Delayed But Not Derailed

Illness and work encroached on my Book in a Month schedule. My goal has been delayed, but my commitment remains solid; therefore I've not been derailed.

In spite of this delay, the BIAM system has created consistency in my outline preparation, and I look forward to moving forward.

Monday, I'll pick up on Day 19.

Book in a Month - Day 18

For Book in a Month Week 2, Day 18, I performed a genre status check.

The Genre Elements Tracker worksheet, for Act I, Act II, and Act III, emphasizes elements, characters, props or items uses, intended reader responses, and other notes.

This worksheet helped me to hone in on the aspects of my genre.

Book in a Month - Day 17

The objectives for Week 2 (Act II, Part 2), Day 17 includes crafting the reversal to set up the second turning point and reviewing scene pacing.

The Reversal Brainstorm worksheet assists in clarifying what aspects might affect the Current Reversal.

Next month, when I dive into my draft, I will review actual scene pacing.

The consistency the Book in a Month system generates continues to inspire and challenge me.

Book in a Month - Day 16

Dr. Schmidt suggests for Book in a Month, Act I, Part 2, Day 16 creating a sequence to keep things moving. She explains that a sequence is a group of scenes that makes up its own mini-story inside the story.

Dr. Schmidt states that this "sequence of scenes...has a beginning, middle, and end of its own."

My idea for my sequence of scenes (two of them) is in place. Both are geared to "have the hero and heroine explore something unrelated to the main plot line for a couple of scenes" and will "reveal character."

Book in a Month - Day 15

Week 3: Act II, Part 2

Day 15: Hone Your Theme

Week 3 is the Book in a Month half-way mark.

The Theme Spider worksheet serves an excellent tool to hone in on my books overall theme. Dr. Schmidt's techniques for the Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days continue to be doable, realistic, and helpful

Book in a Month - Week 2 Wrapup

For the Week 2 wrap-up, I realized I had expended quite a bit of time rewriting my opening scene. My added goal for Week 3, no rewriting!

Objective for Week 2 included: Staying Solution oriented, Planning Your BIAM Celebration, Identifying Character Motivation, Developing a Plot Snapshot, Inserting Cliffhangers, Spicing Up Your Story, Balancing Description, Intensifying Your Character's Main Problem, Developing Your Temporary Triumph, Crafting Your Subplots, Evaluating Your Scene Sequence, Week 2 Wrap-Up and Progress Tracker.

Thus far, I have tracked the changes I need to make in earlier scenes and made notes of the research I need to do.

My experience with Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days for the past week has created forward motion and consistency with my outlining / writing efforts.

Book in a Month - Day 14

Book in a Month, Week 2, Day 14 includes using the following checklists: Character Hole Checklist, Plot Hole Checklist, Believability Hole Checklist, and Research Hole Checklist.

These checklist assisted me in going back over my outline and will come in handy once I've completed the scenes for the first part of Act I for filling in the holes.

Book in a Month - Day 13

In Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof system for Writing a Novel in 30 Days, Day 13 features deepening crucial subplots and taking the Domino Scene Test.

Week 2: Act II, Part 1

Day 13: Subplot Brainstorming and Domino Scene Test worksheets

Since the goal for my 30 days is to produce an outline, I will flesh out the worksheets for this day for next month when I have finished my manuscript.

However, I did jot down some ideas for potential subplots, and I wrote a one- to two-line scene summary for each scene I've written as Dr. Schmidt suggests.

Book in a Month - Day 12

Day 12 of Week 2 of Book in a Month includes the following objectives: Intensifying your character's main problem and Building the temporary triumph for your main character that wraps up Act II, Part 1.

The Conflict Brainstorming and the Temporary Triumph worksheets provide guidance on intensifying the conflicts your character must face and on developing the temporary triumph and reversal (which comes at the end of Act II, Part 1).

Dr. Schmidt emphasizes "the main thing is to make sure you have enough conflict in your story to keep the characters motivated, keep them moving toward the end goal."

I continue to be amazed at how concise and user-friendly the worksheets are. The time spent on filling out the worksheets is not extensive and is time well spent to move toward an attainable goal.

The main aspect of the Book in a Month system, thus far, is that following the guidelines and schedule each day, bring the realization that a goal of actually completing a novel, in a reasonable amount of time, IS attainable.

Book in a Month - Day 11

Week 2 - Act II, Part 1

Day 11 objectives include the Plot, Character, and Brainstorming worksheets, making every word count in your description, and further writing of Act II.

The brainstorming worksheets in the section provided insight into deepening my plot, conflicts, characters, and setting.

