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| Do you have brew time? |
So, I have decided to
take on a new….project (I’m superstitious. I won’t call it a novel unless
I’ve completed it). And I figured you guys would be one of the first ones I
would tell!
take on a new….project (I’m superstitious. I won’t call it a novel unless
I’ve completed it). And I figured you guys would be one of the first ones I
would tell!
And it’s in the
stages right now that I consider “brew time.” My imagination right
now is like a crock pot. It’s simmering and cooking as we speak. I lift the lid
to check in on the story occasionally to make sure it isn’t overcooked, though.
We wouldn’t want a burnt plot line, would we? But overall, it’s going to cook
for some time before I even begin to start serving the story (a.k.a.
outlining).
stages right now that I consider “brew time.” My imagination right
now is like a crock pot. It’s simmering and cooking as we speak. I lift the lid
to check in on the story occasionally to make sure it isn’t overcooked, though.
We wouldn’t want a burnt plot line, would we? But overall, it’s going to cook
for some time before I even begin to start serving the story (a.k.a.
outlining).
I think right now for
me it’s an important stage and at the right time for me. Editing isn’t the
funnest thing in the whole world, so this is a little something to keep me
interested and engaged with my creative self.
me it’s an important stage and at the right time for me. Editing isn’t the
funnest thing in the whole world, so this is a little something to keep me
interested and engaged with my creative self.
The interesting about
this new…project…is that I’m not sure about my main character. I know my
plot line. I know my one sentence “what if” question, but I don’t
know much about my characters. It’s an interesting place to be right now. One I
haven’t been in a long time. Most times I know my main character and it’s sort
of like casting them in the role of a movie. Instead, I have the movie; I just
need my main actors.
this new…project…is that I’m not sure about my main character. I know my
plot line. I know my one sentence “what if” question, but I don’t
know much about my characters. It’s an interesting place to be right now. One I
haven’t been in a long time. Most times I know my main character and it’s sort
of like casting them in the role of a movie. Instead, I have the movie; I just
need my main actors.
I also feel uncertain
about what the story is exactly. I know the central point I’m focusing on, but
I’m not sure the perspective I’ll be taking. It’s like the movie Titanic. We
ended up following the story of Jack and Rose, but what if in the beginning
portion of writing the movie, the writer thought about writing from the
perspective of the rescue team? Or, hell, even from the boat’s perspective?
Each carries with it a different story and that’s the stage I’m in right now.
about what the story is exactly. I know the central point I’m focusing on, but
I’m not sure the perspective I’ll be taking. It’s like the movie Titanic. We
ended up following the story of Jack and Rose, but what if in the beginning
portion of writing the movie, the writer thought about writing from the
perspective of the rescue team? Or, hell, even from the boat’s perspective?
Each carries with it a different story and that’s the stage I’m in right now.
I do know that
this…project…will require more research than what I’m used to doing. My current novel required a little research,
but most of the work came straight from me – all self invented and traditional
fantasy novel world creation. This one is different and is based on some truth
(or at least that’s what some people believe…anyways, I don’t want to give
too much away). But you know what? I’m kind of excited! I’m actually looking
forward to doing research (my college professor’s would be so proud).
this…project…will require more research than what I’m used to doing. My current novel required a little research,
but most of the work came straight from me – all self invented and traditional
fantasy novel world creation. This one is different and is based on some truth
(or at least that’s what some people believe…anyways, I don’t want to give
too much away). But you know what? I’m kind of excited! I’m actually looking
forward to doing research (my college professor’s would be so proud).
Sadly though, I find
that stories are like jealous lovers and my first fantasy novel is getting a
little jealous of this newbie. Hopefully they can get along though, because the
newbie is moving in and I think it’s here to stay. (Okay, I’m done with the novel
metaphors)
that stories are like jealous lovers and my first fantasy novel is getting a
little jealous of this newbie. Hopefully they can get along though, because the
newbie is moving in and I think it’s here to stay. (Okay, I’m done with the novel
metaphors)
How do you approach
your new novel ideas? Do you simmer like a crockpot? Or do you dive right in?
Are you a plotter? Or a pantser?
your new novel ideas? Do you simmer like a crockpot? Or do you dive right in?
Are you a plotter? Or a pantser?
I'm a plotter, so most of my brew time takes place during the outlining stage. I'm in that stage right now, as a matter of fact. I'm brewing at this very minute (when I'm not reading blog posts). 🙂
I brew while reading blog posts too! It's like an added spice, the story always ends up tasting better. Hee Hee…
I haven't dove right into my story. It's still in the crockpot, simmering away. I have lots of individual stories & I know my main character well along with a few of the secondary ones. I need to get it down, though. It's all in my mind 🙂
Yes! Do get it down! Characters can be like two year olds that want attention! 🙂 Writing it out helps them settle down.
