A really good article

I agree. I read a book by (I think) John Gardner in which he stated that "you must use index card to develop the plot of your story." Or something to that effect, but I remember reading about he writes down scenes in his head as they come to him (on individual note cards, one for each scene), and when he thinks he has enough for a novel, he organizes the pile of note cards and begins writing.

I honestly don't think I could do that.

I'll outline a little, sometimes.... Maybe a chapter or two ahead, but any further than that and I get myself into trouble.

Thanks. That was an awesome article and a breath of fresh air. I too hate being told how to write or that how I write is wrong. I can't plan ahead very far without getting bogged down with details that aren't really important. I have to write organically, not always knowing where I'm going or what's going to happen. And I constantly learn new things about my characters and where the story is headed. I can't imagine writing any other way, but different strokes for different folks, ne?

Oh good. I'm not as psychotic as I thought I was. You know, hearing my characters arguing or picturing that they're not going to wear those jeans.

Everyone's writing habits are different. No two people will go about it the same way. Some really need that outline. Others a synopsis. And yes, there are times when the agent or editor asks for one. Ugh. But I do it.

Otherwise, I let the story take me where it goes. The character's personalities become fleshed out as the story evolves. Sometimes the story takes such a twisted turn and I love it. Or I say, "Huh?" but see where it goes.

<Whew> Now I feel so much better. Thanks for the link, Balthazar.

Interesting article.

I think the only rule is that you have to do what works for you.

When I first started writing, I had the vague idea of a character and situation and saw where it took me (and it's a technique I still use if I've had a brainwave but have no idea what to do with it). However, as I've gone on, I find it more useful to map out in advance what my story is so that I've got an early idea of whether the novel has lengths (i.e. whether I've actually got a plot that hangs together) and can connect things together as I go.

I'm not one of those writers who plots everything out in detail because I find that it does stifle my creativity but I do have a definite idea of where I'm going and I let my imagination flesh the set scenarios out. Sometimes the results can be surprising e.g. in the outline for my current WIP I realised as I was writing that the novel didn't actually begin where I thought it begun, which has led to two extra scenes being written to set up the inciting incident. Often though, I find that it gives me more confidence as I write because I feel more in control of the situation and I know where I'm going.

Just to reiterate though, I do still use the 'dive straight in' technique if I've had an idea but don't have a clue what to do with it, because it lets my brain throw up things that I'd never previously have thought about.

MM

That was an AWESOME article! THANK YOU for sharing it.

I've never been one to use an outline either. I've tried before, but it never worked out. I guess I'm a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants writer.
Just sit down, stare at the blank screen, and start typing. I never know what the ending is going to be, until I get to the end.


It AMAZES me every time . . . the settings; the scenes; the characters that appear to me out of thin air, and start revealing their world to me.

AMAZING how that works! (Dare I say, MAGICAL?)