Who else is just getting back to their writing after a break? Let me know if you would like to see a more detailed video on the process of reading back through an old draft to decide what to keep, toss, and how to move forward! Thanks for watching and hanging with me during this time of transition and a somewhat "off" schedule! Love you all. (also forgot to mention I have a new short story anthology release today! Find links in the description if you want to support me that way! Thanks!)
Just finished book 3 of my series this month and started a fresh project. So this will be my "project-break-before-editing" lol. After 7 years, it's about time to start another one from my long want to write list... it's so weird to start fresh...
Would love to see more details of the plotting, notecards, and what you put on them. I want to try to use note cards when I work on my next book, but I can't figure out what to put on them. Congrats on the new house by the way!! :) Love all the post its and stuff.
Here is what I do. Scene #, chapter # of course. On separate lines: protagonist if having multiple POV's, Antagonist (not necessarily the villain) or antagonistic force ie the weather, goal of the protagonist, conflict, setting, twist, one sentence summary and the next scene. I also include clues and red herrings if the story is a mystery. This is modified from Holly Lisle's PACTS method.
@@lexyprice4753 Is the PACTS method from Holly Lisle basically what you said explained? I tried to find any reference to the PACTS method and I cannot find what you mention.
Oops sorry. Check out her podcast Alone in a Room with Invisible People. I can't remember which episode its in specifically but they discuss it several times in different episodes.
Yes, please, show us more on reinvigorating your old draft. How do you handle mixing revision with writing sprints? Do you allocate sprints for scene revision during your writing process, or maybe just leave notes along the way for revision after the first draft is done? I'm a plotter, but still discover insights and twists about plot and character while I'm writing. So I find myself going back to improve previous scenes as part of the process for writing successive scenes.
I love seeing your process. And I would love to see how you do your note cards in a more in-depth way. I'm about to restart a series that's been in my head for a long time. So less coming back since the only thing I'm keeping is the world's history and some of the basic character concepts. But this process would have saved me in the past!
I really loved this video. I feel the steps you do to get ready for writing again is inspiring! And how you get yourself in the mood and prepared to get started. I would love to watch a more detailed video on the process of reading back through and how you move forward on the rest of your story. With my story I'm stuck on trying to decide if I should do just one character for my first book and put the other 4 characters in their own story and have them all together in the final book. Thank you Sarra for sharing , also Thank you for the good tips on Getting Back to Writing.
I would love hearing more about the note cards and replotting. What to keep...what to throw away, etc. Also would like a video on how to rework/replot a completed manuscript that has sat on the shelf a few years.
I really love the vibe of this video, Sarra! I'm going to watch it again after my publish and thrive course is over 😉 so, journaling the feelings of the characters is something I'm going to have to start doing. One of the ways that I make my plotline cohesive is that grid/scene/chapter tracker that JK Rowling does. It's huge in helping me address what's missing from the story.
This was so helpful, Sarra! I love seeing all the colorful goodies but especially thought rewriting your character cards and notes to reimmerse yourself is a great idea I’m going to copy! Would live to more of your daily writing pages and how you use them to get back into your story each writing session. I feel like I take forever getting back into my story world every time I sit down!
I'm getting book three of my Paranormal cozy started again, I've been distracted by reading book one out loud on my new RU-vid channel, but now that is up and running I need to focus on writing again. Love your videos and the inspiration you give, I'm a total pantser with my writing s this is fascinating.
This is extremely relevant to my interests. Would very much like more details on the stationery aspect. Having the right tools can make a gigantic difference.
I would love to see more about the details you put on the notecards please. I use so many of your ideas from your videos to keep myself organized. Thank you for all you do here ❤
I really like the friction erasable ball pens, they come in a bunch of colors and I don't have to worry about messing up my notecards. I'm getting back to writing after almost 2 months and this came at the perfect time.
good luck on the final book! it must feel like getting a kid ready for their last year in high school; so close to sending your characters off into the great beyond of head-canons and epilogues! totally should do a video on reading back through. my own rough draft is overwhelming as hell to try to look at and break down into manageable projects, especially after several months of not being touched.
Yep, I need this! I've been struggling to get back into writing. Gardening is a major distraction now since Spring here in South Texas is in a few weeks. YAY! So glad y'all found a house here in Texas. Welcome!
I'm trying to get back into a story I started but then things came up and it went to the side. I love your plotting notebook and setting intentions and trackers for each day you're writing. It definitely feels like accountability that I need in my life. Thank you for sharing your process.
