Do you have anyone to bounce ideas off?

dreamsofnever · Mar 21, 2009

So, I am extremely fortunate in that my husband is not only interested in my WIP (and my writing in general) but he actually lets me talk through my plot issues with him.

Even more fortunate, he almost always has a suggestion or ten for me with these. I don't always take his suggestions, but I've had moments where I stop and go "that's brilliant! why didn't I think of that?" and then moments where he suggests something that isn't quite right, but it sets me on the path to getting over my issue with the plot.

This is interesting to me because my husband has no interest in being a writer whatsoever. In our marriage, he's very much the logic, numbers, and science guy. I'm the creative one. And he swears that he can only come up with suggestions if I pose a problem to him-he wouldn't know where to begin in coming up with a story from start to finish.

Like I said, I'm very fortunate. If I'm stuck in a certain place in my story, I just have to talk to him and I'll usually have the problem solved within a day. (If he doesn't gift wrap the answer for me then and there. lol)

What about all of you? Do you have anyone who you can bounce ideas off? If you do, be sure to give them a hug and a thank you today because I think this is a rare gift to have for a writer.

kct webber · Mar 21, 2009

I co-organize a great writers' group. A few of us have come to be pretty close in a business-like sort-of way. (Which is good, cuz though we know each other quite well, we all still feel comfortable saying the hard word to each other. For example, 'your story blows'.

) We communicate freely inside and outside of meetings and there are a few of us who bounce ideas back and forth on a regular basis. A good writers' group can be great for both critting and brain storming.

thethinker42 · Mar 21, 2009

scarletpeaches is my primary beta reader and idea-bouncer-offer. She has no qualms about telling me something is a good idea or if it sucks and I should never speak of it again.

My husband has the attention span of a gerbil, so I don't usually bounce complicated ideas off of him, but I'll occasionally ask if this or that would work.

kct webber · Mar 21, 2009

I bounce a lot of ideas off of Neurotic too. She and I met here in the SciFi and Fantasy threads and we bounce ideas off of each other all the time. Oh, and Storygirl too. She has a few things of mine right now as well.

Mumut · Mar 21, 2009

My wife is a great help but my two daughters (32 and 23) are avid readers and very helpful. They help with specific problems and are among the beta readers of my work. And I appreciate their help.

Saskatoonistan · Mar 21, 2009

I initially bounced ideas off my cat Hercules, but all he would do is blink a few times and go back to sleep. Now I have a group of pen pal writers and we chuck ideas back and forth.

scarletpeaches · Mar 21, 2009

Yay! I got a mention in a properly grown-up writerly context!

Yeah, so thethinker42 is the person I go to with "I need a word that means," or "Does this scene work?" or "What if I had my MC do this?"

Often she's said, "What about...?" and my immediate reaction is, "Pfft." But sometimes I'll go away and say, "Turns out she might have something there after all, *muttermumble*."

Aside from that I don't really bounce my ideas off anyone. They're mine, and I'm keepin' 'em!

Wayne K · Mar 21, 2009

Mr Flibble · Mar 21, 2009

So, I am extremely fortunate in that my husband is not only interested in my WIP (and my writing in general) but he actually lets me talk through my plot issues with him.

Even more fortunate, he almost always has a suggestion or ten for me with these. I don't always take his suggestions, but I've had moments where I stop and go "that's brilliant! why didn't I think of that?" and then moments where he suggests something that isn't quite right, but it sets me on the path to getting over my issue with the plot.

I too am this fortunate. I often talk to him when I'm unsure about plot, or ask 'Would X do that?'

I almost never use his exact suggestion - but 99 times out of a hundred what he says makes a little light bulb go 'PING!' in my head.

He's also had a few ideas for novels that I'm totally going to steal

scarletpeaches · Mar 21, 2009

IdiotsRUs said:
I too am this fortunate. I often talk to him when I'm unsure about plot, or ask 'Would X do that?'

I almost never use his exact suggestion - but 99 times out of a hundred what he says makes a little light bulb go 'PING!' in my head.

He's also had a few ideas for novels that I'm totally going to steal

That's the thing with Lori. I've rarely used her exact suggestion, but she's often kicked off a train of thought that's led me to the solution to a plot problem.

thethinker42 · Mar 21, 2009

scarletpeaches said:
That's the thing with Lori. I've rarely used her exact suggestion, but she's often kicked off a train of thought that's led me to the solution to a plot problem.

Likewise.

Hell, SP is the one who looked at my outline for Playing With Fire and said, "nuh-uh. That won't work. Sort it, shithead." I sorted it, it worked.

SP rocks.

Rarri · Mar 21, 2009

Yup. I go through periods of pelting my mother with emails for days on end and i'm very fortunate that she enjoys being a part of my writing process. But then again, my Dad's a writer, so she's somewhat used to the onslaught of concepts and queries! More than that though, she knows how i think, so even the most nonsensical emails make sense to her.

