My Writer's Notebook

I have a little notebook that I keep near to  me.  It contains several sections that I find useful.  There's a section for:

• Character Planning - characteristics of my main character (age, looks, strengths, etc.)
• Nuts and Bolts - reference sheet for length of manuscripts, appropriate age groups, etc.
• Edit/Revision Sheet - check list for editing (right tense, right point of view, too many words?)
• Planning Sheet - check list for each chapter (type of scene, conflict, tension?)
• Reading List - recommended books in the same genre I am writing in
• Idea List - ideas I have thought of for future writing

The first section I turn to - the most important section to me is my page titled,  "Remember While You Write". 

Why is this important?  Because without this sheet the rest of my notebook is meaningless. 

The list is as follows:

Tell your character's story

Know your audience

Know yourself

Every story has a beginning, middle and end

Clarity

Get rid of unnecessary stuff

Every word should contribute to your story

Do you have a writer's notebook?  If so what do you keep in yours? 

The Struggles of Editing or Second Guessing Myself

I have finished my first draft manuscript of my YA novel "A Day in June".  I am the type of writer who doesn't outline, I just sit down and write - let my story take a life of it's own.  Ahhh, but their is a price for that type of writing --- it's called EDITING. I have attended conferences, read articles and books - gotten all kinds of editing advice.  The best book I have found, is a book my husband bought me for a Valentine's Day gift called, "Revision and Self-Editing" by  James Scott Bell.  I only wish I knew where that book was right now - probably hidden under my Elements of Style or Webster's Dictionary.  Hmmm,  did you catch that I noted my husband bought me the book for Valentine's Day - he knows I'd rather have books than flowers.

The book by James Scott Bell is chocked full of useful editing advice and help.  There are even exercises and assignments to do - to keep you on track.  The most usefull tid-bit I've found, so far, is to keep your lead character moving forward - toward something.  Make sure there a plenty of obstacles in his/her way.  I have used the information in this book and created a checklist for myself when editing (i.e. is my tense consistent throughout, am I using an active voice). 

So, why am I ripping my hair out?  It's the negative voice inside my head telling me my story is no good, no one is going to read it, no one will care, oh and by the way your  main character is lame.  So how to get rid of the negative?  As soon as I hear it I switch over and repeat to myself: my story is good, people will clamor to read it.  If that doesn't work, I read a few passages to my cat who sits next to me and my dog at my feet - they look at me and nod with approval.

I would be interested to hear what helps you when the negative thoughts slip into your head or how you get through editing!  Please share!