17,000 words in–and growing fast

Posted by lisavb2012 on

OK, so my “outline” for the new book is doing its job and doing it well! I’m already 17,000 words into my first draft in just about 2 weeks. What a lovely, refreshing change from my initial “pantsing” attempt at what became Ravenna’s Road. On that one, I got a few thousand words in–words that I liked–and then got absolutely stuck. Where was I to go from there? A struggle every step of the way until I gave up, outlined it, and moved on. I’m very happy with the result, but not happy it took 5 years to complete!

In contrast, this novel is chugging right along, the outline working exactly as it should. It’s feeling good, things are working. Each outline entry is, in essence, a moderately detailed writing prompt. It tells me which character has POV for that chapter, setting, timeline, what needs to happen/the point of the chapter (a lot of times, I need to “seed” something early on that will tie to something later, all part of the outline plan). It still leaves plenty of room for the “how” of it. How will that character do all those things, how will it take shape, that sort of thing. This enables me to, chapter by chapter (not having to hold the whole book in my head) envision the scene and what needs to happen, then type as fast as I can while viewing it in my mind’s eye. That’s when it all works the best for me, and it’s happening with this novel draft.

Thanks for reading!

Where to buy:

Amazon eBook
All eBook retailers
Amazon Trade Paperback
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In the not-too-distant future, climate change wreaks havoc on agriculture, the economy, public health, and the very fabric of society. Everything is in short supply: food, water, money—and hope.
Convicted of a murder she did not commit, Ravenna opts for a work-based diversion program in place of prison time. She becomes a first responder in Chicago’s toughest and most desperate section. She faces violence, suicides, and danger on every shift.
One day, Ravenna learns the immense personal sacrifice that led to her conviction was in vain. The discovery drives her to take a risky leap. Determined to make a new life for herself one way or the other, she meticulously plans her escape to Mexico, then sets out on the road.
But she encounters far worse obstacles and dangers than she imagined—and there’s no turning back. Her plan in tatters, she has to find a way to reach a safe place to start over.
Will the road be Ravenna’s salvation—or her undoing?

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