How do you write your novel? - Writers Forum

Fallen Angel · 12-17-2005, 07:12 PM

I have just started to write my first ever novel and would like to know how other people write theirs.

I have a rough outline of what happens (though this changes from time to time) and a general overview of characters.

I have written different scenes and plot pieces over the years (just recently decided to get my act together and write the book) and have the tenuous task of putting it all back together as well as writing new scenes, and rewriting old ones.

Does anyone else here do it this way, or do you write from beginning to end?

cbrmale · 12-17-2005, 07:38 PM

This is just my way, and each writer has their own preference. I usually start with a very broad plot and some key characters. I flesh out a detailed character by character biography and turn the broad plot into something more detailed. Key scenes may become clear during this process, and I will write them down if they seem okay. I may have five or six scenes in a finished state before I start writing the story proper.

I then write the story from beginning to end, inserting any previously written scenes, altering them to fit any changes that have happened to the narrative flow. As I write, my more detailed plot may not fit and I will alter it to suit how the story is going.

I know most authors have detailed characters, but many don't plot to the level of detail as I do. My detailed plotting is a result of the professional technical writing I do as a job, where reports and guides and manuals need to be very well structured.

But I also know that other authors do their plots to great detail, and also write their scenes out of order. I have heard that JK Rowling has plotted the entire Harry Potter series of books and has written and put to one side the last chapter of the last book of the series. So clearly, her plot outlines are to a certain level of detail.

Queasy Dillo · 12-17-2005, 08:51 PM

Straight through, from beginning to end. I usually start with an idea (something that has to happen by the end of the chapter). What occurs between Point A and Point B is generally unplanned.

It's worked for me so far.

suzakugaiden · 12-17-2005, 09:22 PM

The approach varies a lot by what I'm doing. I've been planning Conifer for, er... three years. My NaNo, by contrast, had no planning at all. It depends on what you're going for.

Rhea · 12-18-2005, 02:55 AM

I write from the beginning to the end. Before I write obviously I have a plot idea, which is pretty broad. You know, I have the general idea. The characters are not very detailed, I prefer to let them flesh themselves out as I write, and then as I add more detail to them I also edit stuff I've already written. I have pretty detailed plotlines on what's happening in my story about three or four chapters in advance, though. Chapter planning I also do. Like what happens ina certain chapter. Then I have an idea of how long it'll be, too...I like my chapters to be around the same length.

Selorian · 12-18-2005, 09:28 AM

To borrow from Stephen King, my answer is "one word at a time".

I start with an overall idea and just start writing, keeping in mind where I would like for the story to go. Any plans or outlines I have are flexible to allow the story to take on it's own life. I am a firm believer that as you write, the characters will begin telling the story and you just make sure to get it down on paper for them.

Fallen Angel · 12-18-2005, 08:58 PM

So for those who write beginning to end, do you ever (after plot outlines etc.) see a scene in your mind and write it out of order then slot it in later, or is it purely beginning to end which i have to admit I find kind of intriguing because my work comes to me in pieces, like it's happened before and I am allowed only bit by bit and have to work it like a puzzle, but even then the more I do that the more the characters grow for me.

That's how I learn about them. Like meeting someone for the first time and they tell you different stories of their lives but not in chronological order.

Cady · 12-18-2005, 09:08 PM

Ugh, I am writing my first and it has been a struggle. I started with no outline and a billion ideas and then decided that cramming ideas in anywhere was a bad move, so I started to outline, and then I strayed entirely making the outline useless. I am with you.

Talia_Brie · 12-18-2005, 09:37 PM

I definitely need an outline, but it's generally just of the next two to three chapters. I go into the project with an overall idea of the direction I want to travel, then I try to always have the next three or four steps detailed.

The thing with an outline is that it's always subject to change. Characters that had originally meant to carry their bat (i.e. go through the whole story - that's a cricket metaphor) end up copping it in the neck in chapter 5, and then what are you going to do?

But I definitely like outlines.

I never write out of order. I consider that cheating, but I don't know why. I may need treatment for that.

Queasy Dillo · 12-18-2005, 09:55 PM

Quote:

So for those who write beginning to end, do you ever (after plot outlines etc.) see a scene in your mind and write it out of order then slot it in later, or is it purely beginning to end which i have to admit I find kind of intriguing because my work comes to me in pieces, like it's happened before and I am allowed only bit by bit and have to work it like a puzzle, but even then the more I do that the more the characters grow for me.

That's how I learn about them. Like meeting someone for the first time and they tell you different stories of their lives but not in chronological order.

I never use any kind of plotting. At all. Ever. No outlines, no brainstorming...no planning of any kind. If you're wondering how that works, ask Mr. Brie. He can give you a more unbiased opinion than me.

Now, to the second half of the question. I do see little chunks of the story (sometimes major events, sometimes not). Despite the fact, I hold off on writing them until I've reached the appropriate point in the story. Plus, if I hold onto the scene I can occasionally tie it into another idea, which rounds things out a bit better.

Talia_Brie · 12-18-2005, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Queasy Dillo

I never use any kind of plotting. At all. Ever. No outlines, no brainstorming...no planning of any kind. If you're wondering how that works, ask Mr. Brie. He can give you a more unbiased opinion than me.

Don't ask me! I've got absolutely no idea how he does it. But it certainly works, there's no doubt about that.

Dillo's stories tend to have lots of interlocking points, concurrent storylines, complex character inter-relationships (was going to say inbreeding there, but I wouldn't want to offend Mr Wolfe, what with that artillery support and all). I personally don't know how he keeps track of it all.

Must have a big head I suppose.

Queasy Dillo · 12-18-2005, 10:50 PM

For the record, I have a brain the size of a walnut.

Keeping track is quite an adventure.

Verago · 12-19-2005, 03:34 PM

I kind of do a mix.
I do outlines of major scenes, but what goes in between the major scenes is a big "?".

Fallen Angel · 12-22-2005, 11:51 PM

Mmm, QD your stuff sounds very interesting and definately the kind of thing that I would like to have within my own novel. I will have to check out your work. Is there any in particular you like the most...or consider your best?

My main problem is the first part, the beginning. I know what I want but am having trouble putting things together. You know - should I include this bit here or later? Should I reveal or now or spread it out? blah blah blah.

Damn I hate puzzles.

kittyjan · 12-23-2005, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fallen Angel

So for those who write beginning to end, do you ever (after plot outlines etc.) see a scene in your mind and write it out of order then slot it in later, or is it purely beginning to end which i have to admit I find kind of intriguing because my work comes to me in pieces, like it's happened before and I am allowed only bit by bit and have to work it like a puzzle, but even then the more I do that the more the characters grow for me.

That's how I learn about them. Like meeting someone for the first time and they tell you different stories of their lives but not in chronological order.

I write mine beginning to end, and I do imagine of scenes that will happen, but I wait to write them till I get to that point in the story. Also sometimes I find that the scene isn't needed because the story went in a different direction.