For those of you who have not yet finished the 1st draft of your story, keep writing. I encourage you to reach the end. Having written the Climax helps with the work you do here. While you write, follow the steps. One should not interfere with the other but rather compliment each other. (If you haven't started writing and only have an idea for a story, ignore today's prompt and adapt all future suggestions to fit your needs.)
Today is easy. Print out a hard copy of your manuscript. That's it.
As tempting as it is with the manuscript sitting right there in front of you, remember, no reading. Not yet. Let the story sit. Let yourself unplug from the writing side. You are now entering the analytical side.
For those of you who shudder at the thought of structure or run from the concept of plot, I'd like to share Joseph Campbell's words:
"It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life.
Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.
The very cave you are afraid to enter turns out to the the source of what you are looking for. The damned thing in the cave that was so dreaded has become the center."
Plot and structure are the jewels. You'll see. Trust the process.
Yesterday, I referred you HERE for added information about the three most important plot lines in every great story using as examples: The Girl with a Golden Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, The Space Between the Stars by Deborah Santana, click here.
For information about subplots. click here.
**If you're just joining us today, please read the last couple of posts to catch up.
To depict character emotion beyond the cliches -- slamming things down and shouting when angry, dancing and singing when joyful -- takes having felt the emotion yourself as a writer or the intuitive ability to detect the subtle exaggeration of common external behaviors that signal deeper emotion.
We are not always encouraged to acknowledge our true emotions -- especially so, women, or so I wonder. Women of a certain generation, mine, were taught to be the peacemakers at all cost, to sweep the raw, edgy emotions out of sight of others which also became more comfortable for ourselves, too.
No wonder many of us have difficulty showing authentic human emotions in our characters in true and fresh ways.
Subsequent generations have been encouraged to explore feelings and express them more honestly. I wonder if that is true and makes it any easier to conjure up unique shows of emotion??
The little notebook and pencil you carry with you everywhere comes in handy to record people's show of emotion -- both authentic and inauthentic emotions.
should be up later today)
After nearly 10 years of providing Plot Consultations to writers all over the world, I have come to appreciate the varied ways writers approach the writing process and write. Last week and this, I have had the honor of working with a writer with an unique approach.
He has at least five plot lines going on (nothing unusual there):
Character Emotional Development = inner
Dramatic Action = murder mystery = outer
Thematic Significance
Orphan story
Romance
I first consulted with this writer nearly a year and a half ago. Then, he had a strong character emotional development story with very little in terms of the murder mystery plot. Since then, he has worked non-stop developing well-thought out plot lines for each of the elements most important to his story. For each of the six suspects, he developed complex back stories, motives, and alibis. The pre-work he has done is awe-inspiring.
So why come to me? He needed help weaving all the plot lines together into a suspenseful and exciting, poignant and emotional story.
His Plot Planner is likely the longest one I have ever created for another writer -- my personal Plot Planners always tend to be on the loooong side.
This writer has a two-week vacation coming up in a week. With the plan in front of him, he has only to write each next scene as they appear on the Plot Planner. No need to use his linear, logical, critical side of his brain at all. He's done all that.
Now is the time to write.
Simply write what is in front of him.
Get a first draft on the page.
Let it rest.
Rewrite at least once.
Then send out to the waiting agent and editor....
Sounds like heaven to me.
Inspired process. True dedication. Professional approach. Amazing story.
I wish him all the success in the world!!
For those of you who have not yet finished the 1st draft of your story, keep writing. I encourage you to reach the end. Having written the Climax helps with the work you do here. While you write, follow the steps. One should not interfere with the other but rather compliment each other. (If you haven't started writing and only have an idea for a story, ignore today's prompt and adapt all future suggestions to fit your needs.)
Good suggestion about the notebook. I'm always searching for good ways to convey authentic emotion. Thanks!