What kind of writer are you?
I’m wondering how other writers go from Point A to Point B as far as getting their stories out of their head and onto paper.I, personally, believe that the hardest part of writing is sitting my ass down in the chair when there are so many other things that I could be doing. Like, lunch dates with my friends. Or housework. Or root canals.
So, I tend to “reward” myself with treats on those days when sitting down to write feels like a monumental task (something akin to having said root canal without the anesthesia). And those treats always seem like a really good idea, like dangling a carrot in front of a horse, until about twenty minutes later when I’m coming down off my sugar high and jonesing for my next big fix.
But as far as actually putting the words on paper stuff, here goes: I AM NOT AN OUTLINER. (There, I've said it)
Instead, I’m a jump-right-in-and-see-where-this-thrill-ride-takes-me kind of gal. Which is not to say that outlining isn’t a valuable tool. It is. Or that I don’t know where my story is going. I do. Sort of. And I’ve probably even written it down, kind of, on a scrap of paper that I’ve stuffed into a folder marked: “The Novel I’m Working on Right Now”. Which is…somewhere.
I do, however, use Plot Points. My story has a plan, and I know that, along the way, certain things are going to happen at certain points. It’s the filler in between that’s a surprise…the how I’m going to get from one point to the next, that just kind of evolves.
My problems with outlining are these:
1) I generally have my best ideas while I’m working. I’ll get to a pivotal scene, somewhere in which I haven’t figured out exactly what is going to happen next…and I’m there…and I’m in it…and AH-HA! Just like that, I’ve got it all figured out. And generally, that changes the direction of where I might have thought I was heading, even if only a bit.
2) I’m just not that organized.
3) I feel like I’m stuck once I’ve outlined, like that is the story that I MUST tell. And what if it isn’t? What if I’ve gotten to one of those Ah-Ha moments, and I want to stray? Then what? Throw away the outline? Are you kidding? It’s already written down. On paper. I’m not sure I can do it.
So, essentially, I sit down, open my Word Document, and start pounding away at the keys. Or spinning in my chair. Or checking my email. Or my blog. Or eBay…
- Does anyone else need a treat right now?
Comments
But candy wrappers probably make as much sense!
:)
I tried, Leigh. Honest to God, I tried...
The outline never feels dissed.
Next: You are getting sleepy...VERY sleepy...
All the filler is fun... stuff I discover along the way. Characters that develop and make surprising choices and have surprising skeletons in their closets.
It's like my life. More spontaneous: I know I'm getting a day off for weeks ahead. it isn't until that morning that I decided, lets go skiing!
Okay, your evil plan has worked. I'm off to find chocolate so I can get back to writing!!
But I know an awful lot of people who work MUCH better with the outline and character worksheets, so there's something to be said for diversity!
And BTW I am way organized. I always have been.
I say if it's better the way you wrote it, get your agent to look and see if you need to go back or if it sounds better than the "organized suggestions".
I mean you got it right the first time...right?!
I am totally ADD. Since I also am a screenwriter, I write scenes in no particular order. I guess it's like writing chapter 14 first, followed by chapter 52, then chapter 6, then maybe chapter 23 etc...
And then after a while I pick one and try to imagine what would immediately precede it, or follow it....
WHOA! that is WHACK! Anyway, I would die without my MAC and Scrivener which organizes it for me :))
That said, there are a whole heckuva lot of outliners out there too.
I'm fascinated by the whole screenwriting thing though...jumping around in scenes. That's just crazy talk!
When I began my current MIP - I needed an outline because so much was going on. It is nothing formal - just a Word document where I type plot points, next line - plot point, and so on. Sometimes, I type my notes for that certain area - more like a To-Do list.
(I'm a To-Do List Freak. I write To-Do's all the time)
BUT, even if I have a mini outline it did not take away from my writing and I don't sit and mull over it before I write. When I get to writing, it is just flowing out of my and that's it. I'm not bound by any agreement to my outline.
My characters develop as I write. I'll be cooking dinner and have an A-Ha moment and run over to scribble all over a notebook. I'll be writing and have an A-Ha moment. I'll be emailing writing partners and have an A-Ha moment.
In fact, just the other day, after said A-Ha moment, I dug out my old outline, which I was basically using as a status meter, I'd highlight when I'd written that scene, so I was seeing my progress. I updated my outline and the story is completely different than what it started as.
I do not believe an outline hinders you, it can be a useful tool - but there really is no "right" way. It is what works for you. OUtline, no outline, as long as we are writing and our story progresses - we're okay.
And I guess that's kind of what I consider my Plot Point lists, kind of To-Do lists for along the way. Very, VERY loose (and very vague) guidelines, practically written in hieroglyphics!
LOVE treats. WORSHIP treats. But then . . . always need more treats. But they do help get my butt in the chair.
And outlines -- BLEH! I avoid them on early drafts for the same reasons, but I DO find them helpful in rewrites, once the bulk of the novel is already on the page and just needs fixing. Then, as much as I loooathe to do it, I'll work out a loose outline to keep me on track.