Holy mine of information, Batman!
Just a few posts in, I grabbed my notepad and started scribbling like I was in class again.
If you haven't checked out this blog, I
After several hours soaking up her brilliance, I spent the rest of my day writing scene index cards and brainstorming. It was rather against my pantser nature, but since the novel is complete in my mind already, it's a little easier to get organized, y'know?
In a very rough form, I've indexed the first Act:
It all seems to happen so fast, but that right there is 20 scenes, folks. Twenty! And if each of those scenes is only 1,000 words, that's already 20,000 words--just in my skeleton outline.
I'm not worried, though. Because after reading Alexandra Sokoloff's blog, I thumbed through an older issue of The Writer and found an interview with Audrey Niffenegger, who of course is the author of The Time Traveler's Wife and Her Fearful Symmetry.
Her advice for writing:
"Turn off the TV, get off the computer, and read a lot of whatever it is you hope to write. The more you read, the better your innate sense of character, story, rhythm, and style. Don't worry about publishing until your manuscript is excellent. Take pleasure in the writing itself and be willing to listen to criticism."
I'm going to embrace this advice as hard as I can!
25 comments:
A good post which was very interesting to read.
Yvonne.
Wow this is perfect summer!!! I'm currently making notes in my binder for the revisions I'll need to be making, I'm about 30 pages in but I'm all about a new approach, even though I am a panster as well (which you knew) but this might help me get that much more organized!!!
Have fun and keep up with the good work!
Isn't it great when you stumble across a gem in a roundabout manner like that?
I'd comment more, but I need to go check out that blog!
Love it!
I hadn't heard of her but I like the snippet you quoted so I'm on my way to take notes too! :) Thanks for the great find.
i have her on my googs reader but i don't visit her blog as much as i should.
Palindrome suggested her to me a few months ago
I love index cards and I love Alexandra.
I agree - Alexandra is terrific! :)
Is it weird that I watch you work on your novel and I feel like a proud parent?? Because I do. :) You're doing awesome with your revising, you are going to make this the most beautiful and amazing novel ever!
I have to go look at that link, and I've been going to do notecards for like ever, and now you've inspired me to give it a go.
That quote is perfect. I love it :)
Love this post AND love what Audrey had to say! (Cause we're on a first name basis, you know).
Thanks for the confirmation!
Thanks for the site, I'll check it out. Sounds like you now have a plan. :)
Thanks for the link, you weren't kidding and great advice at the end.
It's funny because I actually just bought a several books that kind of tackle the emotional concept I'm going for in my new MS. It's a great tip!!
Alexandra is a doll. Super sweet, and yes, she has a wonderful blog.
Yay Revisions! I can't wait to read SM. :)
Love,
Lola
I am all about index cards when I need to get organised with plots and such. They are SO helpful - and you can move them around so easily; get a real sense of pace and timing.
Go girl!
Oh wow!! So much so much to read in Ms Sokoloff's blog so I've bookmarked it - I think I've got tons to read up this Saturday coming - oh wow! thank you Summer!!!
And I'm most impressed with your index card-ing!! Wow!! I also think I ought to find me a pack of these handy things too -LOL!!
And a lovely quote to end your very helpful blog piece!!
Take care
x
Wow; your scene cards look awesome! And I love that quote at the end; it's such wonderful advice that we all need to read.
Thanks for the blog recommendation. I definitely need to read more. The scene cards are a great idea. Good luck with them!
Can't wait to check out that blog. Thanks!! Good luck with the planning stages -- fun!
Heading over there now!
I think it was Laughingwolf who turned me on to her blog. Isn't she fantastic? I want to explore more of her screen writing advice at some point...about the outline-wow!
This information is gold! Thanks for sharing : )
I also love that bit of advice, "Take pleasure in the writing itself". I also love to read so that part isn't hard either. Thanks for bringing both to my attention.
Kat
Wow, she's got a fantastic blog! Thanks for the link, and I admire your organization -- looks like you'll have great results when you plan that well. :)
Her blog is great! Lots of good, helpful information. I often find myself going back there again and again to browse and ponder.
I love Alexandra's blog!! I'm so glad I found it because my outline has improved so much since!
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