tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post1491277154365753660..comments2023-12-26T18:33:04.681-08:00Comments on Writability: On How I Plot a WIPGabe (Ava Jae)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04778524723148508140noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-39577533270062769012015-02-08T18:14:59.472-08:002015-02-08T18:14:59.472-08:00It took me several manuscripts to really get into ...It took me several manuscripts to really get into a routine that worked for me, so that's totally understandable. I encourage you to keep experimenting with different techniques to figure out what works best for you! :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-22696800192560216792015-02-08T18:10:54.613-08:002015-02-08T18:10:54.613-08:00Like you said—whatever works! I've lost intere...Like you said—whatever works! I've lost interest in a couple projects after plotting them, so I understand that. Usually I take it as a sign that it wasn't strong enough for me to write. :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-38722836739548500132015-02-08T18:07:53.222-08:002015-02-08T18:07:53.222-08:00Interesting! I definitely shifted around with diff...Interesting! I definitely shifted around with different processes with a bunch of my MSs until I semi-settled on what I do now. Even this could change, but it's been consistent with the last few WIPs so...so far it looks like it'll stick. But then again, every MS is different. :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-33254882074675042432015-02-05T17:58:30.771-08:002015-02-05T17:58:30.771-08:00I'm still trying to figure out my writing styl...I'm still trying to figure out my writing style. I had a vague idea of what I wanted for the book I'm working on now (my first full length attempt!) but after I got the first draft done I realized some huge plot holes and now I'm wishing I planned more, ah! It's a definite WIP.<br /><br /><br />Kindness is the best accessory,<br />Rebecca - <a href="http://rebeccakelsey.com" rel="nofollow">RebeccaKelsey.com</a>Rebecca Kelseyhttp://www.rebeccakelsey.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-48225500067523465012015-02-05T14:18:01.196-08:002015-02-05T14:18:01.196-08:00This is like, very impressive to me. The problem i...This is like, very impressive to me. The problem is that I really, really like plotting, and as soon as I have something plotted out I completely lose interest in the thing and then that doesn't work at all for getting stuff done. Usually I keep notes of stuff I want to do at the bottom of the word document I'm working in (or another one, if I want to have them both up at the same time) and just go from there. It's not the most effective approach, and leaves a lot of room for mistakes I have to go back and fix later, but until I figure out a way to not feel like I'm completely over an idea as soon as it's been plotted out, I just use an expansion method on each successive draft. Whatever works. :PHeatherhttp://semilegacy.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-89500509891234590482015-02-05T14:11:36.711-08:002015-02-05T14:11:36.711-08:00I used to be a meticulous plotter. Every chapter. ...I used to be a meticulous plotter. Every chapter. Every scene. Entirely mapped out before I started. With my last WIP, I had a few vague scene ideas, an overall arch, and ideas for the five or so central main characters ... after that, I just kind of whacked out a rough draft. And so far, the responses from my CPs have all indicated this manuscript is much better! So, as I start my newest WIP, will probably use this approach!Julia E.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-1324870067847036432015-02-05T05:15:55.721-08:002015-02-05T05:15:55.721-08:00I agree! The flashcard method is by far my favorit...I agree! The flashcard method is by far my favorite. Even though I've tweaked the logistics (physical flashcards vs. Scrivener flashcards, etc.), it's the one I've stuck to most closely. :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-85023510577548110662015-02-05T05:15:18.906-08:002015-02-05T05:15:18.906-08:00I've definitely changed my process around MS t...I've definitely changed my process around MS to MS. Really the only way to figure out what works best for you is to experiment!Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-66573228921235000482015-02-05T05:14:47.164-08:002015-02-05T05:14:47.164-08:00I can totally understand that.I can totally understand that.Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-36055338405996682382015-02-05T05:13:50.800-08:002015-02-05T05:13:50.800-08:00I can't really explain it either, but notecard...I can't really explain it either, but notecards <i>are</i> more fun. They're also a little less concrete, IMO, because as I told McKenna, they're super easy to move around, remove, add in, etc. No erasing or squeezing ideas between the lines necessary. :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-6927007032024799452015-02-05T05:12:42.250-08:002015-02-05T05:12:42.250-08:00You're so welcome, McKenna! I think it definit...You're so welcome, McKenna! I think it definitely helps with the bigger picture view, and it also makes it very easy to rearrange scenes if necessary, or shift them around while adding scenes in and taking scenes out. It's a flexible method that's great for those early brainstorming and plotting sessions. :)Ava Jaehttp://avajae.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-54576563550774679812015-02-04T18:27:51.049-08:002015-02-04T18:27:51.049-08:00I love the index card outline method so much. It&#...I love the index card outline method so much. It's a great way to plot without overthinking. I used to be a pantser, and now index cards are the only way I can outline without losing my mind. I like that your process is organic, yet organized. That's what I strive for, too.<br /><br /><a href="http://brianawrites.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">The Novelista</a>Briana Morgannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-313181839042788922015-02-04T17:27:23.228-08:002015-02-04T17:27:23.228-08:00Still getting my own process down, I do it differe...Still getting my own process down, I do it differently for different projects, but I'm totally more of a discovery writer. I do very minimal plotting.Gwen Tolioshttp://www.gwentoliosblog.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-61045497587170923832015-02-04T15:26:54.135-08:002015-02-04T15:26:54.135-08:00I appreciate a formulaic method. I liken it to be...I appreciate a formulaic method. I liken it to being a baker versus a cook. I am much better at following an exact recipe for lemon poppy muffins rather than a pan with some fancy sauce and adding a pinch of this salt and a handful of basil.Alana (Siegel) Magnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-81505845382326741812015-02-04T14:27:34.279-08:002015-02-04T14:27:34.279-08:00I love to plot my books, but I've only written...I love to plot my books, but I've only written 1.5 books so far, so I'm still experimenting to find the right plot process for me. Right now, I wait at least a month before writing a novel idea to make sure that my idea doesn't fizzle out before I can write it. Then, I start writing character profiles and storyworld profiles. After the set up is done, I work on writing down all the scenes. Previously I just wrote down all the scenes in a notebook, but this time I want to write them down on notecards just because I think it will be more fun. I have no idea why, but it just seems fun. :)Ana @ Butterflies of the Imagihttp://butterfliesoftheimagination.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606209712314101104.post-61200517357738358132015-02-04T11:33:52.932-08:002015-02-04T11:33:52.932-08:00Thank you for sharing your process! I have learned...Thank you for sharing your process! I have learned that I seriously struggle writing a story without a detailed outline. I have never tried flash cards before. Perhaps it will be just what I need to spread out and organize my thoughts. I imagine it helps the writer to see the big picture. Also, as someone who prefers paper, I am sensing a LOT of notebook paper, index cards, and colored pens in my future. <br /><br />SUPER helpful post. Thank you :)McKenna Elise Odomnoreply@blogger.com