Forgetting and Remembering plot points. - Writers Forum

suzakugaiden · 11-19-2005, 06:12 PM

When I was in the car today, and had this awesome idea for a plot point. Problem? You can't really let go of the wheel and start writing ideas down.

Thus, I forgot it.

Okay, so here's the question: Does anyone have any advice for, like, remembering what the heck I forgot?

Here's what I can remember:

* The place was rather orange and lit.
* I was either listening to Slowdive or Built to Spill at the time.
* The place is either in Cleveland or Lima, Ohio.
* I THINK thinking about one of the character's injuries and being visited by a doctor got me thinking about it.
* It may or may not be related to POWs returning from Korea.

Here's what I've gone through so far:

* Try to recall any situation or place that's particularly orange and glowy. I REALLY doubt that this'd be effective.
* Listen to the music very actively and see if it comes back at all.
* Just write and hope it comes to me. I'm a bit worried it won't, though.

So, yeah. Sure this has happened. any advice?

Stacy · 11-19-2005, 07:00 PM

Oh gosh, that's hard. Some people suggest keeping a tape recorder with you at all times since you can use those at times when you are unable to write something down. Personally, I think that's solely for anal people, but I tend to be a very disorganized individual

.

I don't know if trying to recall your location/situation at the time of the thought is going to be all that effective. The human brain is so random that there's no telling how new thoughts spring into one's mind. Generally when one is in Lima, Ohio, one is not pondering Lima, Ohio all that carefully.

CabinFever · 11-19-2005, 08:13 PM

Who says you can't let go of the steering wheel and start writing? Most writers can do this with a little practise. You need to learn about controlling the steering wheel with your left foot. The right foot carries on it's normal functions while you raise the left up high and out from the recline position. By using your back for support against the seat you can apply pressure onto the steering wheel with your left foot and steer quite fine. Once that is done....write away!

(God help you if you get spotted by the cops)

As for your idea....try to forget about it and let it go. Trust me, it's not gone forever...it's still in your mind. Relax and let it go. It will come back naturally at a very unexpected moment (although in hind-sight it will seem quite logical). Trying to force it out of your mind isn't going to work I don't think. It might help to try to remember your dreams over the next few nights for some clues.

It's frustrating isn't it? Our brains are so darn complex.

suzakugaiden · 11-19-2005, 08:31 PM

Well, if that fails, I can always write in the forgetting of the location into the plot. The main could remember he was SUPPOSED to go to this place, but... just forget about it. I guess that that, in essense, is what I'm trying to do with generative plotting or something.

ThatSmokingGuy · 11-19-2005, 10:50 PM

umm..pull over and write it down?

blademasterzzz · 11-20-2005, 02:23 AM

Keep screaming it until you get where you were going.

Rhea · 11-20-2005, 03:46 AM

I like blademasterzzz suggestion

although I think just saying it over and over again would suffice. You know some people can message on their handphones while they're driving? You could type whatever it is into drafts or reminders or something. I do that when I'm without pen or paper.

mammamaia · 11-20-2005, 09:36 AM

when/if you really need it, you'll remember it... meanwhile, just keep working on whatever else you've got going... in case you wake up in the middle of the night recalling it, keep a pad of paper and pen handy...

in the car, you can keep a tape recorder handy, or get one of those little note pad holders you can mount on the dash...

suzakugaiden · 11-20-2005, 07:47 PM

I'm gonna try and fully remember the place, first. The plot should folow from there.

anyway, here's what's weird. I can member some really peculiar, meaningful details about this place. I just can't link them together and figure out WHERE it was supposed to.

Gothic Rose · 11-20-2005, 09:02 PM

Okay, two techniques I use.

The first one I generally use while almost falling asleep and I don't want to get back up to write it down. Keep thinking about it more and/or think about it out loud, this means you're not only thinking about it, but hearing it.

Another option is a cell phone. Most phones have a voice memo feature. Mine's a POS and it has one. Those that don't can use voice mail. You can leave yourself a voice mail by dialing in as you normally would to check it. Leaving a memo will be an option.