Even though my dislocated hip and the resulting brace which I must wear for the next 32 days (but who's counting?) have forced me to take it easy, my mind can't help but race ahead. May, June and July are packed with events, both personal and professional, and when I run down the list, it makes me wonder how it'll all get done.Kind of like writing a book.
When I get an idea for a new book, my mind spins out all the events that will take place to get my characters to their happy ever after. There are so many plot ideas, high points, dark moments, resolutions, that it is dizzying. Many great writers never get beyond this point, since it is overwhelming. They have massive doubts in their ability to blend all their ideas into a cohesive structure that they stop after writing a few great scenes and never return.
I have found Blake Snyder's Save The Cat book to be of immense value when I first get an idea. I plot out the major turning points in the story in the briefest of outlines. It still gives me flexibility to let the story spin out the way it's going to, but keeps the story line on track to proceed forward.So, I'm applying the same technique to this summer. I've got all the events posted on my calendar and will tick them off one at a time as I get to that point. In the meantime, I can look forward to what's yet to come. And,
I still have the flexibility to change direction, if need be. After all, I like surprises.
Summer for me is no different than the other four seasons, except the days are longer with more daylight. This allows me a little more time to get outside, work in the yard or go to the National forest nearby for inspiration, etc... However, I still have to work. So my writing life is began with tending the housepets, then going to my study to work for roughly 6-8 hours on writing, revising, promoting, etc.... Then it is time for lunch and go to my day job for another 8 hours. Returning home, it's pet care and quick catching up on emails. A few hours later, it all repeats itself.
ReplyDeleteSounds exhausting, Ryan Jo! But good for you for not letting life get in the way of your dreams. And, I agree, a walk thru any National forest is great for inspiration.
DeleteI'll have to check out Save the Cat - for me a new storyline means a new notebook in my purse. I will jot down any and all scene ideas, character dialogue or twists and turns that pop up during the percolating phase of writing. The notebook is sacred and is by my side for months, flipping pages and scribbling ideas and comments.
ReplyDeleteI like your notebook idea. We each find our own way to get from start to finish. Whatever works.
DeleteBecky, hope you heal quickly. Glad you've found a method to keep you focused while writing. I'm still making myself outline and plan before I start drafting, but the inclination to just write, to just start, taunts me every time.
ReplyDeleteI know, Jackie. I sometimes write 10k words just for myself, to get it out of my system. It usually never makes it into the final draft, but it helps me realize where the book needs to go. Then, I'll calm down and do an outline and get down to business.
DeleteYour analogy of planning your life as you would your book is terrific! Never thought of it that way. Trouble is, I'm not good at either one. I always know the beginning and end (of a book) before I start, but the how one leads to the other has to unfold in my mind as I go. Ditto on the real life side. I envy your process!
ReplyDeleteSometimes just going with the flow works well, too. I did that for the longest time, and my life took me to some wonderful places.
DeleteHi Becky, I've started to outline the chapters before starting. It does make it easier to write. But when my characters start misbehaving (and appearing in my dreams), I make changes.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your health recovery and summer plans.
Joanne:)
Thanks, Joanne. Isn't it funny how, despite our best efforts, those characters of ours tend to hijack the story and tell it in their own way?
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Save the Cat. I work things through in my head a lot, and keep tons of notebooks around. I have a really pretty one for the new series I'm developing. I outline as much as I can, keep random notes, and just get as much down as possible before I actually start writing. I hope your summer goes great!
ReplyDeleteZen, you sound way organized. I had to get myself organized for the 9-book series I'm working through. Otherwise, my character's eye colors would be all over the place.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about the hip Becky!! I've not heard of Save the Cat either and can't wait to check it out. I'm normally a plotter - charts and questionnaires and W's and M's (The W plot) but my latest is being written from a pantser perspective. It drives the anal retentive part of my brain a little nuts!
ReplyDeleteI'd be lost without Save The Cat, and even then, I don't use all of what is offered, since the best part of any story for me is diving into the deep end and getting going. But it's nice to look at my notes from Save the Cat and know which direction to head in.
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