Since I'm on travel this week, my time to actually write is limited; however, the knowledge that I'm moving forward, each day, with the guidance of the Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System For Writing a Novel in 30 Days, toward completing a cohesive outline or synopsis is empowering, encouraging, and motivating.

Book in a Month - Day 10

As of today, at 9:12 PM Eastern Time at Amazon.com, Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Day is ranked #2,710 in Books (which indicates a Best Seller status in Amazon sales) and is ranked by popularity as follows: #2 in Fiction and #10 in Publishing & Books.

Week 2: Act II, Part 1

Day 10: Plot Snapshot & Cliffhangers

The Plot Snapshot worksheet and the Cliffhanger Brainstorm worksheet for Act II, Part 1 assisted me considerably in my planning of the first part of Act II.

Again, this process is amazingly cohesive, understandable and doable. The Book in a Month process is definitely working for me, and I look forward to using the system again after I've finalized my current manuscript by the end of April.

Book in a Month - Day 9

Day 9 of the Book in a Month system involves Planning your Post-Book in a Month (BIAM) Celebration and Identifying Character Motivation.

Week 2: Act II, Part 1

Day 9: Post-BIAM Celebration and Character Motivation

For my Post-BIAM Celebration, I plan to visit a dear friend who lives in another state this summer.

For my character motivation, by going deeper as Dr. Schmidt suggests, I came up with the following:

The hero needs to feel redeemed. He needs to destroy the bad guy and save the victims to make up for causing previous harm to others, and he wants to feel he may have the chance at a fresh start or to at least affirm that his life was worth something.

He is moving away from guilt and disappointment and toward release and validation. (Basically, as Dr. Schmidt says, "He asks forgiveness so he can leave the pain of what he did behind him," but he is also moving toward something.)

In BIAM, Dr. Schmidt gives excellent examples from Casablanca and Dracula, and explains the Book in a Month, A Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days process in an insightful, user-friendly manner.

Book in a Month - Day 8

Week 2: Act II, Part 1

Day 8: Catch Up Day / Stay Solution-Oriented

Today, I was able to complete several dialog scenes from Act I and Act II.

Completing Week 1 was both encouraging and inspiring.

The Day 8 solutions for staying on track were realistic and helpful.

Again, another great Book in a Month Day!

Note: I'm on travel for work next week, but plan to continue with my BIAM goals in the evenings.

Book in a Month - Week 1 Overview

Week 1 of Book in a Month, A Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days has been a fruitful, prolific journey.

With the instruction, guidance, and accountability of the Book in a Month system, I've accomplished more in this first week than in months of aimless, directionless, and reaching writing attempts.

The Week 1 Wrap-Up gives an overview of the week, in preparation for Week 2 (Act II, Part 1).

The Book in a Month system has been extremely helpful in assisting me in generating and meeting viable, realistic writing goals. I'm looking forward to Week 2!

Book in a Month - Tracking

One aspect that I neglected to mention, which is in fact an integral part of the Book in a Month, A Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days, is Tracking.

The Tracking worksheets are mentioned in the preliminary chapters and are included at the front of the worksheet section.

The Story Tracker, Writing Time Tracker, and the Goal Tracker are explained in the beginning chapters are are proving to be excellent tools in assisting me to keep on track.

The Story Tracker process is an awesome concept that keeps the forward momentum going.

In the past, my issue has been that I continue to rewrite and rewrite and rewrite the first few chapters, without progressing forward; therefore, this technique has been especially helpful to me.

Book in a Month - Day 7

Completing two checklists, one for Plot Holes and one for Character holes, is the objective for Day 7 of the Book in a Month system.

Week 1: The Outline and Act I

Day 7: Plot Hole Checklist and Character Hole Checklist

The checklists assisted me in evaluating the status of my plot and my characters at this point.This section walked me through taking a look at aspects of my evolving plot and characterization.

Book in a Month - Day 6

The objectives for Day 6 of Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System For Writing A Novel in 30 Days are using your At-A-Glance Outline, character sheets, and Act I Turning Point Brainstorm to spend the day fleshing out Act I and filling out the Backstory Brainstorm worksheet.

Week 1: The Outline and Act I

Day 6: Explore each character's backstory and decide what to use in the story (Dr. Schmidt)

Again, my time was limited, but I did take the opportunity to review my opening scene, with the method suggested in Book in a Month, to determine the amount of action and the amount of backstory used. The key, according to Dr. Schmidt, is finding a balance between the two.

As far as writing the scenes in Act I, the character worksheets and the list of 10 essential scenes are working as a guidepost for doing so.