I have a story in mind that is brewing…. but just that. I really hope to find time again to write (something other than my blog) again!
I know the feeling! Blogs can definitely take up time! I'm lucky these days because of the whole not having a job thing because it gives me more time. 🙂 that'll change soon, though (ideally).
I have the same thing going on right now. I'm working on my 2nd novel in a series of 3, but a new idea has been bouncing around in my head that I'm so excited about. I feel like I'm almost cheating on my first characters by thinking of these others right now. Good luck on brewing that pot! I'm sure it will taste great!
Ohh and the battle begins! Good luck choosing which story to focus on!! That can be so tough!!
I seem to have two… projects… battling for my attention right now, but it's hard to decide which to follow. I plot and brew, brew and plot… The first has been with me for so long (ever since I had to "give in" and realised that I really could try adn follow my dream) but the second just jumped up and bit me on the a$$ and I'm putting do much more energy into it… I'm feeling kind of guilty that the first is still stuck in it's notebook…
P.S. Good luck with your… Project. I'm like that, "project" feels safer.. ;0)
Yes! Project is a good term for it! I don't feel the pressure that I do when I say novel! 🙂 Ohhh and good luck with this new story in your head. It sounds pretty aggressive!! Your other novel needs to grow some claws and teeth to fight back! Hee Hee…
Yes! Project is a good term for it! I don't feel the pressure that I do when I say novel! 🙂 Ohhh and good luck with this new story in your head. It sounds pretty aggressive!! Your other novel needs to grow some claws and teeth to fight back! Hee Hee…
I like that. I am 'brewing' right now as well. I have been taking this week, not writing, just thinking about my next story. I will be riding in the car or having lunch and just work out a small scene in my head or think about a setting or location. I usually just let it stew for awhile, but when I think of certain lines or dialogue that I don't want to forget, I write them down. My iPhone Notes has a several of these little notes. I am definitely a plotter and will start outlining next week for Camp Nanowrimo in August. Great post.
Ohh prep time is good for NaNoWriMo!! Good luck with that in August!! And I love "brew time" on the go too! I do it best in the shower. 🙂
I plot, then I pants. 😀
I have to have a general idea of where the story is going or I'll hit a wall, and that's where the outline comes in. However, it rarely goes beyond 30 or 40 pages in the future b/c the story surprises me at junctures and the outline is no longer relevant.
I keep it as general as I can…unless there's something specific I see during the outlining process. That's when it'll get specific. I've had an outline page cover a page of a novel, and I've had them cover 20 pages. That said, while I need to know where the story is headed, I prefer to not get too specific or it takes the fun out of the process.
Confusing enough?
Good for you for staying general! That leaves room for creative play! I know what you mean about hitting a creative wall, that's why I outline! I've tried straight out pantsing but it dies so quickly!
I've been there and done that…and will probbaly do so again! Sometimes I have to force myself to not think about the next project so I can remain focused on the current one – yes, I have abandoned books I've been writing when a new one overpowered the old one. I'm a writing slut, what can I say? 🙂
Lol!!! Hey it's okay to be a writing slut!! 🙂 It takes a lot of discipline to stay committed! 🙂
Congratulations! This is great news. Good luck with your writing. Have you read On Writing by Stephen King? It's fantastic and incredibly inspiring. You might find some great nuggets of inspiration in there.
Happy seeing beautiful!
http://seeabeautifulworld.blogspot.com/
I have!! It's one of the few writing books I have bought!
You definitely grabbed my attention with this post, Nicole. I completely understand the simmering idea. That's exactly how I do it, and then I don't start writing anything – not even an outline – until I have really got a good handle on the story. When I feel ready to begin writing, my mind prepares the first scene. I sit down and write that scene, and then I go away for the day. On the second day, I write down everything that I saw between sessions. It's worked like a champ so far…
-Jimmy
That is a good approach! Each scene will speak to the next! And I definitely need a handle on the story before I begin! Otherwise it will go way off track!
I'm a bit of both. I like the brew time, thinking about the different possibilities, but I think I've discovered I like pantsing with my WIP. I won't really know my characters until I've seen them in action.
I do a little bit of both. I have an idea and get excited, draw up a little plan… then leave it to simmer, throw in a few ingredients, revise the recipe… simmer again. This could go on for several weeks. At the end of the 'brewing' process, however, I have to sit down and make a meticulous plan–because I am a plotter at heart. Which is where I am at right now! Great post, and good luck with your project. x