Sometimes I hit a little snag when writing and I'm not entirely sure what happens next in the story. Or maybe I know what happens next, I'm just not entirely sure how it happens.
At such times, I've found it's often helpful to speak about your possibilities, your options, with a person of a creatively-oriented mind who either knows, or can quickly be brought up to speed on, the story. It's also helpful if this person isn't, say, already invested in the outcome of said story. If they're not, for example, already a reader of the story in serialized installments.
I'm having one of those days today, with regard to the Fables. Unfortunately, the usual panoply of people that I turn to in situations like this are also readers of the Fables and wouldn't really want to have the surprise of "what happens next" ruined for them by having me talk it out with them. Nor should they have to.
But it leaves me, however temporarily, at a loss for what to do and a little bit frustrated by it.
Anyway, just thought I'd share.
Excuse me while I ditch off for the next day or two to write a short story I've been kicking around for a while. I might as well get something done, even if it's not what I'd planned to do today.
Comments (5)
I hereby waive my right of surprised readership if that helps. Typically I forget the details a few days after we discuss writing projects anyway, so I'll likely be surprised in the end anyhow.
Posted by Erik | March 19, 2005 8:11 PM
Posted on March 19, 2005 20:11
I hit snags like that all the time. It has been my experience that yelling at the computer screen doesn't always work; sometimes the words won't fall where I want them to. Maybe they want shorter hours or medical benefits or something like that. I usually just wait until the next time I'm in the shower or driving on the highway; that's usually when all the best ideas come to me.
One time I got the best idea for a scene while standing in the frozen foods section of the grocery store. Except now the hero of the novel is fighting an evil cyborg named "Cryo Lord," which is odd for a book set in the 19th century. Still, it was a hell of a scene.
Posted by Ben | March 20, 2005 11:12 AM
Posted on March 20, 2005 11:12
I rarely yell at my computer screen. I brush my teeth, instead! Which has the added benefit of keeping my teeth sparkling white and my breath minty fresh.
Posted by Jason | March 21, 2005 12:12 AM
Posted on March 21, 2005 00:12
First, I'd recommend writing out what the purpose of writing the Fables is for you and where you want it to end up then write out the basics of each of the story possibilities and compare them. If it doesn't work, I'd be more than happy to help out. I'm the freak who can be told everything that happens in a book yet itch to read it anyway simply because of the way it's written and the author's style.
I also did some manuscript reviews in high school for some of the faculty members who were in the process of writing novels. It was a great experience and much appreciated cash. But no, I wouldn't charge you. I love the Fables enough that the thought of having some affect on its twists and turns and outcomes and developments is more than enough. So yes, I'm volunteering to have the outcome 'ruined' mainly because, while I adore the plot and characters, I'd still read if you were talking about vegetables in the crisper just because of how you describe the celery. :-D
p.s. interesting relaxing tip; it really does clear my mind to have minty fresh breath as long as you don't get ocd about it. :-)
Posted by Jacquee | March 21, 2005 7:20 AM
Posted on March 21, 2005 07:20
The celery, Jacquee? Didn't you know? You should fear the celery. Why? Because the celery stalks at midnight.
That said, I did figure out my problems yesterday morning. I'm not sure if it was the good night's sleep, the resolve to work on another project, the teeth-brushing or the drinking I did the night before, but it all got sorted out in my head, so it's good.
I appreciate the offer, though.
Posted by Jason | March 21, 2005 9:47 AM
Posted on March 21, 2005 09:47