I started writing my first chapter, and I'm 1255 words in.
I've spent the last couple weeks working on plotting and setting and I really was getting anxious to get started on the story.
I've dropped the girls at my parents for the day so I'm going to get some writing done and maybe do some revisions on my finished book.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Plotting, hmmm?
Plotting.
Now this is going to take some work.
I really do like to work from an outline of some sort; to know where I'm going. I need a map. I frequently take side roads but I usually come back to it at some point.
When I took my course, Shape, Write and Sell your Novel from Long Ridge Writer's Group they had me do an outline. It was helpful, I could take a quick look and see what threads needed more attention; like more on the romance end or needing a scene about the main story goal.
"Like tapestry, every story is woven of threads that become invisible within the overall design. By familiarizing yourself with story threads and being aware of them as you read, you can learn to weave story threads skillfully into your own novel."
-Karen S. Weisner
First Draft in 30 Days
(this is the help guide I'm using for writing my current book. I'm trying to find my own path but it never hurts to try something different).
So what does plotting entail?
My outline will consist of the following threads:
*story goal (or theme)-the central idea of a novel
*romance thread (optional, depending on genre)-in a romance novel, the most important part of the book is the relationship between your hero and heroine. It is a long-term thread that starts at the beginning of the story until the threads tie up at the happily-ever-after.
*subplot threads- these function as secondary plots. They usually contrast or run parallel to the main plot. They can also function outside the realm of the main plot, existing largely to provide a change of scene, emotion or tone. They should work in harmony to effectively develop both character and plot.
*plot tension- is essential. A story without plot tension leaves the reader uninvolved and unemotional. You need to bring readers to the snapping point and only then give them what they want- temporarily.
*romantic/sexual tension (again, optional, depending on your genre)- in a romance novel romantic/sexual tension is essential. You want to start this tension as early in the story as you can.
*release- is an easement of plot or romantic tension. It might take the form of resolution of one aspect of the main problem. In a romantic or sexual thread or subplot, a release could be a kiss, love making or declaration of feelings.
*downtime- is a form of release, but it happens at a moment of incredible tension. It should be one of the most poignant scenes in your novel. This comes at the end of the middle section of the book, the main character may step back from the action and reflect on what happily-ever-after could have been. For a time, the main character also may believe that the story goal is unachievable, and they may seem to give up the fight. A bittersweet moment of some sort.
*black moment (or climax)- this occurs in the first part of the end section of the book (when tension is at its highest), it leaves reader and the character wondering whether evil will overcome good.
*resolution- comes after the climax when the story's main problems have been resolved. This is where you would tie up any loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion for you subplot threads. The resolutions for the long-term thread should be relatively clean but subplot thread resolutions may not tie up so neatly. I have to fulfill the underlying promise of a logical, acceptable conclusion, even if it isn't a happy one.
*aftereffects of resolution (optional)- may come in the form of an emotional reaction or an event that carries a story goal or subplot thread beyond its conclusion. Very few writers include aftereffects of resolution, though they're used frequently in movies.
Go into as much detail as you can with your plot sketch, but remember that your first pass will be light on details. It will grow more as you work with your story.
I hope this helps you as much as it has been helping me.
Now I'm off to do some research on location and maybe find pictures of my characters.
Now this is going to take some work.
I really do like to work from an outline of some sort; to know where I'm going. I need a map. I frequently take side roads but I usually come back to it at some point.
When I took my course, Shape, Write and Sell your Novel from Long Ridge Writer's Group they had me do an outline. It was helpful, I could take a quick look and see what threads needed more attention; like more on the romance end or needing a scene about the main story goal.
"Like tapestry, every story is woven of threads that become invisible within the overall design. By familiarizing yourself with story threads and being aware of them as you read, you can learn to weave story threads skillfully into your own novel."
-Karen S. Weisner
First Draft in 30 Days
(this is the help guide I'm using for writing my current book. I'm trying to find my own path but it never hurts to try something different).