Thank you for going through your set up process. Sometimes I think I’m procrastinating by doing the ‘this and that,’ but it’s really getting those things off my mind before I can start. 😀
Watching and reorganising and cleaning my desk cause also feeling under the weather and just needed a day to have a breather, after the first broken glass of the morning I knew it was one of 'those' days. Loving P&T and just can't believe how much I've learnt already, in depth course material would be the under-statement of the century! Have been doing a heap of 'sprints', just getting back into the habit of writing. It's so motivating - and feel like my day off today is also setting me up for a better day tm.
I'm getting back into my writing after losing my house due to floods at the start of January and having to relocate. At the moment I am creating my ideal writing space
I can watch and rewatch videos like this all week long:) So motivating and inspirational. Would love to see the process that's ahead of you with plotting and writing. Thank you for everything, Sarra!
Even Olympic athletes have a routine to get them in the mind set to get going. I need to be enthusiastic before starting a new project. I also go shopping to get me in the mood. Keep us updated sugar.
I would love to see more details about what you write down. It seems that every time I go back to plotting and writing, I have forgotten what to do altogether. I love the ideas from your project process!
Please consider doing a more in-depth video of how to use the note cards. I have been away from writing and I am struggling to organize my writing. Thank You! Congratulations on your new home.💖
Hi! I am trying to get back to writing after a break. I tried writing in January, but I only wrote a bit and stopped again. I feel a bit discouraged, as I did some rewrites in 2021, but didn't manage to finish it yet, and just feel overwhelmed by the book I've been with and working on for so long. Hope to publish it this year though, hopefully I can even sell a few copies :) But most of all, I want to enjoy writing again.
Thank you so much for this. The book I am writing I started in 2011 maybe 2012 and I go through writer’s block which turns into procrastination. I’ve taken classes and read numerous of books and I’m grateful that I came across your channel. I believe in the story I am writing and the career I can have so thank you so much.
Thanks for this video. I am finishing up "12 Week Year for Writers" and this goes along nicely with it. Got a couple more journals and those Crayola markers. Set! Ready! Go!
This is right on time for me, thank you!! I love the idea of having a daily intention/planning page for each writing day, I'd love to know more about how you set that up and what you include.
💕 🙌🏾 PERFECT TIMING! It’s like fate had a hand in this because the video landed in my in box just as I was struggling to get back to my WIP after scrambling to prepare for the start of a new teaching job. Of course, it took me another week to clear the decks so that I had time to watch, but I was glad to find that was part of the process. Thank you so much for the inspiration. 🙋🏽♀️And I would definitely, love a video explaining more about what should go onto the notecards.
It's been several weeks since I've written anything and I have to admit that I feel a little guilty. Since the beginning of the week, I say to myself "let's get back to it" and three hours later, I find myself with my nose in a TV show, or on youtube watching videos I've already seen many times 😅 I think this video is what I needed to get me back into writing my story. I'm going to try to follow these tips (I don't know if everything will work for me, but having a starting point is better than nothing) and see where it takes me, fingers crossed 🤞
Yes please, I would love to see more about what you write on the index cards. Thanks so much for this video. I asked another AuthorTuber this exact question last week so it's like you've read my mind! Really useful - thank you!
This video was so fun to watch! Color coding is SO helpful! I struggle with keeping things clear in my mind, so having a color for everything helps me not just stay excited (because they do make me happy) but also help to speed up the process because I'm not having to mentally detangle as much.
TBH, watching your videos gets me excited for my story when I hit those "where to go from here?" moments. I really appreciate seeing your story notebook in more detail. You mentioned a WIP brain dump notebook in another video; is this what you are referring to, or is that a different notebook? Thanks so much from the bottom of my heart breathings for everything you do. And WELCOME to TEXAS!!!! 🥳✨💖✨🥳
Yes I would love to see more in depth details on the notes and replotting the story. I’m going back to my Nano story and I think I have another direction I want to take the story. So all the help is GREATLY appreciated!!
Definitely struggling to get back into the writing groove after the Xmas break - I ordered a small selection of colour-coordinated Pilot G2s, and will be gathering my other supplies for this weekend's writing retreat! ❤️
I love watching your videos. I am in the middle of writing my first book. I took a break and am getting back to it. Also, I am so not a plotter. I really am more of a pantser but seeing your process makes me wish I was more organized.
This is such a great and informative video. I love how you track your writing in your writing journal especially your daily pages. I am going to implement this into my writer’s notebook today. I have never tried writing sprints, but I think I will see if that will work for me. I have not written anything substantial since 2019; just a lot of journaling, a few poems and some short stories, but no novel work. Now I am ready to get back into an old idea that I have been playing with for more than ten years. I plan for 2022 to be the year that I actually finish my first full novel.
I'm going to copy some of your process. It feels like I'm forcing myself to write sometimes. I like the idea of at least going over my draft and journaling about each scene to get me excited again to write my book.
