Question for fiction writers.

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Permalink Reply by Pauline Baird Jones on November 21, 2008 at 9:44am

Do you read a lot of fiction, Robin? If your brain has the form in place, then I'd start writing while the muse is on you. It's hard enough to keep things going without killing the muse with information. I try to keep my creative side and my editing side in their own corners until I need them. Editing side can SO kill the creative stuff!

BUT, a lot depends on what kind of writer you are. I'm a pantster (I create as I go along). If you need to have all your pieces in place, then you should plot before you write. If you're not sure, I'd just start and figure out what you are as you go along. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Kari Wolfe on November 21, 2008 at 1:54pm

I would do a bit of both. I know that you should just write and write and write and write, being that that's what turns out to be the hard part sometimes - just getting words on paper.

You could always jot down a plot timeline. Where you want to start and different milestones you want to reach. I honestly think it helps me focus on writing if I have an idea of where I'm going.

In your spare time, you could always pick up a good book on writing and read it as well. Here's one:

http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonwriting/index.htm

Lea is a Twittermom and she is a very, very fabulous person who has this amazing free writer's conference every year:

http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/

Definitely go check it out.

But I do think that the best thing for you to do is to start writing and go from there!

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Robin Sampson on November 21, 2008 at 4:40pm

Yes I read fiction quite a bit. Everything I wrote in high school and college was fiction. I really love stories. I have a super idea for getting across some spiritual truths in story format for fiction lovers (many like my mom will only read stories).

I've been jotting things down for awhile and have most of the outline. I just haven't written (except in my head).

I am reading: Story: Substance, Structure, Style by McKee now which made me ask the question. McKee is giving me a block...like I'm not ready to write until I thoroughly understand style and form. The more I read the more hesitant I get. LOL

Here are some of the writing books in my library.

Thanks for the input.
Robin

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Permalink Reply by Trina on November 22, 2008 at 7:02am

Robin Sampson said:

I am reading: Story: Substance, Structure, Style by McKee now which made me ask the question. McKee is giving me a block...like I'm not ready to write until I thoroughly understand style and form. The more I read the more hesitant I get. LOL

Time to quit reading it then, I'd say! The thing about most writing books is that they're okay as a guideline, but if you try to follow every piece of advice in them, or get to the point where you don't want to "risk" writing if it's not the way the book says it should be, you're going to end up chasing your tail. At some point you have to put the books down and take a leap. Start writing now; worry about form later.

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Permalink Reply by Diana L. Driver on November 23, 2008 at 10:31am

You didn't say too much about how far along you are in your "thinking". For instance - have you decided on a genre? Do you have your main characters? If you have characters and have selected the genre, then I'd just begin writing. Your style and voice will become apparent in the rewrites because that's where you really focus on word choices and sentence styles.

Two things to keep in mind.

1. First drafts usually suck, so know up front that you're probably not going to be satisified with what you put down - don't let it bother you. Get the story down so you can polish it.

2. Instead of reading books on style, read about character and plot development as well as description and setting. That way you'll know some of the mechanics of fiction writing, even if you aren't using them at the moment. For instance, in describing a setting you'll want to evoke as many of the senses as possible or appropriate. You'll also learn about plot points and action vs and sequels. When you do your rewites you can add or delete as necessary.

Good Luck!!

Diana

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Permalink Reply by Robin Sampson on November 23, 2008 at 8:34pm

Yes, I have genre. Religion & Spirituality > Fiction. A contemporary story with spiritual lessons.
I have the setting, sketches for the main characters (Protagonist and Confidante). A few secondary characters, a dog, horses and sheep. I'm toying with a neat subplot.

I haven't decided on first or third person narration.

Glad to hear first drafts suck. That takes a huge obstacle out of my way. :-)

And thanks for the tip on character and plot development. I browsed some of the software that helps with this and time lines.

Does anyone use writing software? Which one?


I have to complete the revision of a 800 page non-fiction efore I can put real time into this. But I'm still jotting down ideas.

Thanks,
Robin

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Permalink Reply by Diana L. Driver on November 24, 2008 at 11:14am

Sounds to me like you're ready to get started - whenever you can sit down and get to it!!!

About software. I know some writers who use it and LOVE IT. I tried it, but found that once I filled out some of the pages (like plot lines and characters sketches) I felt like the story had already been told and I lost the desire to sit down and actually write it.

About Point of View. Deciding on which POV to use is sometimes difficult. I wrote my novel in 1st person and then a very dear friend advised me to rewrite it in 3rd. The reason was that my book is set in Tikal, Guatemala and I needed my descriptions to be very specific (Mayan ruins, jungle scenes, etc.) Switching the POV really opened up the story and made the scenes more visual while allowing the protagonist to retain his youthful perceptions.

The "delete" key is a wonderful tool!!

Diana

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Permalink Reply by Amy Sue Nathan on November 24, 2008 at 7:37pm

Jump in and write!

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Permalink Reply by Pauline Baird Jones on December 8, 2008 at 7:29am

If a book isn't making you long to write, put it aside. I always, always look for books and information that make me feel energized and excited. One book I particularly like when I need to feel energized is Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. Also Gifts from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg. Sometimes movies will give me a writing boost, too.

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Permalink Reply by Teresa Morrow on December 8, 2008 at 9:55am

My suggestion is start writing. Although I haven't written a book, so I may not be the best person to respond. However, I have heard it is always good to keep writing.

Just my .02!

Sincerely,

Teresa Morrow

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Permalink Reply by Verite on December 9, 2008 at 3:43pm

I think if you're a fiction reader, you already know the form intuitively, but look at some of your favorite books to refresh your memory. Ultimately, you should just write and fix form later. I recommend Stephen King's On Writing.even if you don't read Stephen King books. It's a good combo of bio and writing advice. And Writing.com is a good place to get feedback if you're looking for some on your work.

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Permalink Reply by Ann Duncan on December 9, 2008 at 5:40pm

I agree with the "jump in and start writing" votes. AND with reading books along the way. I'm seeing how powerful this is for my 15 yr old as she writes her novel. Because she is 'doing the thing', she is able to find much value in the 'how to' books. The tool she LOVES is the Write Or Die application at http://lab.drwicked.com/writeordie.html!

And, she and I agree with Verite, wanna be sure to include Stephen King's On Writing in your 'how to' pile :)

Blessings!

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