Thursday, January 23, 2014

Pan the Plan

You know, I'm just going to go with Thursday as my new posting day. Yeah, 'coz I don't seem able to remember I should be posting on Tuesday. So... happy Thursday!

The week has flown by in a blur of novel-planning. I use a handy-dandy software called Writers Cafe,  which is the software-equivalent of PostIt notes. It lets you use run story-lines in parallel, and you can shift the virtual PostIts notes if need be. I've used it to plan the last three or four of my novels (I'm losing track!), and I've found it a great starting point.

Increasingly, though, I'm wondering why I bother to plan. Once I start writing, I usually take a look at the note in front of me and think: nah. Still, you have to begin somewhere! I'm not a pantser and I don't feel comfortable not writing towards something, so even if I'm not going to use what I originally set out, I like the security of it. I know ideas morph and change as writing happens, and I guess I've grown comfortable with that.

I'm hoping to finish my outline this week and get writing next Monday! Oh, I can't wait, I can't wait.

What are you working on these days?

19 comments:

  1. I usually need somewhat of a plan too. Yes, it changes and morphs and I get better ideas as I write, but I need something to start with!

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  2. I've finally been able to make time for fiction writing again, so I'm happy to say that I'm working on my novel again. Thanks for the tip about Writers Cafe! I've tried using regular Post-It notes, but they kept falling off and then I'd lose them. So virtual post-it notes would work better.

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  3. Good luck with the outline, Talli.

    As for what I'm working on? At present, just academic matters. And world domination.

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  4. A new word for us plotters who don't stick to it, do you think, Talli? Plantsers. Hmm?

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  5. I use Scrivener for my writing, and it's got that post-it-note system built right into it. Best writing program ever.
    And right now I'm working on academics, as well. Fiction has to wait for now.

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  6. I deviate a bit from my outlines, but it gives me a starting point.

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  7. There's nothing better than a new story writing itself in front of your eyes. Not even coffee or wine! And whatever works is good.

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  8. I write short stories and usually know the beginning and end from the start - the middle bit tends to go off on various tangents until I get to grips with it! Hope your planning goes well x

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  9. Very interesting, Talli - haven't heard of that facility. Although I've never ever planned a piece of writing so far!

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  10. Thanks, Talli, for mentioning Writers' Cafe, I'll have a look at it.
    However, I'm trying not to do too much planning at the moment. I think you can get bogged down with it, but as other people have said, you need something to start you off in the first place!

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  11. Yes, I know exactly what you mean, Talli. For me the structure of an outline is kind of like a security blanket. I don't always need it, but when I'm feeling shaky about how to proceed, I can pull it out and remember that I have a plan. I don't necessarily have to follow it, but it helps knowing it's there.

    Good luck with your writing!

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  12. I'm getting ready to dig into a second draft on Monday. Planning promo thru the weekend.

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  13. I hate planning lol! My book ideas start with a loose outline, but I always know the ending point before I start. I've started a lot of books without knowing the end, and it's always tripped me up, so as long as I know where I'm going, the rest sort of comes as I write.

    Right now, I'm working on Game On book 3, yay!

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  14. I love planning, although tend to go off on a tangent occasionally. Good luck with your outline.

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  15. Actually, this process reminds me of how The Beatles would compose a song. I'm serious. A friend in the know informed me of this fact just recently. So, you are in good company!

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  16. I have to plan, even if I don't stick to the plan! I just released my first book and it wouldn't have happened without my outline. Since my book is a loose memoir, I ran the risk of talking way too much about certain parts of my life and then rushing at the end. So at least if I knew what each chapter was about, I could keep the pacing on track while still having creative freedom within each chapter. Now on to the sequel! Good luck to everyone else with their writing projects, and looking forward to your next book, Talli!

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  17. Hi Talli, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  18. Ooh, that software sounds interesting! I like the idea of virtual post it notes

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  19. I've not heard of Writers Cafe post its before! I use post it notes on my computer at work and love them so I am considering looking these up for home us. I am writing the 4th in my Portal Series for children at the moment and it seems to be wanting to branch out into a bit of Steampunk! WTF? *takes a deep breath*

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Coffee and wine for all!