TECH: Write To The End!

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original posting 25 December 2008

It must be time for another great piece from Writers Digest! The March 2005 issue, pages 40 to 42, has an article by Sandra Dark with the title "Your Grand Finale." The point is to keep writing (where have I heard that before? :-) And Sandra provides five strategies to keep you going until the end. So don't stop now, let's take a look!

1. Take Small Bites. Instead of burying yourself with the whole huge project, focus on one small piece at a time. (tink is reminded of the joke about how to eat an elephant -- one bite at a time) Sandra talks about starting with a pack of index cards, and noting on each card what will happen in an upcoming scene or chapter. Then to write, she works on one card. One of the key advantages is that this lets her pick up even after extended interruptions, and keep moving steadily if slowly.
2. Know Where You're Headed. A clear idea of plot direction, character development, and other crucial elements is necessary -- that doesn't mean you have to outline every detail in the story though. One suggestion is starting with a three sentence synopsis for the whole story. That's enough to tell you where you're going and make it easier to keep on track.
3. Have Enough to Say. A well-defined premise, adequate research, and a strong message can really push you to write the whole thing. Having enough tension and conflict and a good foundation really provides the framework that lets you keep working.
4. Develop A Quota System. Lots of writers use some kind of measurable quota to keep themselves moving forward. Having a habit lets you achieve your goals. Daily page quotas, or maybe a quota of time, can help ensure that you get something done. And even a little bit on a regular basis soon adds up.
5. Don't Look Back. The first draft will have flaws -- so don't keep reworking the beginning. Push on, finish the first draft, then do your revision and rewriting.

Sandra finishes with a quote from Kent Haruf, "most people who fancy they want to write quit before they get good enough, because it's too difficult. You have to think of it as your religion, as something you're devoted to, something you attend to daily, bringing all you can to it. The only thing to do with a story is to finish it. And then go on and write the next one."

Putting that in my own words -- break it down and focus on one bite at a time, keep your eye on where you're headed, make sure there's enough to do, set quotas, and write the first draft before you rewrite it? Some good reminders about how to keep writing until you reach the end. So let's see -- the first step is probably...

Write!