index cards and BSG

[lunacow]

The index card plan has been working. I've been going through the novel a scene at a time and recording the important details on index cards, one card per scene. I'm about halfway through, and I can tell that it's going to help with the first round of editing. This technique is bringing into focus what's important and what isn't, as well as

Comments

TwoP/BSG

[xinie]

That's how I "watched" the first season! :)

[desireearmfeldt]

Re not-previousl-aired "previously aired" clips: That's totally funny & subversive. I think I'd hate it, though. I very much believe (by instinct, not principle) in the "reality" of all the bits I've already read/seen/consumed of a story, and I don't like being asked to believe in some other reality instead. From outside the frame of the fiction, that is; there are plenty of fictional devices that say "reality is different than you thought" that I'm OK with

[lunacow]

Yeah, the episodic structure of a TV show is a lot different than that of a novel, in interesting ways. And writing without being able to go back is a special sort of challenge. When I write my first drafts, I always write the story in order, and I also keep the story as consistent as possible, even when I realize that I want something already written to be changed and will change it in the next draft. Partly I do this because I do have readers consuming the story as I write it, but mostly it's just a rule for myself that I find leads to unexpected and more natural plots.

I would love to see you publishing something episodic!

[jellyfrog]

Sounds like the index cards are useful! I'll have to give that a try. That was a good idea about setting a deadline for reading my first draft. But now I'm procrastinating setting the deadline -- I have so much to do this week, I don't know when I can really set aside some to focus on it, blah, blah, blah. Okay, I'm going to do it now. Thursday. I have to start reading on Thursday, even if I don't get the whole thing read that day (probably can though). So that's what I'm doing Thursday. This Thursday. The 18th

[lunacow]

Okay, Thursday. I'm going to check back with you on that to make sure you do it!

I was thinking as I watched BSG that you (in particular) would probably like it, though I wasn't sure. It does have some very unpleasant characters (skanky cylon, for one), but also some wonderful ones who you'll meet if you make it past the beginning to the actual battlestar. There are great character interactions and interesting -- but highly stressful -- plots. Try the whole miniseries and the first two episodes of season 1. If you don't like it after that, it's just not for you.

[jellyfrog]

Okay, I'm going to give it another try! The miniseries is on its way from Netflix. I've always thought it seemed like something I ought to like, and I'd love to have another series that I could get excited about.... That doesn't come along too often.

Thanks for getting me to set a deadline. I started reading the book today and I'm almost halfway through. It has major problems, possibly unfixable ones, but the good news is that it's entertaining. Even the parts I thought were really boring when I wrote them are fun to read. That's something, eh?

[lunacow]

Yay, I knew if you read over your novel you'd find it was better than you remembered! I'm glad you buckled down to face it.

I look forward to hearing what you think of BSG.