Study schedule for January

My plan through October contains two components. The first two weeks of the month are dedicated to honing craft in order to crank out a better first draft in November. The second two weeks will focus on revising a draft already written. I really think the first two weeks will also impact the revision process, which is why I put future before the past.

So beginning January 7th, I will be reading and implementing the first part of Chapter 1 from Novel Shortcuts by Laura Whitcomb. I am reading the first chapter through page 24 and working on whatever exercises are suggested. However, I will probably apply them to an existing novel rather than something new. Unless something new grabs my attention. Wouldn't hurt to plan for November, should the opportunity arrive.

Will share a tidbit or two here as I work through the focus of Chapter 1, which is clarifying the premise of your story and how doing so helps maintain enthusiasm for your story, leading to a faster, better draft. Interesting stuff.

Week beginning January 14, will finish this chapter.

Week beginning January 21st and 28th--Will begin to work through the book Novel Metamorphosis by Darcy Pattison. Details to follow.

Why do my weeks begin on Thursday? That's when our writing workshop is generally held. I was hoping to center discussions on these topics, but I'm having a miserable time getting back to my newsgroup to post the information. I may resort to posting on Facebook to get it done.