Saturday, December 19, 2009

PROGRESS REPORT # 56 : MAPPING YOUR PATH

AMPHIPOLIS



I used this illustration because this is where I am now, and this is where my story ends. I am only four chapters from the finish and most of that is already written. But coming to the end is not easy. If you leave holes in the tapestry, it will spoil the pattern. So you have to tie up the loose ends. It's okay if some things are left somewhat ambiguous, but you need to make sure that the small details are dealt with: characters can't just 'vanish' off the map. Where are they now? What will (or might) happen to them?

So I had to stop, look at the "map", see where I was going for the last four chapters. Where are the gaps? (I found a couple.) What do I need to add to clarify certain actions/scenes? And how much?

This kind of break in the action slows you down and makes you pause for thought. So I had to take a careful look at the last bit: time-lines, completion of scenes and episodes, all the time remember that I must not let the tension falter because even though I know how the story ends, I don't want to give it away too soon to the reader.

This little pause helped me to see things more clearly. Where I am heading. what needs to be added to complete the pattern of the tapestry.

Four almost completed chapters and two weeks to "THE END". Can I do it?


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3 comments:

Marie said...

I know exactly what you mean. I've come to the end of my novel, but I can't stop myself looking back over it again and again just in case I've missed something.

Good luck with completing your novel. I'm sure you can do it!

Adrian Swift said...

Fantastic! I'm so excited for you as you near the completion of your manuscript. I know you've been working on this a long time. I can only imagine the Herculean (or Alexandrian?) effort it has been.

Best wishes for a successful conclusion in these last four chapters!

*happy dance*

Wynn Bexton said...

I'd like to thank everyone for their encouraging comments and the way you have cheered me on. This is a difficult and challenging phase, but it's almost over! And when I'm done, you're all invited to the wrap party. The champagne is chilling in the fridge!