So, I've written three complete novels. One to be published late next year.
I just finished my third a week or two ago.
And now, as I stare at a blank Scrivener document, I can't remember how to write something new.
Oh sure, I have lots of stories percolating in my brain. I don't have writer's block per se.
I just can't remember how to get the ball rolling.
So I need your advice.
What are your tips and trade secrets to spewing out that first draft? Do you outline? Do you wing it? Do you write without chapter divisions? Do you write in scenes? Where do you go to generate plot ideas? What is your one, fail-proof step that helps you get the story flowing?
Please feel free to elaborate!
I'm about to have to do this soon too! Eeekkkkk!
ReplyDeleteI always tell myself, in the beginning, to just write. Don't worry about if it sucks or not, just get words out there in the world and explore your new story. It'll take you where you need to go, and later, you can go back, and clean it up!
Best of luck! :)
Just write! That's what I need to tell myself too. I always forget at the beginning of a story how much comes to me while I'm writing. Thanks!
DeleteI rough outline (I like the beat sheet from Blake Snyder's Save the Cat) then usually what spurs me to start is a character's voice in my head. I think what I've gone through with this new WIP is that the process doesn't have to be like the process before. I got to page 100 and got stuck. So I went back and brainstormed and wrote free verse back story and then I started revising from the beginning. I'm just shy of page 100 and now feel l like I can move forward.
ReplyDeleteI can't write out of order. Doesn't work for me.
Every book is unique and so the process may not always be exactly the same. Great advice. Thanks. And I'll check out Save the Cat.
DeleteSo you're a panster? Me, too, though I do like to have a goal in mind with the story. I'm not into outlining at all. I tried Blake Snyder's "Save the Cat" using his 13 beats (made for motion pictures but is a wonderful option for books as well). That ended up being too much for me, too, though. I really liked Dan Well's Story Structure. You can find links to his 5 part video presentation that he did at LTUE a few years ago.
ReplyDeletehttp://iwritenetworkning.ning.com/
It's on the left of the screen toward the bottom, so scroll down. They don't appear in order, so start with #1.
Good luck!
Definitely a pantser! Sounds like we have a similar process. I always have a few key scenes in my mind, including the beginning and the end--then it's connect the dots.
DeleteI heard Dan Wells teach this class at LTUE last year. I better check my notes. Thanks Donna!
I do an extensive outline somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 words.
ReplyDeleteHoly. Cow. Extensive is an understatement! That is seriously amazing.You might as well have just told me you climbed Mt. Everest. Because that is what a 10,000 word outline sounds like to me. I bow in your presence.
DeleteI'm a panster at heart, but I do keep very present the element of story structure by Larry Brooks. In fact, if I can get the main events together, I can usually connect the dots. Usually. I've had a hard time getting a full first draft lately. I wonder why ;-)
ReplyDeleteLarry Brooks has some great information on plot and story structure. Thanks Yamile.
DeleteWell I'm teaching my 5th graders to draft using storyboards right now, and it's been good so far. Forget modern technology - all you need for a draft is a piece of paper divided into 8 squares and a picture in each!
ReplyDeleteAre you doing your next novel for nanowrimo?