So what does plotting entail?
My outline will consist of the following threads:
*story goal (or theme)-the central idea of a novel
*romance thread (optional, depending on genre)-in a romance novel, the most important part of the book is the relationship between your hero and heroine. It is a long-term thread that starts at the beginning of the story until the threads tie up at the happily-ever-after.
*subplot threads- these function as secondary plots. They usually contrast or run parallel to the main plot. They can also function outside the realm of the main plot, existing largely to provide a change of scene, emotion or tone. They should work in harmony to effectively develop both character and plot.
*plot tension- is essential. A story without plot tension leaves the reader uninvolved and unemotional. You need to bring readers to the snapping point and only then give them what they want- temporarily.
*romantic/sexual tension (again, optional, depending on your genre)- in a romance novel romantic/sexual tension is essential. You want to start this tension as early in the story as you can.
*release- is an easement of plot or romantic tension. It might take the form of resolution of one aspect of the main problem. In a romantic or sexual thread or subplot, a release could be a kiss, love making or declaration of feelings.
*downtime- is a form of release, but it happens at a moment of incredible tension. It should be one of the most poignant scenes in your novel. This comes at the end of the middle section of the book, the main character may step back from the action and reflect on what happily-ever-after could have been. For a time, the main character also may believe that the story goal is unachievable, and they may seem to give up the fight. A bittersweet moment of some sort.
*black moment (or climax)- this occurs in the first part of the end section of the book (when tension is at its highest), it leaves reader and the character wondering whether evil will overcome good.
*resolution- comes after the climax when the story's main problems have been resolved. This is where you would tie up any loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion for you subplot threads. The resolutions for the long-term thread should be relatively clean but subplot thread resolutions may not tie up so neatly. I have to fulfill the underlying promise of a logical, acceptable conclusion, even if it isn't a happy one.
*aftereffects of resolution (optional)- may come in the form of an emotional reaction or an event that carries a story goal or subplot thread beyond its conclusion. Very few writers include aftereffects of resolution, though they're used frequently in movies.
Go into as much detail as you can with your plot sketch, but remember that your first pass will be light on details. It will grow more as you work with your story.
I hope this helps you as much as it has been helping me.
Now I'm off to do some research on location and maybe find pictures of my characters.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Next
Okay I'm pretty much done with my character sketches, there will be tweaking as I go along, I'm sure.
I've worked on my setting sketches: figuring out where this place is, the time period, the season, and specifics about the exterior and interiors of different places my characters will be. I've been looking at pictures on the web to see if I can find a suitable coastal mansion, that's both mysterious and beautiful. But I've got a good enough picture in my head that I'm good to go on that front as well.
Now for the part that has been stumping me.
My story goal or theme.
The story goal is the central idea of a novel. It's the catalyst of the book, the reason why the characters are there, the reason why the story evolves. It's important that you identify the major conflict or main theme of your book before going any further.
I did not have this. That's why when I was trying to start the writing process of my new book I only made it about 750 words in before the writer's block hit. I was stumped. I had the picture of my two characters meeting and I had a general idea where I wanted to go. I had enough to net me a short story at best.
I worked through a good part of the puzzle last night. I did some brainstorming. I put some Yanni on my ipod and just started writing things down, before I knew it some of the kinks had been worked out.
Then while I was on the treadmill running this morning ideas started running again. So some issues I ran into last night have been worked out by my subconscious.
Yay.
So now I'm waiting for the peace and quiet that bedtime brings to work on it some more. I'm actually quite excited now.
Once I find my pics that will resemble my characters and my setting I will try to post them here as a nice visual for my WIP.
I've worked on my setting sketches: figuring out where this place is, the time period, the season, and specifics about the exterior and interiors of different places my characters will be. I've been looking at pictures on the web to see if I can find a suitable coastal mansion, that's both mysterious and beautiful. But I've got a good enough picture in my head that I'm good to go on that front as well.
