Monday, May 30, 2011

The Blueprint


Last Monday, we discussed the big picture, vision, panoramic moment where an idea grabs us and won't let go. We have zero idea how we're going to get from Point A to Point Z. In fact, we're not even sure we know what Point A looks like.

This is where we zoom in and break the concept down into manageable, short-term goals. Dare this Seat-of-the-Pants writer say the dreaded "P" word? Planning, plotting - call it whatever you want. Even I no longer totally sidestep this phase. It's where research, meeting characters, and a plotline take shape.

Without further adieu, let's continue with the story of Echoes of the Past.

We left off with yours truly staring at a computer screen and somehow pounding out 55,000 words. For a non-fiction, primarily devotional writer, this was no small effort. I also had no clue what I was doing.

A newbie fiction writer in every sense of the word, I carted my manuscript off to the next writers conference. Editors smiled the way one indulges a child's flights of fancy. "A novel must be 80-100,000 words. Go back, my child, and write more. Add subplots and fatten up those characters."

I attended workshops and learned about point of view (POV), show - don't tell, creating life-like characters, tension, conflict, word choice...whew! What I lacked in craft, I made up for in determination and enthusiasm - not to mention a dash of daring. God gave me this vision, and I would do everything in my power to obtain the skills I needed to communicate it.

To be continued...
Are you the adventurous type? If you're a writer, I declare you every bit as adventurous as an explorer or pioneer. How do you manage to break your big picture down into smaller pieces?

Non-fiction writers: How do you structure your articles or devotionals?

Readers: Are you ever aware of the underpinnings of the story or are they invisible?




14 comments:

Linda O'Connell said...

Susan,
When I get still and unhurried, I surprise myself with my ability to write, and once in a while I shock myself when I write out of genre. One time I wrote a winter themed story that ended with a tragedy. I find when I try to make it happen, I stumble, but when I allow it to happen, the words flow. Good luck on your novel.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Linda -

I understand your process.

I'm definitely a SOTP writer, but I've discovered a lot of my "plotting" happens in my head. The minute I try to put an outline on paper, my creativity turns into a chunk of ice. I'm frozen.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Chatty Crone said...

Hello just wanted to stop by and say hello. I am with you Susan - I have such a great idea until i get pen and paper.

Rhonda Schrock said...

I think writing takes a great deal of courage and derring-do. It's truly an adventure! I'm a nonfiction writer, but as a voracious fiction reader, I know excellence when I see it.

Good for you, tackling your dreams with the requisite courage, Susan!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Chatty -

You do well on your blog. :)

The intense plotting some writers do is too confining for me. I'll get an overall view of the story, develop some characters, do my research, and that's usually enough.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

A full-length novel is a huge task. If I had my druthers, I'd be writing a devotional book or short stories.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Stephanie Faris said...

I am not a plotter at all. I do stop toward the end of my book, sometimes in the middle, sometimes even toward the beginning, and jot some notes as to where I want it to go next, but sitting down and pre-planning every scene isn't for me!

Karen Lange said...

Good post! I am aware of some of the underpinnings as I read, more so in recent years as I write more.

I first noticed it watching movies - Remember the Titans, to be exact. Although it is based on a true story, I could see a few elements emerging, and also noted techniques, such as the "video montage" used to move the football season ahead.

Good stuff, Susan, thanks!

Blessings,
Karen :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Yes, as a writer, I do notice the techniques. However, as a reader, I recall picking up on clues by mystery authors. I began to notice their modus operandi. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Stephanie -

Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.

I guess most people would classify me as a combination writer.

I do like to research my setting, timeframe, and characters. There's nothing worse than getting stuck and having to go off to look up a fact.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Nancy said...

This is great. I love the story of your story. Hope that after all of the extra work, you have a book. We'll see, right?

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

The Moses Conspiracy, aka Echoes of the Past, is finished. I hope someone will take an interest in it.

Blessings,
Susan :)

DenaNetherton said...

Susan, I get a story idea and a main character and then brainstorm for a while and let the story develop over time. Once I determine the end, I outline the whole story and write out a history of each character. Then I go with it and see what else develops.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dena -

I admire those who can get so detailed. My brain just isn't wired that way. :)

Blessings,
Susan