I’m in Provincetown doing what I do best–shutting out everything except for the essential in order to complete a project–a hopefully final read-thru on my novel. When I got here on Wednesday, I went to the grocery, and since then, I’ve only left my place to walk and then only at dusk. This is unusual–usually I’m out eating oysters that first day, and other days I exercise before a late lunch, but for some reason I don’t want to be away from the manuscript, all 265 pages of which I’m reading out loud.
Which is not something I enjoy but something I find essential. It’s slow and tedious and makes my throat dry. I credit sparkling water with lemons, Fun-sized Snickers, Cape Cod chips, and segments of The Newsroom, The West Wing, and Charlie Wilson’s War with my ability to keep going. As of right now, I’m just over halfway.
And did you notice the words up there–hopefully final? I’m trying not to force it. I’m trying to pay attention to the number, and kinds, of changes I’m making in order to know if I’ll need to let it sit and read it one. more. time.
If you need some inspiration, have a little listen…
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365 true things about me
why this daily practice
Reading one’s writing aloud is essential, isn’t it? This week, I am working on a final draft of an article that must be submitted no later than Friday (for possible inclusion in an anthology). So, I am hoping what must be final will really be final in my estimation as well. Here’s my hope added to your hopefully final for your novel. Do let us know the final outcome. 😉
Karen
Karen, Thanks so much for your comment. I hear/see such different things when I’m reading aloud, and into my third year of working on this novel, I need as many ways as I can to see it in a new light. Best of luck with the hopefully final draft of your article and that it makes its way to the anthology.