AQATWA: Recklessly writing

[inverarity]

I've mentioned before I usually have a very rough outline and then make up a lot of the details as I go along. Right now I just don't know exactly where I am going or how I'm going to get to the scenes I really want to write. So I'm doing a lot of "pantsing" (as in "seat of"). Which means Alexandra is just kind of... running around doing reckless

Comments

[uneko]

I know this is kinda silly, but I wanted to say, I"m proud of you for writing a little every day :) I see so many authors or artists who want o write more or draw more or whatever, but complain about not having time or enthusiasm or what not.. and I tell every one of them that the secret to success it to DO it every day, even if you have to miss out on a little sleep to do it. No one ever does. So I'm proud of you for that. <3

As for scenes amusing you.. please please please, if you end up chopping some of that stuff, save it in a "special deleted scenes" file or something. Even if there's not a place for it, artistically, in the middle of the story, that doesn't mean i'ts not good writing, it's just not HELPFUL writing :)

also, sweet, delicious, long stories <3

Outlining

[cheddartrek]

How do you generally do your outlining? I've been reading up on a few different methods lately. The methods I've always used until now (for stories <40k long with minimal subplots/arcs) are proving less useful as I try to branch out into longer works.

Cheers

Re: Outlining

[inverarity]

Honestly, my starting outlines have been brainstorming of scenes and major plot points, which I actually write down on paper. Then I develop a rough Table of Contents. I list chapters and hypothetical titles as I envision the book in its final form.

Then I start writing, and any resemblance between my final draft and the original TOC is purely coincidental.

Sometimes when I am stuck, I will use the pen-and-paper method to try to outline a little bit ahead at a time.

But that's pretty much it - mental maps and brainstorming on paper. And a long-term vision in my head. Anything more sophisticated, like all the various writing software out there, or techniques other writers recommend, has never done much for me.

Alexandra & writing...

[oceanlover69]

I have just finished re-reading all 4 books for the third time. Really hated it when I hit the end of book 4 and had to stop...again. I especially enjoyed your writing about Alexandra's time in Dinétah. Lots of action, dangerous situations where she had to rely on just her own abilities to think outside-the-box.

I admire your writing ability and perseverance. Stephen King has a book on how he goes about writing and he does the same - he writes every day for a set period and reads, reads, reads.

I'm anxiously awaiting the next story - maybe a new wand & advice from the Grannies??? ;-))

Gary