In a little while I'll start writing my 8th book. This is always the most exciting time in the writing process for me. The characters are new and I don't yet know how they'll behave. The storyline and settings are fresh, full of surprises that I can't yet anticipate.
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When I wrote my very first book, I did it without creating an outline first. I wrote and I wrote, and I wrote. When I finished, I set about writing the synopsis... and realised that I'd written an entire novel with no storyline. It meandered along, with some lovely characters in an intriguing setting, but there was no overarching story, nothing to make readers need to know what happened next.
So for my second book, I outlined, chapter by chapter. I did the same for the book after that, and the one after that, and after that, etc.
But I'm not writing a chapter outline for my new book. And I feel a bit like I did when my Dad took the training wheels off my bike. In short... Yikes!
I'd love to know how other writers approach their books. Do you write with a chapter outline or take a more organic approach? Have you tried both?
Wrote the first with an outline and just started the second one too. I just don't feel confident enough to just plunge in and let the characters run with it. And I admire every writer who can do this. *kisses the ground you are walking on* ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell don't pucker up on the terra firma just yet - I haven't done it! :-))
ReplyDeleteI am all about the Chapter Outline I have to say, one of the many things I do (synopsis, character biogs etc) before I start writing chapters.
ReplyDeleteI did, on a dare, start a recent novel with the C.O., got as far as chapter 6, decided the story was just meandering all over the place, and went back to the chapter outline.
What can I say, I'm a slave to structure!
Thanks Paul, I have a sinking feeling that my story will take a rather circuitous route!
DeleteOops, that should have read 'I did, on a dare, start a recent novel without the C.O.' Silly me.
ReplyDeleteToo often I take time to put a chapter outline together then lose the motivation to write. I seem to be one of those people for whom too much structure and order kills creativity stone dead. I have a fine collection of unfinished novels.
ReplyDeleteThe one novel that I did finish was very much character driven, though it had a definite beginning and ending. To keep it heading in the right direction I had planning pauses between chapters. It was an exhilarating and exhausting because I found it impossible to walk away from. If I did the characters would fall asleep.
Of all the characters I ever created, the ones in my finished novel are the ones I have the greatest affection for.
I kind of do and don't envy you the task. I know its something I would love to do again.
Suzi, isn't it wonderful to love your characters?? Perhaps I'll try pausing between chapters to keep the story on track. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteI'm trying to write my first one! I have ideas but I can't decide on how it'll end! I do admire people who manage not only to write a book but one that people want to read! I loved Single in the City! I have some character ideas (loosely based on someone I know who leads a colourful life!) Good luck with the book! Look forward to reading it
ReplyDeleteThanks so much HaapyGoJules! I'm constantly in awe of excellent writers (I'm reading David Mitchell now, and loving his writing style).
DeleteI set off a writing project much like I might set off on a long drive. I have a sketch of a road map, knowing where I am going to start and finish and most of the places I want to visit along the way. However, my itinerary is not so rigid that I can't take detours when the characters make decisions that I didn't intend them to.
ReplyDeleteThanks Frankie, isn't it funny that the characters become their own thinking beings? I'm glad I'm not the only one who sometimes loses control of them :-)
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