Now for the part that has been stumping me.
My story goal or theme.
The story goal is the central idea of a novel. It's the catalyst of the book, the reason why the characters are there, the reason why the story evolves. It's important that you identify the major conflict or main theme of your book before going any further.
I did not have this. That's why when I was trying to start the writing process of my new book I only made it about 750 words in before the writer's block hit. I was stumped. I had the picture of my two characters meeting and I had a general idea where I wanted to go. I had enough to net me a short story at best.
I worked through a good part of the puzzle last night. I did some brainstorming. I put some Yanni on my ipod and just started writing things down, before I knew it some of the kinks had been worked out.
Then while I was on the treadmill running this morning ideas started running again. So some issues I ran into last night have been worked out by my subconscious.
Yay.
So now I'm waiting for the peace and quiet that bedtime brings to work on it some more. I'm actually quite excited now.
Once I find my pics that will resemble my characters and my setting I will try to post them here as a nice visual for my WIP.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
First Steps and Character Sketches
I've finished one book and I'm just giving it a little time to settle before I jump into my revisions and editing.
I'm starting up my next project and hopefully I'll give this one the attention it needs so it grows and is finished faster.
My working title for my new project is: Evangeline, the ghost and a red rose.
I worked quite a while last night, once my girls were in bed, on my character sketches. They are a lot longer and detailed than I thought they'd be.
I run into writer's block because my stories reach a dead end or they just fizzle out. I am notoriously bad at endings. When I go back and figure out my character's internal and external conflicts, the blockage mysteriously disappears. Instead of wasting time going back, I'm going to figure out who they are before I start.
I'm on step 1: Character sketches.
I'm really trying to flesh out my characters first instead of trying to figure out who they are as I go. I figure I'll write about them in a more comfortable way if I know them well.
Physical descriptions -character's full name, age, race, eye color, hair color, and style, build (height/weight), skin tone, and their style of dress according to the time period and season etc.
Do they have any physical flaws, abnormalities, or disability's? How does it affect their life and relationships?
Do my characters have any mannerisms that make them unique?
Does my character have a certain catch phrase they use all the time?
Their habits can define them and make them stand out from other characters.
Personality Traits-details about the kind of person they are. Somber, happy, no sense of humor, sensible, reckless. Strengths and weaknesses. Do they have any hobbies? What do they like to eat/ watch on TV/read? Favorite color?
Details matter and the story will be stronger for them.
Background defines your character and makes them three-dimensional. Tell about the parents, siblings, friends, pets, life-changing events. Did they have a good/bad/or something in between childhood? Where did they go to school? Did they graduate and go to college or to work? Were they popular or teased unmercifully? Did they go to church? Do they think about religion at all? What kind of vehicle do they drive and are they speed demons or little old ladies? Have they ever smoked, drank, done recreational drugs? What do they consider their worst mistake and greatest accomplishment? What are their goals and have they done anything to achieve it? Why or why not?
Occupation: What does your character do/ or not do for a living? How did they get there (education requirements/financial)?
Internal Conflict: Each main character must have their own internal conflict. Well-developed internal conflict makes characters more realistic and complex. It makes the characters more interesting because it helps make them seem more real to the reader, they can identify with the character's internal struggle. Don't let one of your characters be limited to being just the protector or "healer" of the another main character; it makes them flat and unbelievable.
External Conflict: The outside or situational conflict that prevents your main character from realizing their goal. The three best known types of conflict consist of man vs man, man in opposition to society, and man against nature.
Readers only root for characters they care about; someone they can sympathize with.
Don't forget that villains are characters too. That's where I got stuck on one story; I didn't have a villain.
**I'm using First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner as my research book, so we'll see how it goes.
I have my notebook all divided into sections: Characters (main and secondary), Setting (I want to put pictures and descriptions of all the settings I'm using. Setting is important too.) Conflict and theme, and research notes (things to research).
