"Make work" is my all-purpose notation to myself that I use for both notes and on manuscripts. It is 
shorthand for "Make it work," and a very handy two words.
If I'm writing notes, and they are a bit sketchy, I add, "make work," because I know in my brain what I mean, I just might not want to take the time to write it all out–these are notes, not the full manuscript, after all.
If I'm editing a manuscript and something needs fleshing out, I'll write the notation, "Make work."
"Make work" can apply to fleshing out a character, dealing with a plot issue, adding in more description, anything. It is a sign to myself that something isn't working. Something needs to be dealt with or looked at more deeply.
This week what I needed to make work was a whole lot deeper than most. It involved re-thinking an entire project, about which I will write more tomorrow or next week. The experience has also got me re-thinking various aspects of my life. To wit:
- What do I need to make work better?
- What things am I holding onto, trying to make work, that I should instead let go of?
- What else needs a make work notation in my life–where are things too sketchy?
- What ideas in my brain need a make work note to bring them to life in the real world?
How about you? What do you need to make work in your life or writing?
Elizabeth
Oh, my. Perfect timing for me to read this. I was driving around today trying to de-stress other people (my kid and her dad), which wasn’t really my “job.” I pretty much was complicit in ruining my own day for myself. I started muttering, “Things have to change. I have to change things.” I like your “make work” line. In manuscripts, I just usually scrawl “fix later.” I do fix them later. Today’s fiasco needed fixing before it happened.
hee.
Thank you for sharing this.