The Start . . .
There’s nothing like staring at a blank word document in my opinion.
It’s a rush like no other.
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The possibilities are endless.
What will my characters do? Look like? Say?
Will they survive the trials I have in mind for them?
As a writer, this is my favorite part of the process.
I’m not much of a planner. This crude picture of my “mind map” is about all I do.———————->
It’s just the two character’s names (sometimes I don’t even have those when an idea hits) with a bunch of ideas sprouting out.
Looks like a mess of chicken scratches, but that’s how I work.
How do you guys get ready to start writing your novel?
If you’re not a writer, what’s your favorite way for a book to start out? A bunch of action? Dialogue? Right in to describing the scene?
19 Comments
Jillian Chantal
Hope it flows well for you!!! Love the little boxes with notes all around.
My Male MC is usually what comes to me first.
Rebecca
I tried outlining but my story keeps changing as I write. I mean the main plot is there but the subplots and how I want to get from point A to point B keeps changing. I can’t ever follow an outline because I feel it hinders my creative juices. I will jot down notes–which I’m about to do now–of scenes that pop into my head that I feel will work will with the story–otherwise I just let the characters tell the story. I am, however, conscious of pacing. Every time I write a scene i think “would I want to read that in a book? does it bring the story down?” Now I’m not sure if my instincts are correct because I haven’t gotten notes back from beta readers yet so we’ll see LOL! I’m glad I’m not the only one here who doesn’t outline. I had someone tell me (a professional writer) who said you HAVE to use an outline. This person was one of those that said ‘its my way or no way’ and that’s not true. Every writer is different. So thanks for this post, Lynn!!
Jill W
For some reason when I start I story I have to write in a fresh writing tablet. I can’t sit in front of a blank screen. I crack under the pressure of the flashing cursor. 🙂 Happy writing Lynn!
Rebecca Zanetti
Hi Lynn! Love the brain map (Ever see A BEAUTIFUL MIND? haha. just kidding). I sit down and write the first scene…some day I’m going to try a storyboard or outline. Maybe.
Have a great week! 🙂
Lynn Rush
I DID see that movie!! So, you’re a SOTP writer, too, huh? 🙂 SWEET!
Victor Travison
A lot of seat-of-the-pants writers here. I’m another one. My preliminary notes for a story don’t look a lot like yours, Lynn (big surprise, huh?). I type or handwrite notes of what I want to happen, and when I feel I have enough to start with, including a strong beginning, I start writing. Then it’s three or four months of working out plotting sequence, chapter divisions, inserting internal conflicts, adding pertinent scenes. And that’s only the first draft.
Then I go back and reread for consistency, unity, and smooth flow, at least five times before I consider it ready to publish.
~ VT
Lynn Rush
I’m at least a five time re-reader too. More like eight to ten, usually. Depending on the manuscript. I try to get at least two to three crit partners to read the same story, too, so I have different viewpoints. Thanks for stoppin’ by!
Savannah Chase
Good luck with the new project. Let it be big and amazing.
Lynn Rush
Thanks, Savannah!!
danicaavet
I um…open a document and type Chapter One. Then I start typing. I don’t write anything down, don’t have multiple documents open although I will leave up a research link for me to play with. I tried several methods for plotting, but I can’t do it. I have to be free – just call me Moonbeam, the free spirit, LOL
Lynn Rush
I hear ya. If there’s something to research, I just make a note and keep typing the story. Always time to freshen things up later in my opinion. 🙂
Moonbeam. LOVE IT!
Rachel Firasek
Do I feel some sprints coming on? I’m ready to write again. Woot-Woot!
Lynn Rush
OH YEAH! Sprints, girl. Missed y’all last night. We’ll catch up today, though. Right?? 🙂
Kendall Grey
You have such lovely handwriting, Lynn! Lefty or righty? Sorry, I’m a weirdo!
Glad you’ve started another book. I know you were jonesing to get back to writing. I envy you and your speed. Rock that book, girl!
Lynn Rush
Righty 🙂 Lovely handwriting? Yikes…I was thinking it was pretty sloppy. LOL!
Despite how much I love editing, it’s nice to get back to some writing for sure!
Laura Diamond
When an idea strikes, it’s usually about a character who has had something happen that will challenge them. That used to be enough for me to open a doc & start typing. Now, though, I outline where things are going. It helps minimize revisions later, IMHO.
Yay for new ideas!
Lynn Rush
Yeah. I’ve been known to have tons of revisions. My first drafts of 75,000 words or so have been called outlines by some…sorta true, I guess. Just a VERY thorough outline, though. LOL.
Ciara Knight
Sometimes it starts with a story idea. Other times it starts with the MC. I usually hash it out in my head then right an outline or notes. If it is a simple plot, I might start writing. If it a huge world building/complicated plot/lots of characters, then I’ll write an outline and world building notes.
Love the character sketch, Lynn. 🙂
Lynn Rush
Mine mostly start with the MC, then span out. You can see that by the character sketch. Most of the ideas surround the MC. 🙂