A to Z Challenge 2016 Archives

B is for Backlog because I’m wondering if you have a backlog of stories, poems, and novels that you’ve given up on. Are they hidden in a drawer or file cabinet, unfinished?

I have many. I think of them often and vow I’ll get back to them. Chances are I won’t because I get fresh ideas that I do start and finish.

I have so many rough drafts, it’s almost ridiculous: first drafts, fifth drafts. One manuscript has been taken apart so many times, chunks are missing. The reason these books are still drafts is because I didn’t plan. I plunged head first into NANOWRMO or some other exciting “Write Fast” activity and I neglected to give sufficient thought to my characters, their GMC or my beloved 3-Act structure.

Yes, I know there are successful seat of the pants writers out there. I’m not one of them, unless you count eleven rough drafts a success. I definitely know how to finish a book–it’s the grunt work of a SOTP manuscript that I don’t particularly enjoy–the rewriting of a book that’s got too many holes.

And that’s where planning comes in. The more you plan, the easier the rewrite.

The late Stephen Cannell planned extensively. He stated that sometimes he wrote 60 page treatments of his novels, then he’d never look at those pages again. He knew his characters and story so well, he didn’t have to refer to his treatment.

I especially like his outlook on unfinished manuscripts.

Cannell said, “You get nothing from an unfinished project, and you learn nothing.” At some point he made a deal with himself that he would never abandon another project; he’d write to the end. That’s when he started on his road to success.

So what are we going to do about our backlog of poems, stories and novels? Any ideas?

It’s time for the A to Z Challenge created by the fabulous Arlee Bird in 2010. I look forward to it every year, but this year it will be a real challenge. I watched the days slipping away—the big theme reveal came and went. My mind was elsewhere. So, bear with me as I write and post off the top of my head about subjects dear to my heart: writing, coaching, and inspiring others.

Let’s talk about anthologies, a published collection of writings by different authors.

Today I was sitting with another writer in a restaurant when she told me she couldn’t figure out anthologies. She doesn’t like them because they’re like a desperate act to get published. Well, she didn’t exactly call them a desperate act but that’s what she meant. I didn’t take offense because my novella anthology won’t be out for several more months, and that’s what she was talking about–novellas–not poetry anthologies or short stories, or Chicken Soup for the Soul. She wonders why an author wouldn’t publish her novella herself instead of grouping it with others. Good question.

I’ve never thought about it, but my friend is the second person to “dis” anthologies to me during the past month, and though I disagree with her, I didn’t change her mind—which makes me wonder how others feel.

Do you buy or read novella anthologies?

Do you read all the stories included?

Do you submit to anthologies?

Years ago a well-known publishing company published novella anthologies with three experienced authors and a newbie. It was a good opportunity for the new writer. Today, many authors pull together a team of friends to publish together using a specific theme or idea. I’m not sure their reason–it’s just fun.

I always encourage new writers—those who are unpublished or with few credits–to submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul, or other anthologies I learn about. To me, a byline (any publishing credit) is a precious thing.

Tell me how you feel about anthologies.