I'm trying to stick to a writing schedule (and work a full time job). I am doing better with that, especially on the weekends. It's been nearly 2 years since I've started a new book and longer since I started a new series. But, that's what I'm doing this year. I forgot how fun (and challenging) the prep can be. Thanks for sharing your process.
I'm getting back into a novel I've set aside (life happened) for two years... definitely have "fresh eyes" on it now. 😆 Determined to finish it as a learning experience.
Thanks so much for sharing your process. This is so perfectly timed because I am picking up a story I haven't touched in a while. I agree with others that have commented. I would love to hear more detail about your process.
I would love to see more about the cards. I love the idea of the index cards for my characters because I get so involved with the story. I hate to stop, then go look up the info where I could have them right there available on my desk as a quick reference.
Hey Sarra, more details please of plotting and index cards etc! I’m trying to get back into my plotting, but can’t seem to dedicate myself. Thank you for this great motivational Tuesday video. The stationery haul resonates with me 😉 Best of luck with the move.I’m very excited for you and your family & wish you well with your new home 🌸 🐔 🌳 🏡 👨👩👧👦 🐎 🪴
Thanks for another helpful video! I would definitely like to see a more detailed video on the process!! Best of luck with moving and settling into your new house!
Loved this video. I would absolutely love a more indepth video on your plotting process. How you brainstorm and what your actually writing on each card. I'm struggling with that part. So right now I just have a crap ton of notebook pages all in a mess of a binder. 🥴 the note card method seems much more organized. Congratulations on the new house as well. We need a update on that to. ❤
Such great tips. Because of you, I've gotten into color coding and rekindling my love for stationary. Now to grab some of those dot markers. Thank you!♥
I started a writing journal after seeing your video, and I didn’t think about having an intention of the day section. Must add that. I am still waiting to see if I’m going to be summoned to the courthouse for jury duty; so I haven’t been able to concentrate on writing. Plus with my husband being sick last week with the flu and life, Q1 has not turned out how I planned. In the back of my mind, I’ve been trying to find ways to make the time blocks work for me… just need to get jury duty figured out so I can get back to writing. (Figuring out I seem to be an all or nothing kind of writer. :(. ). Barbara.
I will be rewriting a book that I’d previously finished. It needs so much work it would be better to start fresh. I would love to see a more detailed video on your note cards and your journal. I like the idea of journaling my thoughts about the story as it stands.
Great video. Very excited about this video as I am getting back to a novel that has set for awhile. I would really enjoy more info on your notecards process. Hope the move goes well, so glad you are finally going to be settled.
First off so happy for you and the new home. I have been writing since a teen, more for my mind, but now in my mid fifties I truly want to publish. How to I finish my first book in a Cozy mystery series I have been writing?I have always had the problem completing work.
Yes, I would love to see the continuation of the video for your writing process. I am going to continue my abandoned project this coming March and would love some guidance. Thanks Sarra. Your videos are always been so much help.
Hi Sarra, back in August when they came out with back to school supplies, I got the pre-punched index cards with a ring at Staples for cheap. Probably $.50. Just a heads up for next year.
This video came at the PERFECT time, as I’m about to revisit the rewrite of book 2 in my series and finally jump into edits. Even though it’s been the hardest book to write, I’m excited to get back to it. I’m so excited for you, Sarra! Congrats on the new house and everything 🥳🥂
I think you may have mentioned it on your other channel - but I'd love to see how you use Plottr with your stories, ie., do you use existing templates, or do you create your own :-)
Love seeing this! I need to get back as my motivation has been dismal this year. Can't wait to see your new house!! I bet it's fabulous and the perfect fit for your family!!
i needed this! i’m still in school and the start has been so chaotic i’ve had no time to think about my novel. now i’m excited to get back into it, so thanks for this video 🥰
Yessss! This came at the perfect time. I’m trying to finish a project and opening it up and trying to get through the 40,000 plus words and figure out where to start again has been difficult. I think it will take a while but I might need to do some scene cards. And yes, more videos on this topic would be great. Thanks again!
Awesome video. I am an very simple and basic planner. I use Google docs to store my character notes, any written scenes, my story outline (what's happening in each chapter) and story ideas (not all get used. Depends on how the story unfolds.) I tend to write in the heat of the moment. If I get stuck with a story line, I will go lay down and put on an eye mask, headphones and my dreams ape playlist on Spotify and try to visualise the story. I try and get a look at how the characters would react to the situation. I adore stationary! Shame I am not able to use it more in my planning. Maybe the next series I write!!! XxXxXxXxXx
I love this and have done note cards before, but I would love to know exactly what kind of things you put in the note cards. When I've done note cards I put every thing but the kitchen sink on them and even have multiple cards for one scene. I'm probably overthinking this as that is what I tend to do for everything. LOL. I was also reading some of what a few others said about bragging and I can see how some would feel like your bragging, but I personally love hearing about your journey. Comparitis is an actual thing and I always get in trouble when I do it. Thanks again for all you do., Sarra!
