My specific situation... - Writers Forum

Plane · 09-11-2004, 04:25 AM

I have been hanging out here for a little while now, reading posts, getting a feel for the place. There has been a lot of good advice here and in some of the other forums as well, but only pieces of this thread, and portions of another actually have anything in common with my situation.

So, I figured I would let everyone know where I am in my writing process, and see what you think - as I am feeling stuck... sort of...

I have ideas. Many ideas. Ideas, are not my problem.

I have been working on a "book" (I never say that to anyone else - it's too much to say when compared to where I am in the process... like if I were to say I'm a writer when I have never written anything other than assigned homework during highschool and the little bit of college I attended).

I haven't even started writing this "book" though. I have been working on the ideas for a year now. Mainly in my head, but in the last month or two, I have been trying tp transfer it to paper/digital form.

My problem is this.

I'm having a hard time knowing when to start actually writing it. I'm afraid I'll get started, and hit a point where something isn't spelled out with enough detail (regarding backstory/history). The last year has really been working on what the plot will be. Who the main character is. What message I am trying to get across to the reader -- but the year has not gone towards any detailed backstory or historical references.

So I ask you for your thoughts on such things as...

1. When do you stop working on outlines/backstory/history, etc - and start actually writing?

2. Do you ever jump around in writing, or do you write from beginning to end?

3. Do you prefer to have all the details worked out first? Have some of it done first? make it up as you go?

Anyway, just thought I would toss this out there. If you have time, feel free to respond with comments, advise, or laughter - I'm open to all.

Thanks,

Ryushi · 09-11-2004, 05:11 AM

Ok heres my (useless) advice

1. I stop writing backstory/history when the story is finished, i constatly go back and add/update it. Note: not that i've every really finished a story

2. sometimes i write the exciting bits first but this is a little counter-productive as i end up not writing the essential other bits.

3. All the details. I end up writing random stuff otherwise

Just some ideas.

Good luck with the book, hope to read parts soon

Ben M

DawnMorningStar · 09-12-2004, 08:17 PM

Here's my two cents on this:

1. I used to hardly make up any backstory at all, but now I find that it's really helpful to have at least SOME of that information figured out before I begin writing. I usually go back and add more things in as the story progresses, however, because new ideas always appear.

2. A lot of writers jump around in their stories, but I tend to force myself to write it from beginning to end. I feel that jumping around too much would make me less focused on the plot and I might leave holes. Also, I tend to get a bit lazy or unmotivated in the transitional scenes where not many exciting things happen, but the plot is important to the rest of the story. So making myself write through those sections in order ensures that I actually will get them done.

3. I used to have some general ideas of things I wanted to happen and then just write the story as it came. But now I tend to do a sort of "outline" first, so I know where the story's going, what needs to happen and how things will connect and progress.

That's just my approach though. Everyone's different, so you'll have to discover what works best for you. Good luck!

Chris · 09-12-2004, 08:58 PM

Before I begin writing, I have a road map of my novel ie a general outline. So I'll have an exercise book with each page representing a chapter, and then general points on what I want to happen in that chapter. During the writing process I can embellish and experiment, but still remain focussed with the narrative.

But that's what I do, like DawnMorningStar says, different methods work for different people. I always feel comfortable with some sort of outline though, it also gives me goals for the day ie I'm going to write to this specific plot point etc etc.

Good luck with your novel.

- Chris

Selorian · 09-12-2004, 09:58 PM

Hi Plane, I'll offer what little advice that I have and hope something may help you.

I would suggest writing down a brief outline. If you have been working on the plot for a year this should be simple. At least put down the beginning, middle, and end. You can fill in the spots between if you want. This will give you a true sense of direction. And remember, ideas will come as you write so best not to get down to the very fine details with including everything.

The part about the backstory, it would be good to have an idea so can sprinkle pieces throughout your story. In my case I got so involved in the backstory, it almost took over the spot as my novel. You can always create the backstory as you go, but it is good to have some at least before. If you do it as you go, then just be sure to keep a seperate notebook/file for it and write it down there as you go, so you can keep it consistent.

Like the others have already said though, each person needs to find what works for them. Good Luck on your book! Hope to be able to read it someday!

Cliff

singlemanks · 09-13-2004, 09:45 AM

I can totally sypathise with your situation. I have the same problem with idea generation. I'm constantly coming up with a new approach, a new idea to integrate, or sometimes just a bizzare way of saying something.

The one thing I would say to you is this: every writer is unique. Their approach to their work is as individual as their finished products are. Find what works for you and then stick to it.

There are no clear cut "rules" but I will tell you my personal approach to tackling my projects:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plane

I'm having a hard time knowing when to start actually writing it. I'm afraid I'll get started, and hit a point where something isn't spelled out with enough detail (regarding backstory/history).

