It’s been a few weeks since I last updated on my progress on Working the Asset. As I mentioned in a previous update, I’m writing my outline with my non-dominant hand (lefty) owing to CRPS in the right one.
Fast-forward 27,000 words, a stack of index cards with writing so small only a fruit fly can read it, and a terrifying amount of coffee and this is what you get:
I’ve had my head down this week, getting more of the outline for Deniable Unit 1: Working the Asset fine-tuned. I’m now 80% done with the editorial pass for the plot (1 of 7 passes)!
With every action step I complete, the outline transforms into a better, stronger, and more cohesive story. I can’t wait to see it fully formed and in stores!
If you’re wondering what I mean by “action steps,” they’re from H. R. D’Costa’s Sparkling Story Drafts (affiliate link)–it’s a fantastic series on outlining screenplays and novels.
Progress Update
I’m now at 12% on my outline for Deniable Unit 2!
Well, it’s been a while since I posted an update on my current work-in-progress (WIP).
I started work on the intentional outline for DU 2, made a ton of notes that made total sense, and then went on holiday. When I got back to work a few weeks ago, those notes made absolutely zero sense.
So, I’ve spent the last three weeks getting back up to speed with the outline, made a lot of changes, and now I’ve got the plot to where it should be.
Now that I’m over that speed bump, I know that my progress is going to pick up speed.
Raring to go for the next step!
On Wednesday, I completed my intentional outline (stage two of three) for Deniable Unit 1.
To give the outline a wee bit of breathing space, I’m now working on the intentional outline for Deniable Unit 2—work started yesterday.
I’m working the same way I did for DU1: fixing plot, protagonists, genre, tone, and theme in turn.
With today’s work complete, I’ve made a total of 7% progress on this outlining stage!
Progress Update
Less than a month ago I put up a little progress bar on my WIPs page for DU1. The bar was empty and looked like it was going to take forever to get to full. But, I promised myself that I’d keep chipping away at the job of pre-editing my outline, that even progress of one percent would get me there.
Well, today, I just filled that little progress bar all the way up!
I’m 100% done with my intentional outline for DU1. The story has transformed from a pretty good one to one that I’m proud of. There’s still another stage of outlining/pre-editing to do before I get to write a pretty clean draft. But, I know that working this way is going to save me a tremendous amount of time and effort in the long run.
For now, I’m going to celebrate hitting this milestone with my wonderful husband who kept me fed and watered while I got lost in my own little world! Thank you, Jez! Woohoo!
Progress Update
Still chugging along on my intentional outline for Deniable Unit 1. I just hit 80%!!! Not long now 😜
Progress Update
Happy to report that I’m now at 72% on my intentional outline for Deniable Unit 1. 🥳 Onward!
Progress Update
I haven’t posted any progress updates for around a week. That doesn’t mean I’ve been slacking off. Nope. I’ve spent the time focussing on genre, making sure that I’m delivering the goods expected in a romantic suspense novel. Man, it was time-consuming but so worth it. The outline is popping now. I’m really starting to love my characters. Until yesterday I had no visual on Adam (hero), but now I can see how he raises his eyebrow in challenge to Elle (heroine)—and understand how it makes her melt.
So, my last update had me at 46%. I’m super happy to share that I’m now at 60% on my intentional outline for Deniable Unit 1. 🥳 Onward!
Progress Update
Quick update on my progress with DU1. I added a whopping 10% to my progress. 😃 I’m now 32% closer to done with my intentional outline. 🎉 #amwriting
Progress Update
Quick update on my progress with DU1. I’m now 22% closer to done with my intentional outline. 🎉🤓
I had a lot of reading to do today. I’m using Solid Story Compass, book two in the iterative outlining series, as my editing/writing guide. So, that’s where the reading came in. After the reading part, I got down to work with my co-protagonists: Elle and Adam. I spent most of the time checking their scene distribution for balance, making sure that I set up the bonding cues for both characters, and finally, I spent a little more time on their character arcs.
Onwards!