Hopefully this cuts down on the bits and pieces I always have scattered around.
Another time waster.
I need to be able to find, at a glance, specifics about my characters because nothing bugs me more when I'm reading a book and something changes that shouldn't have (like eye color or the vehicle they own).
I'm starting up my next project and hopefully I'll give this one the attention it needs so it grows and is finished faster.
My working title for my new project is: Evangeline, the ghost and a red rose.
I worked quite a while last night, once my girls were in bed, on my character sketches. They are a lot longer and detailed than I thought they'd be.
I run into writer's block because my stories reach a dead end or they just fizzle out. I am notoriously bad at endings. When I go back and figure out my character's internal and external conflicts, the blockage mysteriously disappears. Instead of wasting time going back, I'm going to figure out who they are before I start.
I'm on step 1: Character sketches.
I'm really trying to flesh out my characters first instead of trying to figure out who they are as I go. I figure I'll write about them in a more comfortable way if I know them well.
Physical descriptions -character's full name, age, race, eye color, hair color, and style, build (height/weight), skin tone, and their style of dress according to the time period and season etc.
Do they have any physical flaws, abnormalities, or disability's? How does it affect their life and relationships?
Do my characters have any mannerisms that make them unique?
Does my character have a certain catch phrase they use all the time?
Their habits can define them and make them stand out from other characters.
Personality Traits-details about the kind of person they are. Somber, happy, no sense of humor, sensible, reckless. Strengths and weaknesses. Do they have any hobbies? What do they like to eat/ watch on TV/read? Favorite color?
Details matter and the story will be stronger for them.
Background defines your character and makes them three-dimensional. Tell about the parents, siblings, friends, pets, life-changing events. Did they have a good/bad/or something in between childhood? Where did they go to school? Did they graduate and go to college or to work? Were they popular or teased unmercifully? Did they go to church? Do they think about religion at all? What kind of vehicle do they drive and are they speed demons or little old ladies? Have they ever smoked, drank, done recreational drugs? What do they consider their worst mistake and greatest accomplishment? What are their goals and have they done anything to achieve it? Why or why not?
Occupation: What does your character do/ or not do for a living? How did they get there (education requirements/financial)?
Internal Conflict: Each main character must have their own internal conflict. Well-developed internal conflict makes characters more realistic and complex. It makes the characters more interesting because it helps make them seem more real to the reader, they can identify with the character's internal struggle. Don't let one of your characters be limited to being just the protector or "healer" of the another main character; it makes them flat and unbelievable.
External Conflict: The outside or situational conflict that prevents your main character from realizing their goal. The three best known types of conflict consist of man vs man, man in opposition to society, and man against nature.
Readers only root for characters they care about; someone they can sympathize with.
Don't forget that villains are characters too. That's where I got stuck on one story; I didn't have a villain.
**I'm using First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner as my research book, so we'll see how it goes.
I have my notebook all divided into sections: Characters (main and secondary), Setting (I want to put pictures and descriptions of all the settings I'm using. Setting is important too.) Conflict and theme, and research notes (things to research).
Hopefully this cuts down on the bits and pieces I always have scattered around.
Another time waster.
I need to be able to find, at a glance, specifics about my characters because nothing bugs me more when I'm reading a book and something changes that shouldn't have (like eye color or the vehicle they own).
Friday, February 4, 2011
I'm Finished
I'm finished!
I actually finished something longer than a short story.
Now comes the hard, hard work, but I'm looking forward to it.
I'm a little bit short on my word count by only 20-25,000 words. That threw me at first. Now I see it gives me a lot of opportunity to expand my characters and add a subplot.
Here's to 2011!
I actually finished something longer than a short story.
Now comes the hard, hard work, but I'm looking forward to it.
I'm a little bit short on my word count by only 20-25,000 words. That threw me at first. Now I see it gives me a lot of opportunity to expand my characters and add a subplot.
Here's to 2011!
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