Sometimes we discover a project is not going well, so we set it aside and let it rest.

Sometimes life interrupts, as it has a way of doing, and the project must be placed on a shelf until all those crises are resolved.

And sometimes, we just poop out for a few weeks…or months.

Then, suddenly, the urge to write coincides with a block of time to write. Whether you have 20,000 words done, or 70,000, the break interrupted your flow of ideas. You’re not sure where you need to add scenes. You can’t remember half of  your characters’ names. And you have no idea which sections need fleshing out and which are polished and ready to go.

That’s where I am with my major project (as opposed to my side project which is another story….literally).

Here’s how I’ve decided to proceed with the major project:  From the beginning.

I printed out the first fifty pages of the 65,000 words written so far and am going through it meticulously, taking notes on timeline and characters. I have a notebook for the notes and a couple of legal pads for added paragraphs or scenes.  I will incorporate edits and new scenes into the manuscript before printing out the next fifty pages.

I know what you’re thinking. If I worked from an outline and kept notes from the beginning, I might not have this problem. I can’t argue with that. It’s simply not the way I started this novel. And I like the story too  much to throw it away.

So if you don’t see me online very much for the next month, you’ll know what I’m doing. First fifty pages, then the second fifty pages, and on until the end.