... a good morning ...
July 15, 1999
6:07 a.m.
I'm thoroughly immersed in developing new parts of "1 is True." This is something I'm not really great at--most of my plot twists come as a result of something that happens during the writing rather than something I pre-plan or think out ahead of time. This story is complex though, so I feel a need for more detail in the plotting phase. So, I've got my little flowchart, with notes scrawled over it and a big star for "Then a Miracle Occurs" drawn over on one side. Things are moving. I feel good. I'll admit that I enjoy those moments when the characters take over and things just seem to move, but knowing what the characters are going to do and why they're going to do it is even better. The first is a roller coaster drop. The second is sitting all day beside a slow moving river and watching the sun move across the sky. Like any other writer, I've been involved in a gazillion arguments as to whether it's best to plot or outline or just wing it and write. As I get further into this world, I'm more amazed at the emotion these types of discussions take. The obvious answer is that it just doesn't matter. Use what feels right. Use what works for you. I think new writers have these arguments merely to convince themselves they aren't insane. For you non-writers out there, I can almost guarantee you that a majority of the new writers who just read that last sentence are grinning and probably nodding their heads. It's not as strange of a sentence as it first appears. I mean, I've spent lots of time down in my basement worrying that "I'm not doing it right, dangit" despite the fact that I was getting material finished. You see, I knew that the goal was to finish but since I couldn't judge my work's quality or value, I had no idea if I was on the right path or just creating more drivel. How was I to know I was right on both accounts? But I'm learning. I use both methods. Neither are "right" or "wrong." Both work. Plotting ahead of time is generally a little faster. Plotting tto much ahead of time makes things slower for me, because then the thrill of discovery is reduced. It may be different for you. So, use what you want. Set your goals where you want them, then do what feels right at the moment. But my way is best, of course.   Have a great day.  Daily Persistence is © Ron Collins |
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