Different Novel, Different Process?
I wrote my first novel, long long ago, in a fifty page treatment. Then I slogged through a draft.
I wrote my second novel by the seat of my pants and it wasn’t bad.
I wrote my third novel via outline and found out I lost all impetus to complete it.
My fourth novel came flying out, seat of the pants style, but with research and pauses to integrate information.
So it is time to start number five. It is a plot and concept I’ve had in mind since August. I already know the big points and I’m afraid I’m less enthusiastic about it than I was last summer.
- I have a mind map
- I have lots of free write
- I have names, places, images to keep me on track
- I have listed the layers, the key crises, and elements of the story arc
I spend more time trying NOT to think about it. Writing it stale just doesn’t seem fun. I need to and enjoy giving the characters their heads.
I won’t know until I start writing if I planned too much. I’m afraid, and curious, and determined. I hope the character grabs me by the hand and jumps in.
I hope they do too! Good luck with it, I look forward to hearing how it goes.
I’m not even sure what I’m writing yet… hows that for last minute? I had a plan, and then this other idea cropped up, begging me for attention. Today, we’ll see which one wins and then I can get some kind of an outline together I guess, or at least some names!
I dunno, Cassie, I had a ball with Song of the Elements at last year’s NaNo, and had only selected one of five ideas about three days ahead of time.
Names would be good, though.
I have names now, Lissa and Jareth! Stop by the blog tomorrow to vote on the title poll! lol I have to come up with some half decent titles first, and a blurb type thing…but it’s good, and I’m consumed and excited and scared – the perfect place to be in just before nano starts!