I’m not a planner. I can’t. My intention to get a bit more cerebral about managing the plot has evaporated because I can’t map out what, where and how. I still have no idea how to manage what’s coming; I’m just doing it a scene at a time. Nothing makes any sense to me until I'm writing ... and then things become clearer and I realise what's going on.
But I have been writing. It just turns out that, at the moment, I write better when I’m out. I think this is because I’m back in Husband’s office at home, our wifi internet having gone wrong again, been fixed and now not working as well as it did.
I’ve been increasing the profits of Bangkok’s various branches of Starbucks. On Saturday I wrote a massive (for me) 1300 words and on Sunday I wrote another huge 1030 words. (500 words are normal ish and 700 is a lot for me.)
But although I know roughly what is coming in each scene I sit down to write, I don’t know the how and the exactly what until I start writing.
So today, I’m celebrating not being a strategist but being 'a flier by the seat of my pants-er.'
And now, I’m off to find a branch of Starbucks, and there’s a big choice.
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11 comments:
Woo, look at your word counter go! You're doing fine, it doesn't matter if the structure isn't perfect at this stage, that can get sorted out later. I should know, I'm a pants-seat-flier myself.
JJ, we all do it differently and you will find your right mix as you go along.
When I wrote my first book, I had three characters and had to write them each in the same order every chapter. I remember thinking, now what can she do in her slot...
And when I sit down to write a scene, I know what I want to write but that isn't what necessarily comes out. I mght have 'Jess and Becky argue' but it might turn out to be a fight, a discussion between the two of them, just Becky's thoughts on the situation or even everyone in the house getting involved in the row. It's just a starting thought.
The thing is to keep on keeping on and that is what you are doing. It isn't easy. Proud of you! x
I think different ways work for different people. The main thing is .... look at your word count!! Woo:-)
It doesn't matter how you get there...just as long as you get there :-)
Your doing brilliantly!!
C x
I'm bad at the planning bit as well. I've spent the last couple of days going through what I've written so far on the novel and doing a light edit. It's been really interesting and I've realised that I've set myself up all sorts of plot strands with no idea where they are going. I really was just making it up as I go along! I think it's a good thing though because it means I won't run out of steam as I finish the first draft as I have so many issues to tie up. That's the current theory anyway!
I'm a big believer in the "flexible pan." I give myself the illusion of knowing what will happen next, but then I just go with whatever happens at the moment. Sounds like you work the same way. probably none of it matters, though, as long as we keep writing, eh? Keep on truckin', as we use to say.
Definitely couldn't work in a Thai Starbucks. Perfect breeding ground for bird flu, Mexican flu, any version of cough/splutter affliction going, with the sub-zero temperatures they constantly blast you with! Can't abide the air conditioning in these places. Still, if it works for you!!
Just get writing, it's doesnt matter how or why!
Wow, brilliant word count. Well done you.
I have to admit that once I get an idea, I let it roll around in my head for a bit, sort out names for characters (v important for me for some reason), then I fly with it.
Your way of writing sounds like fun! Whatever keeps the words coming is the way to go.
I often find it makes more sense once I'm actually writing. And I also love writing in coffee shops. If I could I'd write in them a few days a week as well as in my hut. It lends a different atmosphere & is good to get out of the house & actually go out to work.
Well done on getting so much written.
Kat :-)
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