Jill Williamson is a chocolate loving, daydreaming, creator of kingdoms. She writes weird books for teens in lots of weird genres like, fantasy (Blood of Kings trilogy), science fiction (Replication), and dystopian (The Safe Lands trilogy). Find Jill on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or on her author website.
I am so excited about the little writing retreat I’m going on this coming weekend. I can hardly stand it! I know it’s going to be a lot of fun, but I also need to make the most of it. And that means preparing.
First, I’ve set some goals for myself.
1. Finish the first draft of King’s Folly. I have all of Part Three to finish. This is the end of the book, so the chapters will likely be a bit shorter. Still, I’m guessing I’ll need between 30,000 – 40,000 words to finish. *cracks knuckles*
2. Brainstorm my new Achan and Vrell novella. I have some plans, but I could use some group brainstorming time. I’m hoping to write out a descent plot outline for this book during our retreat.
3. Work on Broken Trust. If by some miracle I finish early (which would truly be a miracle) OR if I get completely stuck with King’s Folly (which would annoy me to no end), I have already plotted out my next Spencer book, so I can always bounce over and work on it for a while if I must. And I might do this just to take a break from King’s Folly, which is a beast right now.
With those goals in mind, I need to make sure I am as organized as possible. This means:
-Plot out those last 24 chapters. I’ve done this roughly, but I’m taking a closer look at them today. There are a few trouble spots, so I’ve made a list of those and I will try and brainstorm through them on the long drive to Tahoe. That way, when I sit down to write, I’ll know what’s going to happen and I’ll have the best chance at being productive.
-I’ve got my plot charts ready for my Achan/Vrell novella. I’ve emailed Steph and Shan my plans so I won’t have to explain the whole thing to them when we’re there. This should save a little time, and give them the opportunity to think through this in advance, if they want.
-I’ve already plotted my Spencer book three, and I have my index cards all in a pile, ready to go. I put them in a folder with a bunch of important Spencer papers, so I have everything I need to be productive on Broken Trust if I get to it.
-I’ve made sure all my files are on my flash drive.
-I asked my son if I could borrow his laptop, since mine is old and busted.
-I have a bag of snacks to keep me munching that I can share with my writing pals.
-I have my water cup.
I AM READY TO RETREAT!
Are you ready? What do you need to prepare to write lots and lots of words?
Also, who’s going to Word War with us?