Love it girl always awesome to see your planning process. I would love to know more about your youtube process. I am just starting out and could use any tips or motivation you have:)
I did not finish Nano because I got kind of lost and didn't know where my story is going next and I realized that I may be more of a planner than I originally thought. So I am going back and working on plotting things out more and fleshing out the idea more, rather than trying to discovery write. Do you have a video where you show how to set up a plotting journal? I want to make one but am not sure where to start. Thank you so much for your videos!
Not a great plotter but your videos always motivate me to give it another try! Plus who doesn’t love buying stationary!?! 😂😍 been wanting to get back to my writing since Nano but have needed some motivation, this helps. Thank you!!
I tried to go back to a short screenplay I started for a competition and realized I couldn't do the story in 5 pages (as per the rules of the competition) so I put it aside. This year one of my goals is to enter some short screenplays into competition so I went backt though found 1 with some grammar editing I can send off and wanted to get back to working title "Moon dimonds." I reread it and started outlineing, changed the story a lot since there aren't any dimonds on the moon. I couldn't finish it because I needed to get some editing done on two books I want to publish this year, but I'm hoping to get back to a little later.
I would definitely like to see more details of the plotting cards. I've tried to use notecards in the past but I feel like I either write them and then ignore them or I never actually finish using them to plot and I go to another method. I also really love your journal setup. I'm just starting the first book in a fantasy series. I'm only planning for it to be four books, but knowing how I am it could very easily become a longer one. But I think this journal is a great way to both motivate myself and to have a way to look back at the process in-depth in the future. So I'm stealing this idea for sure. One thing though I'm adding a little different. Where you have your notes section I'm planning on doing journaling before I start writing each day to get a gauge of how I'm feeling about where I'm at in the story and then also reflections after I'm done for the day (did I get to where I wanted? did the characters throw in some crazy twist I wasn't expecting? etc...). I think this will be a good way to get myself started at the beginning of the day and also have it as a way to wrap things up for myself (even if in the story I'm midscene) so that I'll be ready to start again the next day.
I am struggling so hard with this. I don't want to be that author who never finishes a world out & who never answers all the questions. But getting back to books after I've set them down for a long time or struggled with them has been a monumental challenge. I took a house sit away for 3 months to try and get a routine so that I could do this and now I'm a month away from leaving and still haven't finished the books I wanted to finish.
I know that is such a frustrating cycle to be in. Do you feel like you lost interest in the story? Or just that you’re having a real struggle figuring out what happens next? Or just bring motivated again for it?
@@HeartBreathings There are a lot of reasons/excuses. But part of it is just the overwhelm. The books are more than 3/4th finished, I know exactly where they need to go, how they end, etc and even what details need to be fixed, but I lost that "immersion space." and now I feel 'over it.' if you ever do a class and accountability group- on this type of thing - getting back into a novel and finishing it..I'd be there in a minute!
Having someone say these three days, read through what you have take notes....these two days, organize notes and decide where to go, and some time to fix any isssues from the read through, then sprints to finish - I know what to do..but I feel like I ate lead and can't make myself do it. And hey, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for the tips, Sarra. I would love to have a more in-depth look into your process. Here's a question, too: I've run into a kink with my writing and haven't seen anyone address it before. It's a chick lit book that's merely supposed to be entertaining for me to write and readers to read, about four women taking revenge on a guy who has used them all in some way or another. I wanted to write him as a lying, cheating SOB that deserves what he gets, but in developing his back story, I started feeling sorry for him and can't do it. WTH do I do now? My whole plot is ruined!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Congrats on the house, and by the way, you look absolutely marvelous!
I loved this video. I would also love to see more about how you use the cards and how you decide what to keep. I have trouble with endings (stand alone stories from a series qith different characters as the main one). How do you determine your climax and end? I have watched your plotting series but would love more details. Thanks as always.
I would like to hear more about your notecards. I've been thinking about my story I wrote awhile ago and I was trying to figure out on how to get back into it! Any helpful suggestions or comments are appreciated! Thank you!
I love this video! Thank you so much for it. I needed this today. BTW, what laptop are you using? I'm in the market for a new one and I've been researching options. I tend to wear keyboards out so I'm afraid of having a laptop as my main computer.
Thank you for sharing your process with us. I like your style. And as I am writing ✍ my first fiction novel. I appreciate the low stress and helpful tips you share. I used your preptober planner and found it very helpful Congratulations on your new place. Where did you settle?
This video was so helpful! I do have a question: do you read your old notes/plotting BEFORE you read through what you have already written? Or do not even bother?
