This may be an "old hat" method for some here, but it was new to me, and I really enjoyed the article: http://www.rsingermanson.com/html/the_snowflake.html
Edit: Write the way that works for you. Just because this guy says to do X, doesn't make it write.
[This message has been edited by Phanto (edited July 07, 2004).]
As a beginning writer, I have been feeling a bit lost and unsure of what to do next. I'm going to try this method, and see what I come up with. Maybe it will help me actually finish something!
Okay, I'm a big girl; I can duck!
quote:
You can do the design work before or after you write your novel. I've done it both ways and I strongly believe that doing it first is quicker and leads to a better result.
This is not exactly an arguable point. Some writers just write the story, and then go back and do major surgery on plot, characters, milieu, and whatnot (which usually involves totally transforming the existing text). Others plan out everything before putting down word one of the text itself (I have quite a bit of the words that will actually be in the final text written down in my notes, but they aren't in the text yet).
Either way, the final story has to be the product of design. You don't just sit down and type out a single draft and send it off to become classic for all time. Design now, design later, that's the choice. Many writers need to have commited themselves to text before they can put up with the tedium of design. Many others need to have a clear design before they can put down any text. Most of us can do either. If this guy says he's done it both ways, I believe him. I've done it both ways myself.
He says he strongly believes that doing the design first is quicker and leads to a better product...I happen to believe the same thing, but I also happen to believe that he believes it (heck, he's devoted an entire article to detailing how much he believes it--I just snipe from the shadows here on Hatrack).
Still, as the man says, even the design documents aren't perfect, nor are they set in stone.
quote:
It works for me and for some of my writer friends who have tried it. I hope it works for you.
Amen. Here's to hope.
P.S. I found his snowflake analogy very amusing, because I'd bet that most seat-of-my-pants writers would think it suited their own process better. The small elements of your story dictate the larger elements of your story. The shape of a snowflake is generated by the individual interactions of all the minute ice crystals forming independently to create something that has a grand structure. That's the way that nature builds a real snowflake. But in his analogy to a fractal, you let the larger elements dictate the smaller elements, so you end up with a structure that replicates the unity and intricacy of a snowflake. Ah, Analogy, will you ever cease to cut both ways?
I'm starting a new novel...maybe...myself. Concidering doing an outline for the first time. Might work, might not.
I say keep trying anything that sounds like it might work for you, if it doesn't, something else will.
LDS
Actually, it's not too different from adding in fractal iterations of plot. Definitely a good way of thinking of things.
edit: For me, that is. I have no idea what works for the rest of you. I'm just flustered I lost all my phone numbers. And, no, I don't have them stored electronically as I probably should have. grrrrrrr...
[This message has been edited by Lorien (edited July 08, 2004).]
The thing about sources for writing methods is that they're all worth taking a look at. Among them you might find just the method for you. Or you might find elements you want to try incorporating into your own work. Many of us have referred others to OSC's Character and Viewpoint. But even the Great One's ideas are his and we are free to take them or leave them.
So thanks to Lullaby Lady for pointing out another resource. And if anyone gets all offended and starts another pointless argument--all I can say is, it's a good thing we can't hear each other over these forum boards.
Now, have a nice day, dammit!
[This message has been edited by djvdakota (edited July 08, 2004).]
So instead, I'll just add this:
quote:
Now, have a nice day, dammit!
The funniest thing I've ever read or heard. Great stuff.
CVG