over the weekend, i created an outline for the full-length poetry collection i have in mind. it is VERY early on and so it’s really just a concept, but it has a working title and some section possibilities. i sifted through my existing poems and without passing judgment on any of them as “good enough” or “not good enough,” i sorted them into “possible fit” and “never in a million years right for this manuscript.”
then i made it “official.” i listed their titles under mock section headings and printed out the very first glimpse at the manuscript as it would look today if i went with what i already have.
i know all the “buts” in this scenario: but only a third of them (at most) will ever be good enough for the collection, but you have so much editing to do, but you’ll never be able to write enough new work to round it out. blah blah blah.
for right now, i’m focusing on the fact that i have set a goal to have a complete draft by september 2009. it will likely look very little like the mongrel i threw together this weekend. however, this is brave new territory for me, and i’m thrilled to have taken the plunge into the icy early morning waters. (let the shivering begin.)
I admire your focus. It’s helpful to read your plan too, as an inspiration for my own writing life.
Sounds like a good start. Putting together poetry manuscripts is something I’ve found quite challenging and enjoyable in the past. (I also enjoy self-publishing them online, but that’s another issue.)
How exciting……I got so many good tips over the past week that I am thinking of going on a mad revision frenzy over the next few months, only writing one new poem a week but really tightening my already written stuff and doing just what you’ve done, separating into crap and not crap……trying to sort out the bones of it. I got some great advice re collections which hadn’t occured to me…..never write to a theme, the theme is always apparent retrospectively. Makes sense, I guess. Good luck!
Yay you! How excting. I wish you the very best with your endeavors.
I’m getting ready to send my manuscript out this week to a small press publisher. In fact, I could do some prep today. The publisher’s open reading period is Oct. 1 through the 31st. I only need to write a cover letter and print everything out, then put it in the envelope and mail it Wednesday!
That is fantastic. I cannot wait to hear more about this brave and exciting journey!!!
Good for you for being brave enough to have a plan and to put it on paper (or computer).
Very exciting to have a goal and a plan. Way to go!
I, too, admire your focus. I hope you will resume your Confession Tuesday posts. You always made me laugh, inspired me, gave me food for thought.
Hope classes are going well.
Very very cool.
Good for you! So glad you’re plunging in. (“Right for this manuscript” and “not right for this manuscript” the only way to make those sorting decisions, too.) Wishing you the best of luck and cheering you on from the sidelines.