International Thriller Writers Roundtable - Do You Plot?
Today I begin an International Thriller Writer sponsored roundtable discussion “Do you plot, plan, or outline? Or, do you just go where your characters lead you? Why?
The Roundtable is comprise of Matt Lynn, Weston Ochse (that's me), LJ Sellers, Allan Leverone, Pam Callow, Chris Beakey, Michael Haskins, Larry D. Thompson, Blaize Clement, Matt Forbeck, Reece Hirsch and Edgar Franzmann. All my partners in this crime have written terrific books.
As a member of International Thriller Writers (ITW), I was asked to participate in this and another discussion in a few weeks. I’ve been looking forward to this because we aren’t lamenting problems, but discussing craft. We’re going to be talking about process. For me, the writer's process has always been of incredible interest to see how others do the same thing I do. It never ceases to amaze me that two of us can write a book doing it completely differently.
In this week’s discussion, however, we are talking about plot. My guess is that all of us outline to some degree. What’s going to be of interest is the different degrees. My hope is to learn from these ITW friends and perhaps incorporate some small elements into my own writing.
We’ll see. If nothing more, we’re talking about my favorite thing, writing. And that counts for something.
So please come on over and read a little of what we are saying. Feel free to comment (I think anyone can comment). This is open to the public.
And don't forget to read The Big Thrill, ITW's online newsletter.
Weston Ochse
Desert Grotto
Mexican Border