Pre-writing. Blech.

[rose_in_shadow]

I've come to the conclusion that I hate pre-writing.

This shouldn't be a surprise. In school for essays and such, I rarely pre-wrote for anything. I got an idea, did my research, and sat down to write the essay. I don't think I ever got a bad grade on one all through college so it worked for me

Comments

[scarvenartist]

I hear you. I was the same way with essays -- I could never outline in any productive way, and it always served me well to start with some thought that usually became the direct middle of the paper, and let it grow organically from the center, editing as I went. My first draft was an edited-along-the-way final draft. Most of my stories begin in the same way...but it's seriously not proven itself an effective method for actually finishing things, unfortunately. Wah. :P

[rose_in_shadow]

an effective method for actually finishing things

Yeah. I've been listening to a podcast by three published authors and they mention in one episode that you have to treat writing sometimes like it's your job. It's not fun to think that, but it has kept me going a couple of times when the "but-I-don't-want-to-write-because-I'm-not-inspired" bug bites. Doesn't always work, to be honest, but maybe I'm working my way there. XD

[scarvenartist]

I think I do need to go with the "treat it like your job" advice. Because letting myself be in a funk all the time is certainly not getting anything done at all. (And maybe I will rediscover the fun along the way? :-/ Getting started is always hardest....)

[dancingmanatee]

Hi! So I just came lurking from the ME community in pursuit of fanfics. I promise I'm not some complete rando. :)

Anyway, have you ever thought of collaborating with someone? Writing buddies are pretty awesome.

Also, pre-writing can be a pain in the butt. I always find I do better when I have my 3 main "acts" and then go into however much detail I want to from there.

[rose_in_shadow]

Hiya!

I don't have a lot of fandom stuff on my LJ for some reason. All my fanfics are housed here. :D

Yes, I have collaborated with someone. A good friend of mine and I did a couple of fanfics together some years back and it was loads of fun. But she moved and it's really hard to expect her to be as disciplined in writing as I am when she's so busy. We kinda gave up on it.

Yeah, I'm working from the 3-act structure as well. I know what the beginning is and I sort of know the ending; still trying to get the middle. :\