So why not go ahead and write to that point? I was having a similar problem with my current "big" project. I was researching like mad, developing a complex and involved plot. Finally I hit a wall with the research. I wasn't able to continue until I recieved word back from a specific researcher who I was using as a resource. I'm personally not a patient person, so just decided to get what I had down into story form.

You know what happened? I was able to not only get started, I had an entire chapter done. By reaching a point similar to what you mentioned, I was able to use not my research and prepared backstory, but my own creativity to solve my issues. This is an advantage of the "organic" method of writing. "Organic" simply means you let the story spring from within spontaneously, rather than planning and outlining it to death.

Quote:

2. Do you ever jump around in writing, or do you write from beginning to end?

Personally, I don't. While I have a few research notes and sketches of ideas and thoughts prepared, I prefer to sit down and start typing, letting the story come as and when it will. The advantages of this are many, including the one I mentioned earlier, where your creativity can sometimes fill in those "gaps" in backstory/research/what have you.

Another benefit is that sometimes you'll learn more about your character and his/her motivation than you knew about him/her on paper before. The story may take some interesting and innovative twists and turns as you go along that you never considered when just thinking about a dry backstory. (Backstories for me are boring, usually consisting of a bunch of "And then this happened. And then that happened. And then. . .And then. . .And then. . ..") I'd much rather hear about the character and how he/she reacts to the situations at hand.

Hope this help you out! Remember, stick to what you know and have fun with it. . .if you don't, why torture yourself?

Josh Nelson

Plane · 09-13-2004, 12:00 PM

Thanks singlemanks, and everyone - great advice - it really helped.

I'm going to go ahead and start the writing until I hit that point where I need to get some specific historical points worked out.

Thanks again all

realmguide · 09-14-2004, 06:18 AM

To be honest with you, there are not set rules when it comes to writing. Just relax, don't worry - worrying will hinder your progress.....just write. do it your own way, and you will find yourself enjoying it more than you ever have before.

Kate

cdm · 09-14-2004, 09:26 AM

Your mean old uncle CD is going to scold you now, so get ready!
Get off your lazy duff and write!
You are not a writer if you sit around finding excuses not to write. Procrastination in such things is counter-productive.
Sit down and write. It will probably be a terrible mess, but get the basic plot and plan done, then go back and make a book of it. If you run into a block, write around it. I find that a particular scene can stump me at times, so jump ahead with what is going to follow, then go back and fill in the spaces.

I decided to get some groceries ... was going into the door when I heard someone calling my name.

Go back and fill in with something like I had one hell of a time finding the car keys, then banged my head on the doorframe when I got in, but it was that kind of day. I had to park clear across the lot, and it was going to rain before I got back. I swore at the car, life, and the whole world as I got out to go to the entrance, which, of course, failed to open fast enough, meaning almost walked into the sliding glass. ...
In other words, don't worry about such things. Write the before and after, then fill in.
Again, start writing, and devil take the hindmost.

Plane · 09-14-2004, 11:10 AM

"...To be honest with you, there are not set rules when it comes to writing..."

Yea - I just wanted to hear how others were doing it.

And thanks cdm, I needed that...

/runs off to write

Thanks all

River1034 · 10-16-2004, 12:06 AM

i dont usually recommend books on how to write, but "on writing" by stephen king will really help you. I usually create my characters, and think of a situation, (not to be confused with a plot) and put my characters in the situation, i like to have a good feel for my characters before i start, but dont hesitate, jump right in. Just get him through (or dont get him through depending on if you want him to die or something...) the situation, once you get through the situation the consequences of his actions will be evident and you can continue from their or bring another character into the story to keep the story moving. Everything in your story is to further the development of your characters and story, my main advice is just dont hesitate, go for it.
Good luck.
-River

Rob · 10-16-2004, 09:17 AM

There's more than one way to skin a cat. Some people plan in great detail first, then start writing, others hardly plan at all and let it take shape as they write. Some write from start to finish, some jump around as they write.

Even if you have a detailed plan before you start, as you write it's highly likely that the plan will change in some way, perhaps small, perhaps large, as you progress, and that's fine. It's your story, and it's the end result that counts.

So start writing whenever you feel ready. No doubt you'll share something in common with some writers, and work in a different manner to others. Whatever works best for you, that's the way to do it.

Omni

srhalfwaythere · 10-23-2004, 05:11 PM

Personally, I mostly make my stories up as I go. Its only sometimes that I have my story laid out on my desk to work on. I also try to write from beginning to end but sometimes I get hung up on a certain situation - like how a dwarf would act if he was hit by another dwarf that he thought was a guy, but turned out to be his long-lost sister (witha beard) - those kind of things. I do have to jump around though if I hit a certain part in my story and realize that I need to change the past. You will know when you're done thinkning of details to work on when you can ask and answer questions that you think readers would ask.