Progress in Spite of Myself

In my current general dysfunction, one thing I have managed to do in the last three weeks is a fast read of my full manuscript—all 789 printed pages of it. Since I have been working through the story one character at a time, this is the first time I’ve read this nearly completed text in sequence.

The good news is: no big surprises. In fact, I’m pleased with the resulting juxtaposition of events now that they are all woven back together.

Of course, I found a couple of sections that can likely be condensed. (Whew!)

The bad news is: see all those flags? Is your heart thumping in panic?

Here’s what the colors mean:

Although each indicates something to be addressed, knowing my system, it’s not really as overwhelming as it looks. It just takes time.

But that last green one represents the denouement—about six quick scenes not yet written. Sigh. They are outlined. Just not fleshed out. I’ve been herding this whole thing in that direction. Almost there.

However, I have contracted to a September 1st ready date for my developmental editor. Gulp. That means he gets it then, whatever the condition.

My next step is to prioritize all these little tasks so the manuscript he receives gives him the best possible picture of the story. I can work on minor style and continuity issues later.

So, we have a deadline whether the weather, hurricanes or no.

Respite:

Tomorrow I will join my three sisters-in-law and mother-in-law on my first ever cruise—three nights to the Bahamas. Not something I ever aspired to, (hope these motion sickness meds work!!!) but a much needed escape for all. I’m choosing to forgo the Wi-Fi package and so will be taking a digital fast. Yay! No doom-scrolling!

You can find me by the pool with a physical book. Thank-you-very-much!

I hope you all find some relief in the coming weeks. Do you have any plans to unplan for a few days? (Why is it so hard???)

Meanwhile, thanks for all the notes of encouragement recently. They mean tons.

— Lausanne

Photo by Anna Demianenko on Unsplash