One plot down, about seventy thousand words to go. My fingers are twitching in anticipation of launching off into a writing frenzy. I’m amazed at how energising it has been to transform a sloppy muddle into a sleek middle.
I have mapped out thirty-six scenes; demarcated a beginning, and middle and an end; planted plot devices; noted important transitions; and even planned the spots where I can fast-forward the story a bit.
My next task is to write a synopsis, which I’m fairly certain can be done from a story map. Of course there’s always the possibility that the story will change–yet again. I’ve lost count on the number of attempts I’ve made. This current one has the best chance of success due to all of the planning I’ve done.
I’ll be interested to see how many words in total I chuck out. At this stage, I’m guessing I’ve “thrown out” at least forty thousand. With this next beginning, I will be relinquishing a favourite scene–“the airport meltdown,” which I have considered crucial to the story up till now. I realise that I can convey the same information in a fresher way.
Even though cutting those chapters will cost me at least seven thousand words, I see this as progress. Here we go!
