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What I would have done differently (writing)
What I would have done differently (writing)
I suppose I didnt realize Id write some 300 stories, otherwise I might have given more thought as to how I should record them.
Id have started my numbering system immediately so that I could find things easily instead of having to search through loads of physical &/or computer files.
I'd have worked out a better system for filing them on the computer.
Id have remembered to change my records if the final title was different from the working title. And maybe Id have made sure that I didnt have two stories with the same title.
Id have kept up-to-date records of word counts, so I didnt find a story was the wrong length for a competition.
Id have transferred all stories every time we got a new computer.
I'd have put all flash fiction in a ring binder. Longer pieces would be kept in separate A4 envelopes.
Id have developed a system for edits. Id have decided whether to keep the original version and, if so, how I would differentiate between that and the new one(s).
I would have jotted down a useful phrase or sentence to remind me what the story was about and, possibly, whether it was serious or humorous.
My lists of submissions to competitions or publishers and the outcome thereof would have been punctilious.
I would have written any phrases (to be used in stories) in a notebook and not on a Post-It note or a scrap of paper.
My letters/e-mails enclosing stories to be read by other writers etc and their comments would be filed immediately in alphabetical order.
And the above list doesnt even include actual writing.
What would you have done differently?
Comments
You are the published writer (Dandelion Clock, et. al.) so you're system seems pretty technologically advanced to me.
I have The Box. Everything goes into The Box.
Maybe I should've put wheels on The Box originally as it is now rather weighty. Or started with a larger one? Items are categorised and un-identified by how faded the paper is, the type and colour of ink used, and whether it's stapled or in a plastic wallet. I often find older writings falling out of books or a handbag, unused for a time - in my system this means it needs either editing, re-writing. Rarely I think "ooo that's rather good. Did I write that?", so I have now begun putting my very own name on the paper too.
Several years ago I wrote "NOT reycycling. DO NOT BURN" on the side in purple marker pen. (We have a wood fire)
I would be interested in the systems of others. I might loose less.
...wringing of hands....
By the way, all this was prompted by yesterday's search for a short story entitled 'Epiphany'. It was already published, but it wasn't in the computer folder containing other stories from the same book. So I did a search for it. The most recent file I found wasn't the same as the final version - the name of one character was different, as was the ending. I had to copy the document, then edit it. It didn't take long, but I couldn't help thinking my filing system left something to be desired.
Some useful ideas there for me Jay, thank you.
You also spelled 'lose' incorrectly Hickey. MUCH too late to change it now.
I sometimes look back at my post and wonder if anyone thinks I was educated at all... I seem to be getting more and more dyslexic for a start. And there is always half of one word attached to the next...
:D
Date and character names? I shall try. Sounds good - thanks.
I'd better 'F7' next time too.
:-)
Oh well back to the housework
I will have a proper read later, I didn't realise how long it was!