Now that another NaNoWriMo has come and gone it's time to work on that manuscript. A first draft, especially one written in a hurry, is not ready for submission. I've listed several ideas for working on your novel in I wrote a novel. Now what? (the post is up today on the Pikes Peak Writers blog). But today, I want to let you know of a more social way to work on your book.
It's called PlotWriMo. It stands for International Plot Writing Month, and the project is in its fifth year. It was begun by Martha Alderson, the famed "Plot Whisperer". If you missed her fantastic YouTube videos on plot, read more about them here.
The purpose of PlotWriMo is to re'vision' your story and its plot arc, preparing for a rewrite in the new year. Once that's done, it's in much better shape for submission or publication.
Each day, Alderson takes writers through the process of analyzing their plot in order to iron out wrinkles and fill in holes. She also continues to add to your YouTube video collection. If you're more of a visual or auditory writer, these might be just what you need.
Check out Alderson's daily posts. They're easy to accomplish, and will take your novel to a new level. Also, take a look at her book, The Plot Whisperer.
What does your novel need most right now?
My novels needs to be finished right now. I know precisely what to do, but finishing it up seems to be taking more self-discipline than usual!
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Sonia! I'm in the same boat. :)
ReplyDelete~Debbie
That sounds fantastic! but I'm not ready to look at it yet. Maybe I'll make a note and check out the youtubes in January.
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on my 2009 NaNo!
xx
Ah yes perfect timing now that I've finished NaNoWriMo. Oh wait, I have to finish the book first! I really wish they would do a February 15 day followup to NaNo to us finish I novel - 75 k is much closer to real novel length!
ReplyDeleteMichelle and Margo, you're right. We need a little break before tackling revisions or finishing the book. I like your fifteen day extension idea, Margo!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
This does sound great, I'll refer to it when I'm actually done with my first draft. What this novel needs most is some plugging of the gaping holes in the plot!
ReplyDeleteI've come to really appreciate how much gets done in revisions. Best of luck plugging your holes.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
I hope you can continue to rest and recovery. Glad your family is taking good care of you. I'm hunkered down doing final projects. December seems like a good time for a break. :) Hope you are well soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stacy. Hope you get all your projects complete before Christmas!
ReplyDelete~Debbie