Nothing makes me happier than messing around with an outline. Though it's all about plotting, I find there's a big creative "pantsing" element to it, in dreaming up various scenarios and asking myself "what if?"
Thank you for this, Janet. I’ve always been a pantser but would much prefer to be a planner (or plotter, as some people say). I also write lean in the first draft, and have to add more words with each subsequent draft.
I much prefer revision to drafting.
But imho the most important point you make is that we each have to find what works for us. Before my debut novel, Everywhere Blue, I wrote four MG manuscripts. None will ever be published. They were my “learning how to write” novels.
You're welcome! It's also important for newer writers to realize that their first novel is really a "practice" (and maybe novels 2,3,4 as well). But also they can revisit the sparks that prompted those novels when they have gained more know-how - many writers do this. It's never a waste of time and energy! And yes, your process is your own.
I’m glad you are addressing this issue Janet. Too many beginners try to copy the process of a favorite author. A night owl shouldn’t set the alarm for 5am and try to create before breakfast when they “should “ have been up until 3am tapping away on their computer!
Nothing makes me happier than messing around with an outline. Though it's all about plotting, I find there's a big creative "pantsing" element to it, in dreaming up various scenarios and asking myself "what if?"
That's a great "plantsing" technique - in reverse of the usual!
Thank you for this, Janet. I’ve always been a pantser but would much prefer to be a planner (or plotter, as some people say). I also write lean in the first draft, and have to add more words with each subsequent draft.
I much prefer revision to drafting.
But imho the most important point you make is that we each have to find what works for us. Before my debut novel, Everywhere Blue, I wrote four MG manuscripts. None will ever be published. They were my “learning how to write” novels.
You're welcome! It's also important for newer writers to realize that their first novel is really a "practice" (and maybe novels 2,3,4 as well). But also they can revisit the sparks that prompted those novels when they have gained more know-how - many writers do this. It's never a waste of time and energy! And yes, your process is your own.
I agree. No writing is ever wasted!
I’m glad you are addressing this issue Janet. Too many beginners try to copy the process of a favorite author. A night owl shouldn’t set the alarm for 5am and try to create before breakfast when they “should “ have been up until 3am tapping away on their computer!