This weekend, I focused on plot. As a reminder, I’m editing my WIP using the revision checklist in James Scott Bell’s Revision and Self-Editing (see below). Spending time to outline my book before finishing the first draft paid off, because right now I think my plot’s in pretty good shape. Here are a few techniques I used to make sure:

1. The LOCK system + 3-Act Structure. Both are explained in the plot chapter of R&SE. I also saw Bell talk about them at the 2011 Writer’s Digest Conference back in January. My recap of Bell’s talk is here.
2. Dan Well’s Seven-Point Plot System. I blogged about these videos during the second round of ROW80. (That post is here.) If you haven’t seen the videos, I highly recommend them.
3. Grid of Scenes. I created a grid similar to the one Julie Musil wrote about here. It’s just another way to make sure your scenes all have a purpose, conflict and goal.

All in all, I feel good about my plot so I think I can move on from this part of the checklist. The next step is the opening, which I’m excited to work on.

Hours Spent Editing This Week (Sun-Sat): 13 *Didn’t quite make my 15 hour/week goal but I was closer than last week!

Revision Checklist
Character
Plot
The Opening
Middle
Ending
Scenes
Exposition
Voice, Style & Point of View
Setting & Description
Dialogue
Theme
The Polish