In this second video sharing tips about my writing process, we look at three tools I consider essential to my work that help me to keep track of details and ensure I never leave anything in my manuscript that shouldn’t be there.
Whether you’re a budding writer or a seasoned author, these tips offer simple ways that you can improve your craft, focus more on your writing, and build systems regardless of the software you choose to use that will help you create better stories.
Hello, Jane Cleland here, talking about process.
The question was, “How do you write your books?” Making the important distinction between process and content.
In this YouTube shorty, I want to talk about how I avoid losing track of things. I have three ideas: Plot Threads, Triple X, and Never Get Up.
Plot threads refer to a tool I use—a technique I developed—to not lose track of ongoing plot threads. That’s why I call it “Plot Threads.” At the end of the manuscript, so it’s all in one document, I title it “Plot Threads,” and then it’s just a numbered list.
For example, if somebody says, “You know, I need to check into XYZ,” I’ll go ahead and write:
So-and-so said they needed to check out XYZ.
I make sure to use a word or two that is exactly what I used in the manuscript so I can search for it and find it easily. Periodically, I’ll go through the list and make sure I’ve addressed all of the issues. I tell you, I would have forgotten things for sure without this system. It’s a real safety net for me.
When I address an issue—when the research on XYZ is completed and written about—I delete it from the plot threads. One of my pleasures is when I go to my plot thread list and it’s empty. That means the story is complete—not necessarily the writing—but the story itself.
XXX refers to a technique I use at the sentence level. So, I’m writing along, and I know the word’s wrong, but I’ve got ideas, I’m in the zone, and I want to keep writing. However, I don’t want that word to stay there because I know it’s not exactly right. Or maybe it’s a duplicate word—I just know I’m using it too often—or perhaps it’s a convoluted sentence. There’s something about it that’s not right.
When this happens, I’ll type “XXX.” Since “XXX” never appears in English naturally, I know I can search for it later and get right back to that spot. This way, I free my mind to move on without fretting that I’m going to let subpar work slide by because I’ve forgotten to address it later.
The final way I make sure that I keep track of things is that I never get up from the computer unless I know what I’m going to write next. I’ll leave myself some notes—maybe a sentence or two or three—again with an “XXX,” so when I return to my work, I come right to it.
This technique helps me put it out of my mind without putting pressure on myself to remember what I’m going to say next. Interestingly, I once met someone who said they left off in the middle of a sentence! Personally, I’d worry that I wouldn’t remember what I was going to write about in that sentence.
This once again makes the point that each of us has to find his or her own process because what works for one person won’t work for another. Try things. Experiment. You’ll find your own process—I know you will!
What About You?
What do you do to make sure you don’t lose track of things? Any ideas? If you can share them, I’d love to read about them in the comment section.
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*Transcripts are software-generated. To report any transcription errors, please use my contact form!
