Goodness, this is a difficult prompt for me to answer. You see, I've only ever "gotten to the end" of one WIP. And it was what I consider to be entirely an accident. Well, not completely an accident considering I did mean to conclude it at some point, but it's not like I had an actual end in mind.
That's one of my problems that I conveniently forgot to include in my list of Weaknesses in the RTW this week. I'm horrible at finishing things. I'm great at meeting deadlines for the smaller projects, but when it comes to tying up loose ends in a WIP and typing "The End," I find myself at a loss for how to proceed.
However, I have a pretty good idea of what I should be doing to reach that fabled end point and I often lecture myself using these very points to follow.
1. Just type! It doesn't have to be perfect the first time!
2. Just keep typing, just keep typing, just keeeeeeeeeeep tyyyyyypiiiiiiing!
3. Carpal tunnel is for babies! Keep typing, cadet!
4. If you don't keep typing, your character will die. Do you want them to die? Oh, you do? Wow, umm, this is awkward. Keep typing?
5. Once you finish, you'll feel so good. Don't you want to feel good? I bet you do. Also, at the end of the book is a pot of gold! I know you want that! Type!
So there you have it folks. My five ways to finish a WIP. Now you know why I have so many issues. I have multiple personalities and none of them are good coaches. Although I think Number 5 sounds pretty nice, and Number 2 probably likes "Finding Nemo."
Thanks gals at Paper Hangover for another Friday Five. Maybe next week I'll have a better list. Oh my! I just realized that I didn't include Harry Potter in this list! This is like an alternate reality...is this real life?
Just because I felt like it, I've decided to share my Pony Alter-ego. I was really into creating pony-alikes for all of my friends about a month ago (thanks to C.J. Redwine) and here's the one I made for myself. Of course my pony is reaching for a book, although how she thinks she's going to read it without opposable thumbs I have no idea. Crazy pony-me. Have a great weekend!
Your list made me laugh. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteHaha, love this: "Of course my pony is reaching for a book, although how she thinks she's going to read it without opposable thumbs I have no idea. Crazy pony-me."
ReplyDeleteAlso, Carpal Tunnel is the worst--definitely a writing hazard. Ugh.
@Alicia: No problem. It's my day job when I'm not doing other things.
ReplyDelete@Crystal: Thanks! And yes, the pain is a definite hazard. But, like my Daddy always says, "Pain is a weakness leaving the body." And so I push on through the trials of the flesh. Yeehaw!
Fingers to the keyboard--just do it! Absolutely. Do you suppose a pony could use an e-reader? I bet ponies would do okay with an iPad. :)
ReplyDeletelol, great list! why have I never been to your blog before?
ReplyDeleteMaking it to the end of a WIP is a big deal. That's awesome. Love this list,
ReplyDelete