them! I see why the triple screens are essential to your method. Does one keyboard work for all three? I’m hoping to get one more screen on my desk so I can have one for research and one for the story.
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Oooh, you got the print? Or digital? Yes, the keyboard types wherever I click. I sometimes have to search around to find where I’m active, but not too often. You will love a second screen. That made a world of difference in my writing.
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My goodness, Jacqui. This process is daunting. I’d need a 12-step program to recover from your 11-step one!
I’m in awe. Wishing you all the best with it.
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Hehee. I would say it’s not terribly fast but I am clipping along faster than usual on this one. We’ll see if I bog down when I transfer to Word.
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Wishing you all the best. I have every faith moving to Word won’t be a problem for you.
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Wishing you great success with all this planning for Nano. You are so inspiring Jacqui.
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Sometimes I wish I wrote poetry. Not that it’s simpler but it doesn’t require a spreadsheet to plot out the 85,000 words.
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I love your three screen idea. I am forever having to open up my notes and research. I’m not sure though if it would distract from writing…it doesn’t take much for me…lol.
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Screens are pretty cheap anymore. One of these is a touch screen (which no longer works as a touch screen) but it only cost $350.00. Turns out the driver wasn’t compatible with the computer CPU. It’s complicated…
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I was a pantser until I discovered I was actually a plotter! I love how detailed and organized you are. I don’t work the same way – I would describe my plotting as organized chaos – but I certainly respect your method. It’s impressive! I sent you an invitation on NaNo. Still not sure if I’m actually going to do it this year, but I’m on there.
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Oooh, I will look for the invite. I’m waffling, too. I’ll decide by November 1st.
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Loved seeing your office set up. Makes me want 3 screens. Great information Bookmarked.
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I thought two screens was the pinnacle until I got three. Oh my.
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Hmm…nope…I just start writing. Granted, I either have half a plot or a few chapters, but I always know how my story will begin and end, so that helps.
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I knew I did something wrong! I hadn’t a clue where to wrap this one up!
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Great progress. Waiting to hear when you’re going to start the fourth book of the trilogy
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Funny you should bring that up… The ending does beg for a fourth…
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I knew it!
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Hi there. I’m very impressed. Your organizational skills are superb. A fine novel will be the result.
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Or disorganized–that I have to have everything in front of me!
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Your three screens cracked me up, Jacqui. But good for you for getting the pre-writing work done. I notice that all the planning is critical to getting my writing to flow. I know where I’m going and it’s easier to get there. You’ll be in great shape for Nano. And thanks for the plug on the powerpoint post. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Really excited. Good luck with Nano. I’ll be there too. 😀
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My husband calls this my cockpit. I love that PowerPoint-to-mp4 how-to you posted. It really grabbed my imagination.
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Organization and results delivered. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Thanks! I am currently stuffing each cell full of information. I don’t think Excel was intended for this but, there you have it!
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Well done Jacqui. You are very well organised.
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I was going to write this draft more traditionally but before I knew it, I had the spreadsheet up and was typing in it. Sigh.
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I admire how organized you are. I am in the middle of book 1 of a trilogy and am wondering if I can write the next two stories. I think I’ll start by taking notes of plot points to resolve later like you’re doing.
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What got me started on my trilogy was writing a really long Book 1, which I then broke into two books. That seemed to work.
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You are so organized… 😮 I can never get used to more than one screen.
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I’m surprised at that. I thought you’d have four or five. I wouldn’t mind another…
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Ha. Nope, I have a razor sharp focus. One project at a time. 🙂
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Wow, you are so organized. Go you! And ty for sharing!
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I like this #authortoolboxbloghop approach. It suits my thinking. Thanks for visiting, Maggie.
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Wow, Jacquie, you are a serious plotter. I have no doubt you’re going to rip through NaNo easily.
Love your work space too! What a great setup!
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I guess I am a plotter. I do at times feel like a pantser, when my characters upend my carefully laid story arc.
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Wow! Jacqui, that’s quite a task. You are so thorough, No wonder your books read so well.
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This spreadsheet approach does help me from repeating myself (as often). I can easily see I’ve already covered material. I’m pretty reluctant to transfer the cells to Word which will happen in a few weeks.
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It’s quite a process. I’ve never tackled anything quite as demanding. It sounds like a challenge, but one you meet successfully and of which you are justifiably proud. I’m sure that, like Zhosa, you’ll overcome all obstacles.
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You never cease to amaze me, Jacqui!!
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There’s another word that applies, too, one my husband uses when he wanders by my office. I ignore him.
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YES, do that!!!
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So organised! I love your monitor set up, and that is one heck of a spreadsheet 🙂
Great tips, I’m going to use that checklist as I’m currently planning (for the third time, trying to get it right this time!) and I think I could do with planning more character and location details!
Good luck with Nanowrimo:)
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I found that checklist really help to get me started. I’m glad you like it.
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Never fail to be impressed by your meticulous approach. And willingness to share your progress.
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‘Meticulous’ is a kind term for my crazy writing style. And for that, I thank you.
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Oh my word! You are rolling, woman! You know I always love to see people’s work spaces. Due to contract obligations, I’ve been doing my own NaNo for the past month. I’ve just about got my first draft completed. Keep up the good work, Jacqui.
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Even in a spreadsheet, it’s almost long enough for the entire book already. I’m going through and adding transitions as we speak. Then when I transfer to Word, it should sound better.
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Wow, Jaquie, I am impressed. Your set up looks very professional and
there is so much to keep track off.
As to Iberia, maybe hop on a plane and travel the winding roads for a month. It is
quite fabulous.
Miriam
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Oooh I wish I could do that. Maybe via Google Earth…
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