Adam · Mar 21, 2009

Nope, though I occasionally discuss ideas with my dog. He's a good listener, but his suggestions are somewhat limited...

scarletpeaches · Mar 21, 2009

That must be a bit ruff.

kct webber · Mar 21, 2009

scarletpeaches said:
That must be a bit ruff.

haHaHAHASHUT UP!

scarletpeaches · Mar 21, 2009

Sorry.

I'll slap myself and go sit in the corner.

kct webber · Mar 21, 2009

Yeah! I guess I showed you, didn't I! Nyah!

Sneaky Devil · Mar 21, 2009

I consider myself damn lucky to have two people, both of them writers, that I bounce my ideas off of. I've tried the whole, "What do you think of this?" with my family before and all I get in return, every single time, is "Oh, that sounds great!". *rolls her eyes* I don't need that kind of rubbishy help.

NeuroFizz · Mar 21, 2009

Mrs. Fizzy is really good at telling me what doesn't work (frequent reader, not a writer). Fizzette #1 (an insatiable reader but not a writer) is really good at telling me what does work. And my ideas don't bounce. They just splat on the screen and spread like ink on a blotter. I just make sure the oozing stain stays within the margins.

tehuti88 · Mar 21, 2009

dreamsofnever said:
What about all of you? Do you have anyone who you can bounce ideas off?

No.

All I have is my online journal, which very few people read (and even fewer respond to), and which those few people avoid like the plague whenever I start to chatter about my writing. I daren't even mention anything I'm writing about, or any writing troubles I'm having, to anyone around me as none of them are interested in it or understand it in the least. Nobody has any clue what's going on in my stories or what I'm writing or thinking about, and I can't bear to mention it lest I see that glazed look enter their eyes, the way they turn away and make some sort of comment like "That's nice" or change the subject. I don't even dare talk about it to my psychologist; I know she would listen, but she wouldn't be interested, which is the key point, and she certainly wouldn't be able to bounce ideas back at me because she's not a reader. The whole point of my writing is to interest people so I can't really bring it up if the interest isn't there, and it isn't.

And the people who do read my work aren't interested in the least in talking to me about it, so I can't bounce ideas off of them either. All I have is my own stupid head. I honestly feel like I'm writing all this stuff to myself and it would be better off not written at all for all the good it's doing.

I've actually given up all thoughts of publication and fame and whatnot because this is honestly the last and only thing I really want, somebody who's both interested and knowledgeable enough about my writing so that I can talk about it to them and not only not bore them to death, but they'll know what I'm talking about and will talk back to me about it. That's what I've been seeking through my writing all my life, but I just can't seem to find it.

This is the only real reason I've tried out writing forums online, but even here I can't chatter about the details of my writing (without it being a critique or Sandbox session or something), so it's not much of a substitute. I imagine eventually I'll get tired of it here and drift away unnoticed like always. *shrug*

I'm very envious of those writers who have people they can talk to about their writing without confusing or boring them to tears. I'd love to have just one person like that. It'd make all this work worthwhile.

Barb D · Mar 21, 2009

My teenagers, especially since my characters are loosely based on them. Especially my 17yo son, who is constantly saying things like, "That won't work. If you have something leave one dimension, something else has to come in and fill its space..."

My sister-in-law is also particularly helpful.

willfulone · Mar 21, 2009

tehuti88 said:
No.

All I have is my online journal, which very few people read (and even fewer respond to), and which those few people avoid like the plague whenever I start to chatter about my writing. I daren't even mention anything I'm writing about, or any writing troubles I'm having, to anyone around me as none of them are interested in it or understand it in the least. Nobody has any clue what's going on in my stories or what I'm writing or thinking about, and I can't bear to mention it lest I see that glazed look enter their eyes, the way they turn away and make some sort of comment like "That's nice" or change the subject. I don't even dare talk about it to my psychologist; I know she would listen, but she wouldn't be interested, which is the key point, and she certainly wouldn't be able to bounce ideas back at me because she's not a reader. The whole point of my writing is to interest people so I can't really bring it up if the interest isn't there, and it isn't.

And the people who do read my work aren't interested in the least in talking to me about it, so I can't bounce ideas off of them either. All I have is my own stupid head. I honestly feel like I'm writing all this stuff to myself and it would be better off not written at all for all the good it's doing.

I've actually given up all thoughts of publication and fame and whatnot because this is honestly the last and only thing I really want, somebody who's both interested and knowledgeable enough about my writing so that I can talk about it to them and not only not bore them to death, but they'll know what I'm talking about and will talk back to me about it. That's what I've been seeking through my writing all my life, but I just can't seem to find it. This is the only real reason I've tried out writing forums online, but even here I can't chatter about the details of my writing (without it being a critique or Sandbox session or something), so it's not much of a substitute. I imagine eventually I'll get tired of it here and drift away unnoticed like always. *shrug*

I'm very envious of those writers who have people they can talk to about their writing without confusing or boring them to tears. I'd love to have just one person like that. It'd make all this work worthwhile.

