Okay. Talking about my writing journey. And it is a journey. Twists and turns. Unexpected detours and triumphs.
Today, I'm talkiing about plotting. One of the things that has held me back as far as completing a novel manuscript is the issue of plot. I've tried being a "pantser", someone who sits down and just lets the words flow, allowing the words to lead wherever they may with no roadmap. For me, this works for about 4-5 chapters and then I'm stuck. What should happen next in order to move the characters toward their happy ending? (I write romance and the hallmark of romance is the HEA, aka the "happily ever after".) Is this next scene believeable in the context of what has transpired so far? Based on who my characters are and who I'd like them to become?
After struggling for several years, I've decided that "pantsing" is not for me. The alternative? Plotting.
Now, one could argue that this should have been a no-brainer for me. I write a lot for business and I wrote many papers during my academic years, up to and including getting a master's degree. I ALWAYS wrote an outline before I started. Made the whole process easier. So why wouldn't I do that for my novel?
Plotting seemed to be the less than creative way to write. Less inspired. Less in the moment. So I assumed it didn't apply to writing novels. HOG WASH! I've been reading the writer tips on a lot of author sites lately. There's probably a 50-50 split for published authors, pantsers vs. plotters.
So what have I learned? I've learned is that I have to do what works for me, shedding all illusions of what a writer's process should be. It's trial and error for a new writer. I've also learned that plotting can be fun.
Yep! I said it. Plotting can be FUN. I am working on an outline for my first full novel manuscript. (I may revisit some of the many false starts I've had at a later date because I think there were some good ideas in there but I wanted this first attempt using a new process to be pure.) I expect my outline to be 8-10 pages when I finish. In addition, there are 2 pages each describing the hero and the heroine--their background, physical traits, habits, internal motivations, family, etc. And 1 page contrasting them to highlight possible points of conflict. 14-15 pages max. And my book is complete. Well, at least the skeleton of the book.
Although I have the familiar itch to sit down and start hammering away at the keyboard, to get the story out, I'm practicing restraint. The reward? For the first time, I have an ending and a not-so-sagging middle. It's a work-in-progress. Need to shore up the middle. Make sure that the necessary emotional arc (character has internal conflict, character is stressed by conflict, character grows and resolves conflict) is there. Make sure the sexual tension is there, even if these are "sweet" romances, i.e. no sex before marriage in keeping with my faith and that of my characters.
The beauty of plotting? When I'm done with my outline, I know exactly what I need to write, so then I can sit down and click-click-click until my heart's content. I suspect the writing will be a bit easier (don't know for sure but I'm hopeful). And I'm feeling more confident about my ability to complete a manuscript.
This applies to full-length novels, 75,000 words or more. I write short stories, as much as 20,000 words with no need for an outline. I get my conflict, my tension, my arcs done with no trouble. Some writers say it's harder to write short because they have to pack everything into fewer words. I think it's harder to write long, because I have to round everything out, fill in the crevices while keeping it believable and satisfying. This takes me back to the first lesson learned. Neither way is "right". Just different strokes for different folks.
Peace & Blessings,
Patricia
Peace & Blessings,
Patricia
Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.
