Insecure Writers Support Group - I'm Back
Insecure Writers Support Group is finally here. Thank God. I missed last month's because I was on too much of a high coming off of A-Z Challenge and then I spaced it.
For this month's IWSG, I thought I'd reveal my latest insecurity with my writing. This June I'm participating in JunoWriMon, where authors strive to commit to at least 1700 words a day. My goal is to finish a project that's been haunting me for at least two years. So far I'm happy to report I've made significant progress meeting those goals. And believe me...that's not an easy task by any measure, especially since summer break is here for my family.
Anyway, that's the good part. Here's the bad. With that same project, I'm having some plotting issues. When I started this project, I had a precise vision of where I wanted to take it. Now, I'm knee deep in it and am pondering whether or not I should change the direction of it. I'm doing my best to merge the initial premise with the new ideas, but am getting incredibly frustrated in the process. Some say its a death wish to change things like this in mid-novel. I'm not sure.
What do you think? Have you ever had this happen to you? Any suggestions?
Mina B.
19 comments:
I actually think if you get a better idea while you're writing, you owe it to yourself and your story to at least try it out and see if it works. It's happened to me many times, and it's always made the story feel better to me. :)
Mina, this happens to me all the time. I'm a pantster, so I start writing as soon as I have the major plot points in mind. I consider it a dot-to-dot, and I frequently have no idea how to connect the dots.
Sometimes, the correct order of dots is not what I thought. Sometimes, I can't work a dot in. And sometimes the characters push the story in a direction I didn't see coming. I follow their lead, because if they are cutting out one of my plot points, then maybe it wasn't a good idea to start with.
Currently, I'm looking at my planned climax and wondering how the heck I can pull it off. I already know I might have to let go of some preconceived "Dots" to make the story work out. And if I do, it's probably for the best.
I say run with it!
I'm a plotter and always have an outline. I write down the main plot point for each chapter and if something comes along and smacks me... I write it in. Maybe it's an extra chapter or maybe it replaces one.
Did you read my post?! LOL! I have the same problem! I'm struggling with my plot right now and it's given me fits on top of a writer's block. uggg. I think if you believe this new direction will strengthen your book, run with it. (:
I think things unfold while you're writing, no matter how much you plan ahead.
Maybe step back and diagram it out both ways and see which works better (or maybe a combination of both) before you get too deep in it. I used to be a programmer, so I flow chart my stories.
Good luck!!
Hey, me again, One of my commenters Susan Roebuck gave me some advice and since you and I are having similar issues I thought I'd pass it along. I makes great sense and I'm going to try it out. Susan says "I'm a little bit in the same boat but I read fascinating information today during my rounds of the IWSG - every novel should have five major scenes and if you map them out, then you don't need an outline." Hope this helps and good luck!!
Happens to me all the time. I usually toss my computer aside, bust out the old school pen and paper, and free associate until something clicks. Sometimes is takes FOREVER, but it usually works.
Eventually.
i think you should go with a new idea if it stays around for a couple of days
I'm attempting the same thing except I signed up for Campnanowrimo (I'm not sure if it's the same thing or not) so I know how you feel.
Here's my advice: If you think you should change it, change it.
-martha :D
http://theshortone08.blogspot.com/
as a plotter, i like to have a plan. but if the story & characters go a different direction, go with it. see what happens! you can try alternate routes and end up in the same planned place, or a whole new & possibly better one.
I'm participating in BuNoWriMo with the same goal and hope that doesn't happen to me. Just keep moving forward with the new idea and fix the beginning later if you have to.
If you feel you'll come out with a stronger story, by all means go where the plotting is taking you now. If it's working out better and it's flowing, I'd definitely think about going this route.
Oh, I constantly change things in the middle! I just note the change and keep writing though, rather than get bogged down with going back and editing. It is hard to keep your vision straight as it changes, though.
Allison (Geek Banter)
Are you using an outline? I don't know if that would help, but with my first novel, and now my second, I wrote the first three chapters and came to a standstill. I didn't know what happens next without an outline. I'm doing BuNoWriMo for the month of June - 50K words so we're in the same boat. Good luck, Mina! I'm sure you can work it out:)
I get how feeling the pull to stray from your original plan can seem freaky and unsettling, but...why not just go with it? And then, if it winds up not working, it still counts as an excellent writerly exercise (and you're not etching it in stone, right?). ;-) And if it winds up working, then, YAY!!! :-)Some Dark Romantic
I find it frustrating to backtrack, but in the process something brilliant usually reveals itself, carrying your story to a new level. I know it's frustrating now, but it's going to be that much more awesome in the end. :)
Ow... things have been crazy on my end and completely forgot about the Insecure Writers. icks!
I guess I'd say to incorporate the new ideas with the old and see where it goes, give your mind free rein. then work on the second draft. Probably after the Junowrimo and you've taken a breather from the story, everything will be more clearer. Happy Writing!
Try out the new idea. Even if it makes for a weird break in the story, you can fix it up in the revisions. Sometimes with NaNo, you just have to go with the flow. :)
IT happens to me all of the time!! Dang. I'd say go ahead with the change if you feel like it. This is all a rough draft, you can go back later and rewrite it again if you need to. When inspiration strikes, follow it!
Andrea
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