I can write a damn good opening chapter...and then what? I have an entire plot in my head, but how do I execute? Some people just write - and I thought that was me. Now I know I have to be more organized. And I need a little help.
I have asked various authors/bloggers how they do it, and now I am sending out a general SOS.
How do you lay out your book? Do you use note cards? Software? Cork boards? Red pens, blue pens? Post Its?
I know it's all about finding what works for each person, and I have tried several different methods! But I seem to be a little stuck, and I would love a few ideas to push me over the hump.
Maybe a compilation of ideas will help others as well. I hope so! Thanks in advance.
Hi Michele, thought I'd come over and take a look at your blog, and what do I notice? Emily Dickenson quotes--my favorite poet! This is also a great topic. I am very familiar with the slog. I feel self conscious being the first to post and giving advice when I have only two unpublished manuscripts under my belt, but here goes...
ReplyDeleteI have a Word file of ideas where I keep every tidbit I've thought up for the story--characters, plot points, dialog, everything. Then I drag bits around into categories. Everything plot related goes into an outline (which is pretty sparse at first). I see what major things I want to have happen and start brainstorming ways to get there, coming up with bridging conflicts and scenes. And I like to have my ending figured out. A goal to write toward is wonderful. It can change, but I need a finish line.
Once I have this rough outline and enough backstory that the characters start talking in my head, I go for it.
I have an idea for the scene, what has to be accomplished, but I freeform around it. New ideas often pop up that I can add to the outline. If I have a scene up ahead that I'm trying to reach and it's very muddy getting there, I try to get unstuck by being 'present' in my characters in whatever scene their trapped in. What would they do next based on what they know? I then ask, what would be necessary to shift them in a new direction, toward the outcome I want? What has to happen? What do they have to learn etc? I also try to pay attention to pace. Am I bored here? Do I need some action to wake me and the reader up?
If I'm stuck, it usually means it's time for a shake up.
Thanks, Lorel. It actually helps to here someone uses good 'ol Word like I do! I figured files of words was probably as good as it gests. I just keep searching for a Better Way. Thank you for coming here and for jumping in with both feet!
ReplyDeleteWhen Dickinson died, her desk was filled with papers upon papers of poems. And I thought I was disorganized! (tongue in cheek)
Michele
I don't do so much outlining anymore, although I've used storyboarding software in the past. I'm not good at chess either--planning out plays several moves ahead? Not going to happen. So maybe little micro-outlines are the best way for me to go.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Elizabeth - What kind of storyboarding software? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI used http://www.writerscafe.co.uk/. It's basically a virtual bulletin board with index cards you can put on there, or rearrange. But maybe Galen will come by...he had a better software program that he reviewed some time in the last couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
Interesting you should ask this question when I'm about 60 pp into a new project and am scared about being able to finish the project. If this were my first novel, I'd be worried that I am not capable of finishing a novel-length project. Since it is not, I at least know I can produce a novel, but how about this particular one? I think each writer has to find his or her path in writing practice. What I know about my past writing projects is that, for whatever reason, every time I outline, I never finish the project. I do best when I choose a character(s), ask a question to be resolved, and let the character take me for a ride. On my blog, I wrote a post about Stephen King, http://judithmercadoauthor.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-i-love-stephen-king.html, in which I quote him as saying: “ If you do your job, your characters will come to life and start doing stuff on their own.” Also: “I distrust plot for two reasons: first, because our lives are largely plotless … and, second, because I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren’t compatible.” So right now I’m essentially communing off the page with my characters with the hope they and I will make a heart connection and we can tell each other what is in our hearts. Good luck with yours.
ReplyDeleteI use WORD, too. (OK, sometimes I use Excel, but I just list stuff there.)
ReplyDeleteMy method is very much like Lorel's. I start with scenes I "must" have--the protagonist and antagonist in the climax, for instance, or certain main characters in a "turning point" scene. Then I'll fill in less important scenes.
And shift them around, and delete them, and create new ones, etc.
My problem is I am very disorganized. Ok, this is not totally true. But in some important ways it is.
ReplyDeleteI just found and am trying a demo version of WriteWay. Anyone heard of it or used it?
http://www.writewaypro.com/index.html
Michele
BTW - I am a complete believer in letting the characters take over! I am not looking for some program to write the book for me - don't get me wrong! I am simply trying to find the best solution to organize my thoughts so as to let the characters shine through.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your thoughts. This is ever so helpful!
Michele
I do everything on my computer. I think best when typing, not writing by hand. I generally keep 1 file for my story, 1 for a character list, 1 for plot points, 1 for setting/ words in other languages/ new words I make up and anything else. After I've done the draft I make another file with 1-line scene synopses. I don't mind the flipping between files, but I don't think it's for everyone :)
ReplyDeleteI honestly think I could continue to do Word, but I just need that extra push. Plus, new things get me excited! How ridiculous is that?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jemi.
Michele
Ok -- here is my opinion after slogging through your ideas and my own research.
ReplyDeleteAt first I was sold on WriteWay, but then Elizabeth introduced me to Writer's Cafe - and I am 100% there! I love the writing prompts and the storyboarding. The thing is, I don't need a place to write the story, just somewhere to organize the characters and prompt location and outline details. Check it out here: Writer's Cafe.
Thank you for all your input! You got me over my writing hump.
Michele
I'm going to check out Writer's Cafe too!
ReplyDeleteBTW, there's a free program called CeltX used by screenwriter's where it puts scenes on index cards that you can drag around. It also has character bio tabs etc, but I don't think it's as novelist friendly as this one.
Look at all the marvelous advice you've already received!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should leave it at that. No, I'll go ahead and add my two cents.
One piece of advice I can offer--don't become mechanical. I recommend an organic approach. Put a little trust your own instincts, as an artist. Listen to your inner voice. Programs with all the answers make me want to puke. (This is just me.) Did the GREATS have computer program to direct them? Hell no.
I'll shut up now.
You know, Elizabeth, you are reminding me of my own words. On my guest blog at Elizabeth Spann Craig's blog I wrote of the questionable importance of electronic media. And here I am putting everything on it! Thanks for keeping it real.
ReplyDeleteMichele