Literature Lesson: Organization

I wanted to see more progression of my character in my novel.  I wanted to see her in conflict and see the conflict progress.  I wasn't quite sure how to do it with the plot I currently have.  As I was looking at the order of events in the story I realized the rising action was all there, it was just in the wrong order.

I needed a new perspective.  I actually took apart the the story and separated it into different word documents.  As I read through the events I realized the entire story was there, I just needed to put it in the correct order.

When people ask about my writing process I say I do outline and I plan what I am going to write, but as I looked at the completed manuscript I realized I don't outline as much as I thought I did.  I guess I can say I know the major events of the story and I know he changes the character will be going through, I just don't always realize how those events are going to play out.

I have a lot of work to do before I send the book to editors.  Every time I write I learn more about the craft and more about myself.  Hopefully my readers will enjoy this story as much as I've enjoyed writing it.