As writers, the onslaught of ideas are constant. So is the stopping and starting of various projects! So, how do you get around this? How do you stay focused on your WIP? I am a part of multiple writing groups and forums, and my answers to these remain the same: Progress Journal. I began my Progress Journal in 2019. Until then, I'd never done one. I didn't even know what one was (I thought it was a blog, to be honest). There were various Progress Journals posted, and they were created in various ways. But for mine, I bullet pointed all of my projects at the time (projects, to me, were documents that had more than twenty pages to them). For each of those, I listed the word count thus far, a summary of the plot and how far I'd gotten into the story. I had 10 projects! Eventually, I narrowed it to 3 (some make Progress Journals for each project. I used 1 journal to track my 3) From there, I collected my notes on those three projects, tracked any questions that came up while writing. Any problems I had and how I worked them out. I tracked mile stones like finishing my first draft, edits, and Beta reading troubles. I can see how I solved a problem and problems I've yet to find solutions for. I can look at the information I've collected and find a use for them or scenes I've scrapped but are suddenly relevant again. I've even set goals for myself (you know how much I love goals). Its kept me focused and accountable. With my Project Journal, I was able to finish the first drafts of two out three manuscripts! So, how do you make a Progress Journal? Just as there are various ways to organize one, there are multiple ways to create one.
If you are having trouble getting started on a Progress Journal or just don't know how to structure it, check out the WIP journal on Etsy. I was gifted this journal, and I must say, it is very detailed! I am not a linear notetaker, so a lot of the detail in it pulled me out of my focus. I would say this journal is great for those who plot/outline their projects. However you organize your Journal, I hope you stick with it! I am 2 chapters away from being done with the edits to The Path of the Cave Stars, the first draft of which I completed in 2021. I'll be taking some time off from blogging so that I can focus on the final chapters. Stay tuned for my next blog post on "Next Steps!"
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