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| Insecure Writers Support Group |
Our Co-Sponsor's this month are:
Stephen Tremp
Stephanie Faris
Susan Gourley/Kelley
Bish Denham
Fundy Blue
M.J. Fifield
Loni Townsend
Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
Some people swear by an Outline. Others say just pantsing will do it. All I know is I'm having trouble turning from Book 1 and diving into Book 2.
But I need to. My pitch package request include specific numbers of pages, extensive outlines of the 3 books, and summary paragraphs of two more. I do have a rudimentary Timeline for the second book. And now, I have a rough (emphasis on rough) outline now. My next attempt at getting going is to reread all the pantsing chunks I have and fill in the outline, while brainstorming the bits and pieces I'm missing.
So what do you suggest? How to you get started again?
Next Week:
I get started by rereading what I've written and falling in love with the characters again. Seriously. Once I love them, I just have to sit down and write. I use an outline though, with the flexibility to change as needed.
ReplyDeleteI like your plan, Crystal! I'm rereading and adding to the rough outline at the moment.
DeleteLike Crystal says, I like to reread what I have. It usually sparks my imagination for that work and sends me rocketing off with new ideas.
ReplyDeleteHope you figure it out!
Thanks, Loni!
DeleteNewsprint on the wall. Lots of pacing and muttering. And examining what worked in the previous novel, specifically what made me care about the characters. It's easy to lose sight of the emotional connections when you're choreographing the first draft. Just remember it's only the base layer. I'm going through this too. Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI know you are! Good luck to us both, Cathy!
DeleteIf I think of it on the whole I get overwhelmed and can't do anything. So, I find one small spot and jump in. Once I'm immersed, I start connecting to the story, then I can start to get an idea for the whole. Everyone is different though. You'll have to find your own way in, whatever works for you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sara! I'm just taking one story snip at a time and jotting down whatever it awakens. So far, I'm happy with it.
DeleteHi, Zan Marie! I see you are a retired teacher too! Rereading is what gets me moving again. The only way I can manage to create an outline is after I've written something ~ Certainly any outline with detail! If I try to make something according to an outline, my words rebel! Flying by the seat of my my pants doesn't really work either. I have to play with something until what I'm trying to say emerges. I have a sense, a feeling, and I have to write until it crystalizes. Everyone has a unique approach for sure! Good luck with your writing!
ReplyDeleteFundy! Retired teachers, unite! And write. ;-) I think you and I are a lot alike.
DeleteAhem. Houseparty... seriously! Throwing characters into unfamiliar situations, with no limits on the amount of craziness, really helps me!
ReplyDeleteI know! But finding a houseparty at the instant you need is nearly impossible.
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