My gift to you . . .

/ Tracy Abell

    

If you happen to be stuck on your work-in-progress
(maybe because you set it aside for a month or so
while working on another project),
I feel your pain.

I’ve been spinning my wheels trying to get traction
on this second draft.
I was ready to give up, convinced the story sucked beyond belief.

But then . . .

I sat down and wrote out a timeline for the book.
And now I can see my way again
because I remember what needs to happen
and when it needs to happen.

Such a simple solution
yet it took me quite some time to figure it out.
Which is why I’m sharing this with you.

If you’re in that bad, scary place in your project
try mapping out the chronology.
Maybe, just maybe, you’ll be on your way again.

Edited to add:
Oh, and you know what else is helpful?
Writing the day/time after chapter heading.
For instance: CHAPTER THIRTEEN (Thurs after school).
Yep.  I’m just full of epiphanies.

                      

20 thoughts on “My gift to you . . .”

    • Yay, me too!
      I keep devising new paths–some to keep myself motivated, others to help me stay on track. I’ve got spreadsheets and timelines and notecards and whatnot. Whatever works in the moment, whatever keeps my butt in the chair. 🙂

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      • Oh, my. I just now stopped to think of the chronology you’re juggling. Yikes. Much more complicated than Tues morning and Thursday after school. My head’s about to pop with my little mess, so I can only imagine your task.
        Keep that butt in the chair! 🙂

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  3. Yay, me too!

    I keep devising new paths–some to keep myself motivated, others to help me stay on track. I’ve got spreadsheets and timelines and notecards and whatnot. Whatever works in the moment, whatever keeps my butt in the chair. 🙂

    Like

  4. Oh, my. I just now stopped to think of the chronology you’re juggling. Yikes. Much more complicated than Tues morning and Thursday after school. My head’s about to pop with my little mess, so I can only imagine your task.

    Keep that butt in the chair! 🙂

    Like

  7. Oh yeah, noting time after chapter headings. You’re a genius, Tracy!
    And hey–I’m so glad you didn’t give up. Let me know if I can help somehow–you know, by sending guacamole and chips, dark chocolate, or just some cheery words. Go, Tracy, go!

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    • That little tip helped you, too? It felt so basic and Doh! when I realized it, I figured everyone already knew. Well, glad I could help!
      And thanks so much for the support and encouragement. I send those same thoughts and sentiments your way, Lorraine.

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  9. That little tip helped you, too? It felt so basic and Doh! when I realized it, I figured everyone already knew. Well, glad I could help!

    And thanks so much for the support and encouragement. I send those same thoughts and sentiments your way, Lorraine.

    Like

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