Losing the Genesis...

leim · Jun 19, 2008

I have been outlining a novel-hopeful for several weeks now and the further into the outline I get, the more I slip away from the tiny spark which started the entire story.

The concept began with a creepy little house I imagined and built from there. But now, it seems the creepy little house has lost its place in the story and is quickly becoming the only troublesome point of my outline. But I love my little creepy house and hate to get rid of it.

Anyone else fall into this quandary, and how much time did waste before the inevitable? Since I know I will most likely have to give up my house I guess I am just looking for moral support.

Or should I fight for my creepy little house?

Help.

Confused in Peoria

Manderley · Jun 19, 2008

Don't give up on the house, if you love it so much. Just keep it aside for another story. Allow your imagination to toy with it for a while before attempting to put anything down on paper. It might just need some time to reveal its story to you. In the mean time, you can always get started on this other story that has emerged.

a_sharp · Jun 19, 2008

Put a character or two into or around your creepy little house and start writing. You can outline yourself right out of the mood. That's one reason I seldom outline.

leim · Jun 19, 2008

Thanks, I do have another home I could find for my creepy house IF it doesn't end up fitting in this one, because I do love it.

This is also the first time I have outlined this detailed and you're right...

a_sharp said:
You can outline yourself right out of the mood. That's one reason I seldom outline.

I don't know if I will try it again and lose another creepy little house.

But I won't make any rash decisions yet.

HourglassMemory · Jun 19, 2008

Save the house for another story?

James81 · Jun 19, 2008

Here's a deep thought for you:

Perhaps this "creep little house" is not MEANT to be in a story. perhaps this "creepy little house" is actually your well spring for ideas.

Go to the well, my child, go to the well.

Phaeal · Jun 19, 2008

The virgin idea is always a glorious thing, an eidolon. The moment you put a word down on paper or screen, the glow leaves it.

Don't worry about this. Slog on. You can polish some of that glow back in later.

As for the house, write something as short as a flash fic about it right now, then go on with the novel if it's alive for you.

Red-Green · Jun 19, 2008

I frequently have to cut the element or scene that originally incited a story or novel. Don't know why, but often the thing that prompts the story is no longer necessary once the story is written.

Chris Grey · Jun 19, 2008

Redzilla said:
I frequently have to cut the element or scene that originally incited a story or novel. Don't know why, but often the thing that prompts the story is no longer necessary once the story is written.

Some ideas are good catalysts. I know there are quite a few writers who have had some idea/element/scene/etc they've been trying to include forever without ever getting it in.

Wellspring indeed.

But to the OP, put your house on a card and file it away with all the other ideas that didn't make the cut. Next story, take those cards out and see what hand you can play with them. It might be your ace in the hole, but it won't do much good if you're playing four kings this time.

Libbie · Jun 19, 2008

If you're onto a good thing with what's developed so far, keep going! You can always return to the creepy little house and outline a new idea later. Don't give up on what has blossomed just because it's not what you initially envisioned. It could be a bestseller some day.

Shweta · Jun 19, 2008

My last short story ended two scenes before the scene that I envisioned and built it around. I got to a certain point and went "Oh, it's done."
Very odd, but still worth it.

leim · Jun 20, 2008

As always, thanks for the fast and helpful responses. I am happy with the outcome of my "Brainstorming" outline and will save the house for later.

I also like the idea of using it as my thought well, but I don't think I'll go there in the dark!

roseangel · Jun 20, 2008

I wrote a story around one complete scene that never happened as well, where the scene should have been something else replaced it that seems to fit better.
But I am saving that special scene for another time.
So I say go with the flow, but don't forget what came before! You might need for later.

leontay · Jun 22, 2008

Happens to me all the time. By the time the idea moves to a filly-plotted concept the original spark is rarely there.

Losing the Genesis...

leim

Manderley

Slowly does it.

a_sharp

Somebody give me an A

leim

HourglassMemory

James81

Great Scott Member

Phaeal

Whatever I did, I didn't do it.

Red-Green

KoalaKoalaKoala!

Chris Grey

Vagrant Story

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

Shweta

gone

leim

roseangel

Crazy Young Cat Lady

leontay