Look before you leap is excellent advice—if you take it. I’m embarrassed to say how many times I haven’t. I’m thankful my leaps are figurative. In my last post, I mentioned that I’d started a book in a genre I’ve never written before. I’ve read it, though probably not as much as I should have before attempting to write it. So guess what I’m doing now? (Don’t bother checking my I Read page or my Goodreads currently reading shelf; I’m being secretive.)
In short, I’m looking at a lot more pre-writing preparation for this book than I’d anticipated. But that’s all right. Creating new brain cells is good. Besides, I said I this was my year of new, didn’t I? And I said I needed to get more organized. Maybe it’s time to use new writing tools. I tried Scrivener for Windows back when they were beta testing it, but I was in the middle of writing a book and the learning curve seemed a time suck. After they ended the beta, I never bought the real version. Do any of you use it?
My current method of research and writing involves creating dozens of Word files—research notes, character profiles, scene lists, timelines, etc., as well as the actual manuscript file. I save those files into a folder with the working title of the book, but still I need to open each file individually. So, as I work, I might have five or six files open in Word at once. I think Scrivener streamlines that, but I’d have to learn how.
I might even do the unthinkable—properly outline this novel. (I can’t believe I typed that!) Can a pantser turn plotter?
I will probably divide my writing time by working on this secret book part of the day and my next WF novel during the other part. I’ve already cut down on social media participation. And I guess it’s a good thing personal email, which requires a thoughtful reply, rarely drops into my inbox. So I have time; I just need to use it more wisely than ever before.
I might even have to cut back to watching only one episode of X-Files before bed, so I can start rising earlier. The truth is out there.
Linda Cassidy Lewis 
I dabbled a bit in writing long ago until I read somewhere, ideally, you should make a rough outline on the piece you’re writing. Outlines and I don’t get along all that well. That’s when I parted ways with writing.
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Are you joking, David? Because if you’re not, that’s sad. I think each of us needs to write the way we work best. My “outlines” have always been done after the first draft—and halfheartedly at that.
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Love the X-FIles!!! I took last summer and watched the entire series on Netflix. 🙂
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That’s what I’m doing now, twc247. 🙂 Just started last month, though, so I have a long way to go.
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Sounds exciting! Good luck. (I think you’re writing a sequel to the X Files)
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Thank you, Darlene. 🙂 But no, I’m not writing a sequel to X-Files … or anything in that genre.
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This post makes me smile. It’s a reminder that every project is different and we never stop growing and changing in our creativity. 🙂
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Use it or lose it, Michelle. 🙂 I’m really enjoying this research and can’t wait to start writing. Time will tell whether I can write this book successfully, but I’ll definitely benefit from the effort.
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Good for you. New genres are fun to write. Have you ever heard of EVERNOTE. It’s an online notebook like Scrivener, allows you files, notes, sticky notes, and even pictures in whatever type of folder you want to create. It’s pretty cool. And it’s FREE. (or at least it was.) Google it. If you can’t find it, email me and I’ll send you the link.
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Anne, I had Evernote installed on my last computer, but never remembered to use it or, rather, I used it while researching for Illusion, but then never looked again at what I’d stored there. My fault, of course. On this computer I installed an Evernote app called Webclipper, but I’ve never used it. For that reason, I have a feeling I’d not use Scrivener to its fullest potential either. I think I’m undermining my plan to get more organized. 😦
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