Turning Your Writing into Art --Part Two

The last time I posted, I was chopping up my manuscript. And let me tell you, it was a mess.  I had recommended that method of revision based on the advice of a Linear Thinker. I discovered, however, that "The Chop" works best for them because they are straight laced, orderly types who need to learn how to make a mess every once in a while. But for ADD thinkers like myself, this method creates A Double Disaster. We need to streamline, baby! So, today I shall explain my new method. It is called "The Cards."

The Cards was introduced to me by another screenwriter, who has actually sold more than one screenplay, so she can be trusted. For this method, you will need some index cards, a beer, some twinkling lights and a wall. (Seriously - those were the instructions) First you write out the scenes in a few key words on the index cards. Most screenwriting software will do this for you. But if you are working on a novel like myself, you have to write something small like, "Emerson's first kiss." (Em is my MC) This method is great for messy writers because it is nice and neat and organized and cuts through the chaos.

Next, you give your main characters a color and if the scene emphasizes something major for that character, you write it in their color. So my card might have that phrase about Emerson in red. Then you turn on your sparkly lights to set the mood, crack open a beer and post those babies all over a wall. Stand back and look at them, and then get in there and physically rearrange the cards. In particular - if you see too many red scenes in a row, you can add a blue or green character's scene to break it up and add interest to the story. After a semi-trial run, I am giving The Cards a thumbs up.

Finally, I was reminded this week of something that I struggle with.  ~That we need to remember in writing, as well as in life, that the magic and the beauty is simply found in the process, and not the end result.  So whether you are brainstorming, or writing, or revising, you are exactly where you are meant to be.  Enjoy where you are, and don't think so much about where you want to go.

Katie

P.S. Some of my closer friends are no doubt thinking, "Is she already finished, and now revising?" Those peeps would be Linear Thinkers. Just like I write back to front, and all in between, an occasional full edit sneaks in too-- even though the whole manuscript is far from done. Just a Katieism I suppose...