Take a Step Back and Take in the View

 

You've been at this awhile. So it's time to do a couple of things. 

First, give yourself a pat on the back for having come this far. Not too hard, there's a lot of tough sledding ahead. 

But remember, at one point you didn't think you would ever have your own writing piece staring up at you.

It's time to take a step back and see where you are. Read over what you have. Maybe a few times. 

 I suggest you don't touch anything, except perhaps in your head. Just read it over, as a critic, a teacher, a writer, a reader and see what you think. Honestly.

Now a small disclaimer, if you find out you have made a real cockup, or you see something that is way out on the continuity scale, jot it down for the next step. You will need it. But if you can avoid it, touch nothing at this point. Remember the old saying, "Do no harm"

Now at this juncture you can evaluate you've done in the logistics department. How is the grammar, spelling? Are you going to need a major overhaul or just a few "fix-its?"

Feel free to make notes on the side, but once again, resist the urge to mark up your screen.

Be honest now. How do you feel things are going in general? 

Are you ready to get down and dirty? 

Remember all those rules and guidelines I told you to ignore? Well they haven't totally gone away. They've just been standing on the sidelines trying not to interfere with your creative genius, but in the next stage you are going to have to welcome them back and decide what kind of relationship you are going to have.