Book in a Month - Day 5

Week 1: The Outline and Act I

Day 5: Develop Your Act I Turning Point

The Act I Turning Point Brainstorm Worksheet featured in the Book in a Month system assists in bringing out possibilities for the Act I Turning Point.

Dr. Schmidt says "A turning point is like a cliffhanger, or a moment where the story is taken in a new direction and we wonder what will happen next."

So far, due to work and family commitments, I'm having difficulty writing along with doing the worksheets. The worksheets are concise and don't that long to complete, but I may have to adjust goal to completing an outline or synopsis in 30 days, instead of finishing that coveted first draft.

Regardless of which goal I reach, I will have reached a viable, measurable goal, thanks to Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days.

Book in a Mohth - Day 4

Week 1: The Outline and Act I

Day 4: Character Story Sketch, Character Snapshots, Character Revealing Scenes

For Day 4, the objectives of Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days are: Character Story Sketch, Character Snapshots, and Character Revealing Scenes.

Since I had time constraints on Day 4, I was able to go through the process for my Hero only. I will complete the objectives for Day 4 for my Heroine, and as Dr. Schmidt suggests, I'll flesh out the information for the Villain as I go along.

The Character Story Sketch, Character Snapshots, and Character Revealing Scenes worksheets assisted me in digging deeper and in strengthening my understanding and connection with my hero.

Thus far, no wasted effort and great rewards.

Book in a Month - Day 3

Day 3 of the Book in a Month system involves completing an At-A-Glance Outline and Starting Research.

Week 1: The Outline and Act I

Day 3: At-A-Glance Outline / Research

The assignments for each day are powerful and don't take a great deal of time; therefore, at this point, the author suggests "If you haven't started writing yet--start!"

As it pertains to writing, I completed approximately one-half of my "Traumatic" scene.

The At-A-Glance Outline worksheet serves as a guide through the 30-day book in a month. Expanding and tweaking the outline as you go is encouraged.

I also started noting necessary research on the Research Tracker worksheet.

Note: My biggest resistance to Dr. Schmidt's workbook is that I struggle with actually writing in a book. Thanks to an awesome grade-school elementary school teacher, I grew up with an ultimate respect for books. No page folding, no making notes in, and no highlighting the pages. And despite the benefits of doing so and knowing Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days is a workbook, Book in a Month contains colorful glossy spiral-bound pages. My solution was to give myself permission and to use #2 pencils. Once past this hurdle, I'm reaping the benefits of the experience. (And I've ordered two more copies, one for an Urban Fantasy and a backup.)

Book in a Month - Day 2

Victoria Lynn Schmidt's workbook, Book in a Month, The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days is proving to be a guide in assisting me in achieving my goal of completing my current manuscript.

Week 1: The Outline and Act I

Day 2: Ten Essential Scene Summaries

The scene cards in the workbook are concise and user-friendly.

The "Titles" of my ten essential scenes are as follows:

1. Character Reveal
2. Turning Point
3. Traumatic Experience
4. Trapped
5. Team
6. Battle
7. Aftermath
8. Consolation
9. Conflict
10. Ending

In using other plans and 30-day systems as a comparison, I am finding the Book in a Month system to be straightforward, realistic, and doable.

Thus far, my impression is that the Book in a Month workbook gives guidance and direction, doesn't stifle creativity, and is easy to understand and follow.

Book in a Month - Day 1

Book in a Month: The Fool-Proof System for Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Victoria Lynn Schmidt is a spiral-bound workbook with the goal of writing a novel in 30 days.

The goals set forth, dependent on the commitment you're able to make, equates to either: 1) writing your manuscript in 30 days, 2) writing a detailed outline in 30 days, 3) rewriting a manuscript in 30 days, or 4) working on all the blocks and issues that come up as you attempt to reach your goal.

I highly recommend reading the book several times, as the author suggests, before you dive into the weekly program and suggest you answer the questions in the front of the workbook in preparation of your 30-day journey.

The preliminary notes and advice include concise, to-the-point questions that evoke insightful, motivating, goal-oriented, and realistic answers.

Week 1: The Outline and Act 1

Day 1: One-Sentence Summary and Map Your Story Ideas

A phantom warrior, charged with battling a primary demon, a cult, and an ancient coven, must prevent darkness from taking over his soul to save the woman he loves from destruction.

The Story Idea Map worksheet is cohesive and helpful.

NOTE: The worksheets in the this book ARE useful. (There's no filling out stacks of needless paperwork where you never see or use information again.)

Chapter Structure - Genre Study

Chapter Structures for a 70,000 to 75,000 word Silhouette Nocturne are listed below.

