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Post by Rascarin on Feb 12, 2014 13:10:32 GMT 1
So a problem I frequently have when I want to write is actually translating my ideas into a story - I know what I want to write, what my main plot is, as well as important key scenes. I plan out timelines, motivations, character development arcs, but when it actually comes to putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard, as it were), I just can't move the story forward. I find I write myself out of control - going off into areas I didn't want to write, taking my characters in directions they weren't mean to go. It's why I usually only write one-shots - I can't stick to my own story long enough.
Does anybody else get this? I've got so many ideas, but I always plan in patches, then lose my way trying to link them all together. Any tips for keeping yourself on track?
Also would appreciate advice on how to bulk a story out - I don't mean filler, but adding enough meat between the bones to make give room for character development and stuff.
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Post by Mister Buch on Feb 12, 2014 15:58:45 GMT 1
I get that. I usually write short, one-shot stories as well. I say that I like to write scenes, emotions, particular moments, but I'm not interested in (and I'm very intimidated by) coming up with actual stories. Yeah, I think I know what you mean there. We seem to be in the minority - most people I know seem to just write and write and write, and I have no idea how these chains of events come to them.
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If it helps at all (it helped me a bit) I have been working on this with my teacher at Uni. He gave me two models / exercises that he says he swears by.
One is the 'story house': you start with your character - this is the foundation and purpose of the story - so write notes about the character and think about her in your off time - work out what she is like, what kind of food she likes, what her politics and deeper thoughts are, what her history is, til you know her - a bit like a cartoonist drawing the same head from many angles so he always knows what that character will look like. That's the foundation. Then build the walls - these are the events of the plot and they usually start with an instigating event, something the character wants, an action the character has to make, a choice she has to make. Then there are the consequences of that choice, which is the ending (the roof).
The other helpful thing was the 'story train' (I know these are silly names - he actually made me draw little train carriages too) - this is where you take squares of paper or chunks of text on word processor, and on each one is an event that might happen, or a scene you envisage. Keep all these 'carriages' laid out on your desk, your wall or a convenient Word file. You move them around - over time - remaining familiar with them, putting them in the right order and changing your mind, and as you're doing the actual writing you are still free to move them then too. When you are about halfway or more through the actual writing, you'll have decided exactly what happens and where, through trial and error and familiarity with these carriages. But again, remember that your character is *driving* this train towards something she wants, be it resolution, understanding, some particular treasure she's after, or just survival.
One other thing he said was 'be aware that mostly everything you write will end up looking nothing like you first imagined it'. In my experience that's right.
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I found those helpful anyway, and I find myself writing longer stuff now.
Bulking out the story - again, I hear you. Like you said, try to avoid something that you know in your heart of hearts is just filler. I guess... take your time and let scenes, people, locations come to you, and then make links between them and the scenes you know you want. The scenes you come up with first will probably be the most important ones - the big scenes. Don't look at the rest of the scenes in terms of bulking up the thickness of the book but in terms of what extra events would *enhance* your existing ones. Like, 'my ending is good, but what if this moment X was set up more by...... such a thing.' Or 'This scene by the lake is important and I'm looking forward to writing it, but what if there was a scene at a river that called back to it later.... or a pond that sets up an event at the start.' If you're afraid of losing the ideas you're passionate about, build TOWARDS them, not on top of them.
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For writing plots and getting started, I also found this video very helpful recently -
A lot of practical advice, especially from Russel T Davies and Graham Linehan
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And - the best writing tool I ever found, by far, was 'Knightfall', my mate who used to use the forum. Having someone (especially someone who's a better writer, as he is) look over it and say 'this bit is good' and 'I don't understand this bit', and then the next draft is miles better.
Well I think I've pontificated enough there. Haha. That's everything I know, anyway. If any of that helps or it would help to talk specifics, I'm interested and I'll keep my replies shorter than this!
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Post by Rascarin on Feb 12, 2014 16:41:13 GMT 1
Hmm, I like the story train idea. I usually draw a timeline and then panic when I can't make it work. A more flexible approach seems like it would be better. Story house not so much - I feel like I've built my house, but its all empty rooms (if the metaphor makes sense...), then when I try and write the "filler" (wrong word, but I don't have one that says what I mean), its like I put all the furniture in one room and then can't move for it. Grr.
I'm thinking of a fanfic, so my characters are pretty much already developed and I've got a good sense of them. I've got all these scenes in my head, I'm just trying to link them all together in a coherent way with believable story progression and motivations.
If I do actually get anywhere with it, I might call on you for some beta-ing (if you're willing)!
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Post by Mister Buch on Feb 12, 2014 16:45:16 GMT 1
The story house (and train) aren't as rigid as they might seem! You'd be surprised how many stories fit them in subtle ways! But yeah.
And do call me in if you like - I'd like to read it anyway.
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Post by Rascarin on Feb 18, 2014 15:34:47 GMT 1
One other thing he said was 'be aware that mostly everything you write will end up looking nothing like you first imagined it'. In my experience that's right. I haven't even started writing yet, but I'm already seeing this is true - starting to compile ideas into an actual story plan, and I think I can make it work if I scrap the entire premise of my initial idea. Hmm.
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Post by Mister Buch on Feb 18, 2014 16:57:18 GMT 1
I just did that with the story I'm writing too. I'm trying to forcibly insert a theme and a location that I started out with but now they don't make any sense.
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Post by CAPT Issac R. Madden on Feb 19, 2014 0:43:04 GMT 1
The story house (and train) aren't as rigid as they might seem! You'd be surprised how many stories fit them in subtle ways! But yeah. And do call me in if you like - I'd like to read it anyway. QFT on that one. I started Halo of Flies expecting Ian to become a mostly freelance merc/bounty hunter but now he's part of a criminal syndicate instead. Also been trying to work in some bigger plot stuff related to his altered brain patterns.
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