Before we begin typing that first word - we always (or most
times) have the ending in mind. There
are a couple books I had an idea of what I wanted my end result to be – how I
got there was something of a mystery. My
point – we don’t always end up where we think we will.
You must be willing to adapt . . . make changes, be aware of the
flow of your story. Never . . . never .
. . never . . . cling to your synopsis because it was how the ‘story was
supposed to go.’ Really??? I believe a story never goes the way I
planned – I have to be open for my characters to surprise me. And boy – do they surprise me!
Make your really good story idea great by a willingness to adapt
as the story unfolds. Each character
develops as he/she unfolds in your story.
You can’t force a character’s behavior.
Always allow him/her the ability to act/react in a natural way.
Be open minded while
writing - Keep in mind – what works for one book won’t
always work for the next. Characters in
each book are different and you must always let them lead you through each
scene. Listen to them . . . and give them free rein!
How exciting when your character demands something different –
something you never thought of! Allow
your characters to add atmosphere and excitement. Think of it this way – as your characters
develop . . . the story unfolds into places you never imagined.
Release the control. You
know you’re a talented writer. That doesn’t mean you’re instantly good at letting
go – giving your character permission to be him/herself.
Never start writing a book with ideas set in stone. Guidelines will keep you from writing
yourself into a corner, but don’t be so controlling you won’t allow something
unexpected to happen.
Allow your characters to
laugh, cry, have highs and definitely lows. Make them feel . . . and the reader will
respond. By allowing your character a
‘voice’ - the dialog will flow with ease
and belief. Step in because you don’t
like the direction and your reader will be jerked out of the scene – maybe
forever.
Not all of us know the ending. As a pantser, I never know where I'm headed until I get there which makes it doubly hard when you have writer's block. I don't dare plot my character's story because they are telling it to me, albeit very slowly at times.
ReplyDeleteI am an inveterate plotter - but still my characters get bored with my logical progress and break out of the mould to go off on their own and plough their own path. Even my 'virtual children' don't listen to me!
ReplyDeleteGinger.... I so know what you mean ... I have the idea of what I want the ending to be... and it seems most times the characters don't behave and have an ending all their own. I'd be interested to know how many actually can predict the ending.
ReplyDeleteAnita- Too funny - but it's true isn't it... I love the analogy of 'children' ..because it's true - we can't dictate what they will do or say either! I love it. :) Rita