12 Chapters = 5,833 to 6,250 Words Per Chapter

14 Chapters = 5,000 to 5,357 Words Per Chapter

20 Chapters = 3,500 to 3,750 Words Per Chapter

34 Chapters = 2,058 to 2,206 Words Per Chapter

Reader Preference: Shorter Chapters, thus 20 Chapter or 34 Chapter Structure.

First 3 Chapter Averages - Genre Study

For the twelve Silhouette Nocturnes listed below, the averages for the first three (3) chapters feature:

45 % = Dialog

45 % = Action

10 % = Back Story

Lowest versus Highest for each category:

25 % versus 64 % = Dialog

19 % versus 61 % = Action

1 % versus 18 % = Back Story

Pieces and Parts - Genre Study

For three of the Silhouette Nocturne books below, the first three (3) chapters of each book featured Dialog, Action, and Back Story.

With three (3) different colored highlighters, the side of the pages beside the text was highlighted for the three featured categories.

Determined Averages:

48.3 % = Dialog

46.7 % = Action

5 % = Back Story

Genre Study Goals:

1. Analyze the rest of the books for a twelve (12) book average for the first three chapters.

2. Study these three (3) books in their entirety to gain statistics for three complete books.

Setting Realistic Writing Goals

2007 - 2008 Writing Goals

100,000 Words, 3,000 Words Per Chapter, 1 Chapter per Week = 34 Weeks

Writing two or three scenes per week, or 1 Chapter per week each week, nets a completed first draft in 34 Weeks.

With the draft of Chapters 1 and 2 of Urban Fantasy completed, 32 Weeks remaining.

Week 33 - Draft Chapter 3

Completion Date: Week of July 7, 2008.

Alternate Plan: Completion of two (2) books per year. One (1) First Draft in progress while One (1) Final Draft in progress.

Two books in one year = 34 chapters in 26 weeks or 1 1/3 chapter per week.

With the draft of Chapters 1 and 2 of Urban Fantasy completed, 24 Weeks remaining.

Week 24 - Draft Chapter 3 + Chapter 4, Scene A.

Urban Fantasy Completion Date: Week of May 5, 2008.

Killer First Lines - Genre Study

First lines derived from twelve (12) books from the SILHOUETTE NOCTURNE line:

On the night of the Equinox, a devil's moon pierced the treetops, casting silver light into the clearing. (Prologue, RISING DARKNESS by Cynthia Cooke)

It was the fear he smelled first, a pheromone-laden scent almost irresistible to the hellhound within him. (Chapter 1, UNBOUND by Lori Devoti)

"Three assaults in five days, more than a dozen bystanders and no one remembers a thing." (Chapter 1, THE DARK GATE by Pamela Palmer)

He'd come to Texas to find a healer, not a mate. (Chapter 1, TOUCH OF THE WOLF by Karen Whiddon)

Jewel Smith slipped from her dark rental house and padded across the dewy lawn. (Chapter 1, CRY OF THE WOLF by Karen Whiddon)

Where was all the blood? (Chapter 1, BLOOD SECRETS by Vivi Anna)

The moment Jace Jericho stepped into Boneyard's staff room, he knew there was trouble. (Chapter 1, DARK LIES by Vivi Anna)

Like the phantom pain of a lost limb, the memory of Ryder's bite lingered, reminding her of what he'd done. (Chapter 1, DEATH CALLS by Caridad Pineiro)

The saints' eyes followed him as he worked, scolding him for using them for his lie. (Chapter 1, DEVOTION CALLS by Caridad Pineiro)

The thought of slowly strangling the life from his wife made the flogging almost bearable for Diego Rivera. (Prologue, BLOOD CALLS by Caridad Pineiro)

Professor Dawn Maybank peered into the dense London fog and drew her trench coat tighter around her shoulders. (Chapter 1, NIGHT MISCHIEF by Nina Bruhns)

Jack Harris didn't like his life right now. (Prologue, FAMILIAR STRANGER by Michele Hauf)

Do these First Lines or Hook Lines work?
Are they successful hooks for the reader?
What do they have in common?
Which tend to work better to hook the reader? Why?
Which tend to not work as well? Why?
What is my least favorite? Why?
Which is my favorite? Why?
What is the rank as to effectiveness, from 1 to 12?

Pre-Planning

1. Working title of book. COMPLETE

2. A brief story overview, featuring a paragraph of the story concept. COMPLETE

3. Character personality points, strengths, weaknesses. COMPLETE

4. Photos of the actors / actresses cast in character roles. COMPLETE

5. Written descriptions / scenes depicting each major characters' most traumatic moment. COMPLETE

6. Description of what happens in book. COMPLETE

7. List of first few scenes of book. COMPLETE

8. Study of books within same genre. IN PROGRESS