How do you write? And other stuff of little importance to anyone but myself...

[odysseaia]

For days I've been positively dazed by the response from the Big Bang posts. I'm amazed, really and I can only say that the experience of taking part in the SPN-J2-Big Bang has been incredible. It's not just that I've gotten to know a couple of people who are plain and simply awesome, but I feel it has also helped me develop my style of drawing. I

Comments

[ancastar]

Ooh! You're the multi-talented sort. :-)

How do I write...

I normally start with one scene that for whatever reason has taken up residence in my head. The story then takes shape around that scene. How did the characters get there? What happens afterwards? Why does the story exist --what do either the characters or the readers (or both) learn (because the character should change from beginning to end--at least one of them--otherwise, what reason is there for the story)?

My background is theatre, so I tend to see the scene play out in my head and then I transcribe what I see and hear. The plus of this technique is that it's very detail rich. The negative is most readers don't care about all those details. :-) I always end up with way more stuff than I need, and I tend to overwrite. I have trouble writing shorter stories because the idea the come to me usually lend themselves to full blown stories. The technique (which is not anything I've ever learned--I'm not a trained writer) is also very improvisational. So sometimes

[odysseaia]

Pfft, "multi-talented". I'm more the impertinent sort who tries everything, regardless of skill ;)

I normally start with one scene that for whatever reason has taken up residence in my head. The story then takes shape around that scene.
Another approach I've never even considered but it does sound exciting. Did your current BB-story start out like this? I think I need to try this one, too.
Additionally, I love your point that a character should change or grow during a story. Too many published works neglect that point and that's always something I bemoan. A character starts out perfect and remains that way, merely dealing with the tragedies life decides to throw into his or her way yadda yadda yadda (you can tell I've been reading an installment of Preston & Child's Pendergast-series, can't you? ;))

I tend to see the scene play out in my head and then I transcribe what I see and hear.That's exactly what happens to me. I see what's playing out and then I end up being annoyed, because I can't find the right words to "tell the picture

[ancastar]

With Redemption, it was the power inequity that got things rolling. I love stories where one of the pair is at a disadvantage--be it monetarily, due to status, or emotionally. I share with Debbie a definite kink for strong/together Dean/Jensen and a more vulnerable (but not wussy!) Sam/Jared. It's a type of fiction you don't see much in SPN. Most writers (and readers too!) seem to favor Dean/Jensen as the wubbie. I'll read that (I almost have to--I'd have a heck of a lot less to read otherwise), and some of it is excellent, but it's not my preference

[odysseaia]

...a definite kink for strong/together Dean/Jensen and a more vulnerable (but not wussy!) Sam/Jared. It's a type of fiction you don't see much in SPN. Most writers (and readers too!) seem to favor Dean/Jensen as the wubbie.Actually this preference of many people to see either of the boys vulnerable or downright hurt (limp Sam comes to mind) surprises me. I always enjoyed a certain vulnerability in the boys but mostly am impressed when they're strong (especially emotionally.) I love it when they're in a no-win situation but, by using their wits and determination, manage to make it out of it - against all odds

[geckoholic]

I'm sure you're next BB post will be just as awesome. *nods*

Not sure if I count as "talented writer", but it depends on the length. For short fics, I usally have a first line or other bit popping in my head, and wing it from there. Longer fic, though, needs a bit of outlining. I make a mental list of the storyline and "scenes" I wanna have in it, and then I wait for the actual story to come to live in my head.
Also, I believe a good writer is a frequent reader, and there's nothing like reading really awesome fic written by others to get my own creative juices flowing.

Still, fear not, I actually finish, like, 30% percent of what I write, and more than half of what I do finishe never sees the light of day. So. ;) I'm pretty sure that's normal.

[odysseaia]

Hey, nice to see you've got such faith in me. Thanks *hugs*

I find your way of writing fics really intriguing, almost adventurous and certainly very creative. I tried this way of writing and ended up abandoning almost every project. I noticed I'm pretty good with hinting at things to come...however, due to lack of organization they never do come and I end up disappointing people as well as myself.
I also think it's a great idea to have these loose outlines of scenes you want in your story, because I tend to forget the very scenes I've been looking forward to the most when I get sidetracked (and that happens very frequently). By the way, do you write out your stories in chronological order?

Also, I believe a good writer is a frequent reader...So true and finally something I can offer. I read like crazy and then, when I start writing after I read a book I really enjoyed something silly happens: I mimic the author's style without even realizing it. Seriously, I envy all those authors who have found their own style, because I have no

[geckoholic]

Well, it's also stressful and kind of driving me mad. But hey, as long as it kind-of-works that way, I'm sure as hell not complaining