I finished transcription of the notebook last week and it came in at 39,000 words. Which is definitely enough for a novella, and will likely push to novel length during the next draft.
For shitty 1st draft/transcription I did not correct typos or edit in any way. I did type the info into scrivener & color-code it according to the themes that became self-evident as I worked through the notebook. 5 main themes came out, and now I get to figure out how the puzzle starts to come together.
This is officially second draft stage, and I will work through each scene correcting typos & editing as needed. I know the opening of the book and the close, but how all the middle fits together is a mystery. Initially I felt daunted at the process; but as I started, my Managing Editor brain kicked in & I remembered how fun it was for me to pull a magazine issue together and that I actually like this part.
Last week my body told me to take a break and take care of myself, because it remembers dates/times better than I do & it was a week of complicated anniversaries. I have no regrets about taking care of myself, stating what I needed from others, and maintaining boundaries until I felt my energy come back. Sleeping is magical.
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I recommend everyone watch the preview of 7cards this week. We’re stepping into a new adventure & it feels exciting.
Have a good week!