Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Everyone has a list, even if it's just a grocery list written on a torn piece of table paper. As a writer, I've recently discovered the wonders of an outline. It's very helpful, but I still list. After I finish a chapter, if I know what's next,or if I have one of my brilliant ideas, I'll list them there at the bottom, before I start the next chapter, then I'll highlight them so I won't forget and leave them in the finished product.. They shouldn't call them lists at all, they should call them memory boots.

One of the things I've discovered recently, is the Kindle bookmark or note function. I just finished proofing Bum's Rush, one last time--yes, yes, I know, I thought I was done with it also, but errors had been reported and, as you know, the only way to flush them out is to read the book--again. So I downloaded a copy from Smashwords and when I found a little error, I bookmarked it and put a note in the bookmark so I'd know where to go to find the error and what needed fixing. As I was doing this, I got to thinking, if this works out well, maybe with my next book, that's where I'll start. I'll submit the raw WIP and flush out all the error I find on the first time through, or maybe the second. You can't edit the MS here, so it might be less distracting. Just a thought. Have to wait and see if it works.


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7 comments:

  1. Lists are great. I don't use them though maybe that is why I have so many problems :) I love your idea for the bottom of each chapter to list what you will be writing next. I am going to start that list.

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  2. I've become slightly list obsessive though I try to avoid them. Lists for stories are smart- I always say I'll do them buuuuuuuuut that's the one area where it's hard for me to stick to for some reason!

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  3. I think it's great that you keep checking your work because it ensures a great product!

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  4. I've tried an outline for the first time on my latest book, and I'm not sure if I like it. I tend to bullet point my plan, and that's enough for me. I'm too unorganised to write a detailed outline and stick to it.

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  5. Once I started to do a list and then turn that list into an outline My writing became so much more organized.
    I write lists and then I write them neater.
    Great "L" word.

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  6. I list my lists...not literally, but I always feel I need to keep track of it all! I finally have my iPhone to help me out..it really does help!

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  7. memory boots- LOL I like that much better than list

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