Ah! I wish to say, I have been to and read some of your blog. I have clicked some of the links and read some of the story stuff. I saw where you even requested comments on the work (well certain story lines you asked for comments on). However, the site would NOT allow me to open all the stories linked. And there was no way to comment on the parts I tried to. I tried a few times. There were other comments there, so I am not sure if it was just the timing (maybe the vboard or whatever) was having difficulties or if I needed to sign up or what. But, it did not allow me to email comments to blog owner (you either).

I bat ideas around with many members here and have in the past. On site and off site via email. You could post a thread and ask for comments in OP or the writing forum or in story ideas and research and many will respond with comments and ideas. I would respond there. If you prefer to not do it on the board? You can PM me and I would be happy to do idea stuff with you via PMs or personal emails should you need/want some of that. You can check my past posts and see what type of idea stuff I toss out (sometimes may help/sometimes may not - but I always have tons of ideas) or check with some of the members I do this with (I can give you references) if you wish to consider such with me.

I would be happy to help. If you wish to try to do some to see if you can get something going.

Let me know.

Christine

dreamsofnever · Mar 21, 2009

NeuroFizz said:
Mrs. Fizzy is really good at telling me what doesn't work (frequent reader, not a writer). Fizzette #1 (an insatiable reader but not a writer) is really good at telling me what does work. And my ideas don't bounce. They just splat on the screen and spread like ink on a blotter. I just make sure the oozing stain stays within the margins.

Good call, Neuro! can't have your idea stains mucking up your margins!

tehuti88 said:
No.

All I have is my online journal, which very few people read (and even fewer respond to), and which those few people avoid like the plague whenever I start to chatter about my writing. I daren't even mention anything I'm writing about, or any writing troubles I'm having, to anyone around me as none of them are interested in it or understand it in the least. Nobody has any clue what's going on in my stories or what I'm writing or thinking about, and I can't bear to mention it lest I see that glazed look enter their eyes, the way they turn away and make some sort of comment like "That's nice" or change the subject. I don't even dare talk about it to my psychologist; I know she would listen, but she wouldn't be interested, which is the key point, and she certainly wouldn't be able to bounce ideas back at me because she's not a reader. The whole point of my writing is to interest people so I can't really bring it up if the interest isn't there, and it isn't.

And the people who do read my work aren't interested in the least in talking to me about it, so I can't bounce ideas off of them either. All I have is my own stupid head. I honestly feel like I'm writing all this stuff to myself and it would be better off not written at all for all the good it's doing.

I've actually given up all thoughts of publication and fame and whatnot because this is honestly the last and only thing I really want, somebody who's both interested and knowledgeable enough about my writing so that I can talk about it to them and not only not bore them to death, but they'll know what I'm talking about and will talk back to me about it. That's what I've been seeking through my writing all my life, but I just can't seem to find it. This is the only real reason I've tried out writing forums online, but even here I can't chatter about the details of my writing (without it being a critique or Sandbox session or something), so it's not much of a substitute. I imagine eventually I'll get tired of it here and drift away unnoticed like always. *shrug*

I'm very envious of those writers who have people they can talk to about their writing without confusing or boring them to tears. I'd love to have just one person like that. It'd make all this work worthwhile.

Awww, Tehuti, this made me sad for you. If you ever need anyone to bounce ideas off, PM me, okay?

I agree that having someone who can talk to you about their work is a great thing to have and it's hard when you don't have that.

I wasn't posting to rub it in that I have that (not that I'm implying you thought that, but just in case...) but more to say I'm appreciative of the fact that I do because it is a rare thing to find. I'm truly lucky because the guy I almost married before my husband? *shudder* He would tune out as soon as I started to say anything related to writing.

And SP, and IdiotsRUs, I know the exact feeling. A lot of times my husband just sets me on the right train of thought. Or he'll say something that is completely opposite what I want to do, but then I'll still have a lightbulb moment just from elaborating on what my exact issue is.

I think that's the big thing actually. I have to figure out how to elaborate the problem I'm having with the plot to someone. From that, I figure out myself what my issue is and then the way through whatever I'm getting hung up on usually becomes clear.

Tepelus · Mar 21, 2009

Sounds like you and I have the same situation, tehuti. No one I know even remotely cares about my stories, and when I send snippets of only a few pages to "friends" to get their opinion, they never answer back, or say they forgot I sent it to them and I never hear anything about it again. The boyfriend doesn't read, unless it's about cars, so no help there either. All I have are forums like these and me, myself and I.

semilargeintestine · Mar 21, 2009

I don't have anybody to bounce ideas off. It kind of sucks, but I make do I guess.

Do you have anyone to bounce ideas off?

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