I enjoyed reading about your process, it's interesting how similar it is to my own! I also read King's on writing and even though I love his work, I don't think I could work without a plan. Ive tried several times before. The words come a lot quicker and it's more exciting but you quickly fall into plot issues. Planning seems to work better, your idea of a two column system is one I might have to steal!
Also, please do share your maps! I'd love to see them.
Lastly, I just came across your page, it's really nice to see someone on a similar stage of their writing journey. I wish you all the luck!
I'll definitely get around to sharing the maps sometime soon - they're undergoing a few changes at the moment as I continue writing and realise the placement of some things just does not work with the story haha.
Looking forward to keeping up with your writing adventures, new internet friend! <3
Love how much thought you put into the planning before you started writing. With my first novel, I didn’t realise I was writing it until I was part way in, so it evolved from a few scenes. With my second, I have a synopsis but will be pantsing the rest!
When I've been dealing with some writers block with this first draft I've been trying to do some pantsing of short pieces - just writing without a plan to see how I go! It's been fun so far, maybe I'll find the strength to do it for a whole book... Doubtful though, because I love a good plan 😂
Oh it was you who put together that Pinterest board of water-themed fantasy pics? It's such a cool vibe!
I'm a pantser; I have a vague idea where the story is going and then drop my characters in then let them run amok. My WIP here on SS is where it's all happening.
Can't wait to see more bits and bobs from your end!
maybe you could alternate between planning and pantsing for chapters and see how it turns out? Or whether it’s too much of a slog to write on the fly and you just throw in the towel 🤣
I am a planner and I have never wished to be a pantser. What is more, every time I tried to just vibe and roll with the story, I absolutely hated both the process and the outcome. For me the trick lied not in trying to change my style, but rather in accepting and truly EMBRACING it.
It occurred to me that instead of trying to "shut up my inner critic" and "let go of perfectionism", I actually just had to spend some serious time with my outline, deepen it and get to know my characters better.
I already knew of the Snowflake method, but have never really done much of it except for the first two-three steps. And this time I took it seriously and went way more in depth, and only thanks to that I am now writing chapter 9, instead of rewriting chapter 1 for the seventeenth time.
For us planners, I can truly recommend Brandon Sanderson's lectures on Creative Writing, available on YouTube. He's not only a planner, he's an experienced, successful, and down-to-earth planner. His advice is worth following if you also dread simply flying by the seat of your pants.
I enjoyed reading about your process, it's interesting how similar it is to my own! I also read King's on writing and even though I love his work, I don't think I could work without a plan. Ive tried several times before. The words come a lot quicker and it's more exciting but you quickly fall into plot issues. Planning seems to work better, your idea of a two column system is one I might have to steal!
Also, please do share your maps! I'd love to see them.
Lastly, I just came across your page, it's really nice to see someone on a similar stage of their writing journey. I wish you all the luck!
Thank you!
I'll definitely get around to sharing the maps sometime soon - they're undergoing a few changes at the moment as I continue writing and realise the placement of some things just does not work with the story haha.
Looking forward to keeping up with your writing adventures, new internet friend! <3
Love how much thought you put into the planning before you started writing. With my first novel, I didn’t realise I was writing it until I was part way in, so it evolved from a few scenes. With my second, I have a synopsis but will be pantsing the rest!
When I've been dealing with some writers block with this first draft I've been trying to do some pantsing of short pieces - just writing without a plan to see how I go! It's been fun so far, maybe I'll find the strength to do it for a whole book... Doubtful though, because I love a good plan 😂
Oh it was you who put together that Pinterest board of water-themed fantasy pics? It's such a cool vibe!
I'm a pantser; I have a vague idea where the story is going and then drop my characters in then let them run amok. My WIP here on SS is where it's all happening.
Can't wait to see more bits and bobs from your end!
Yes, that was me!
Ah man, I envy your ability to write so freely! Maybe I'll give myself a writing challenge of not planning at all and just seeing where it goes...
maybe you could alternate between planning and pantsing for chapters and see how it turns out? Or whether it’s too much of a slog to write on the fly and you just throw in the towel 🤣
I am a planner and I have never wished to be a pantser. What is more, every time I tried to just vibe and roll with the story, I absolutely hated both the process and the outcome. For me the trick lied not in trying to change my style, but rather in accepting and truly EMBRACING it.
It occurred to me that instead of trying to "shut up my inner critic" and "let go of perfectionism", I actually just had to spend some serious time with my outline, deepen it and get to know my characters better.
I already knew of the Snowflake method, but have never really done much of it except for the first two-three steps. And this time I took it seriously and went way more in depth, and only thanks to that I am now writing chapter 9, instead of rewriting chapter 1 for the seventeenth time.
For us planners, I can truly recommend Brandon Sanderson's lectures on Creative Writing, available on YouTube. He's not only a planner, he's an experienced, successful, and down-to-earth planner. His advice is worth following if you also dread simply flying by the seat of your pants.
as someone who is about to begin writing a novel, i really appreciated you laying out all the steps like this! this is so helpful