Thanks to those of you who have posted comments on the Plot Clinic. I’ve figured out from what you’ve said that I have to add an additional section to While You’re Writing that includes editing pre-existing manuscripts, that I need to discuss dream journaling in a bit more depth, that Structures has to go in front of Tools even though you use them in the opposite order, and that the description of the clustering tool could be clearer. I’ve also learned that the things that work for me are indeed working for other people, and from the sounds of it, working well. (This part is particularly exciting for me, because until you’ve dissected and explained how you do something to someone else, and seen them get it, you always have a faint suspicion that your method for doing things is bizarre and probably should be kept hidden in a dark corner somewhere, lest you be found out as a lunatic.)
I’ll be reading additional comments today and taking notes, as well as reading and taking notes on the material from the beta testers. But I’m not feeling good enough to work. Being self-employed and having to live on what I make, I have a deep and passionate bias against sick days, but this one can’t be avoided. Going back to bed, but please comment if you haven’t yet. Your results and experiences with the clinic mean a lot to me, and will help make the final version better.
Thanks.
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I’m nearly halfway through the book right now (Tool #12) and I have to say I’m loving it so far. Lots of food for thought, even though I haven’t yet gotten a chance to put the tools into practice. My free time clusters on weekdays, so I hope to give it a shot today and tomorrow.
The one tool that’s really caught my attention so far is, weirdly enough, the first one, Questions. Open-ended verses Yes/No, wide open spaces instead of a single door. It’s a paradigm shift for me, yet strangely familiar, as if I’d forgotten it a long time ago and you’ve rung bell that cleared my head. Thank you.
Hey Holly,
Hope you feel better. I’ve had something since February, and I can’t shake it. It’s not currently keeping me in bed, but it’s no fun being sick.
My weekend was much busier than I thought it would be, so I didn’t get to far through the book, but what I did read has me excited to get back to it when I’m ready to start something new.
I agree with Ashtal’s comment about the Questions stuff. It should be obvious, but it wasn’t for me. Thanks for explaining it so well.
Jay
“…you always have a faint suspicion that your method for doing things is bizarre and probably should be kept hidden in a dark corner somewhere…”
Lol, nothing is ever too weird if you’re using it to inspire the imagination. My best friend and I used to use paint samples (the kind you get in a booklet) to develop characters! Man, were we embarrassed the first few times other people saw us playing with a bunch of colour chips, some glue and scissors!!