I’m a writing fiend. Over the weekend I spent many spare moments putting each plot point of my WIP on notecards.
I started the notecards after I tried and failed to write the synopsis. I just didn’t have a grasp on the plot, and as I’m making cards I can see that some aspects will have to go. I’m just trying to do too many things with this story, I think.
Using note cards can be a good tool to gain focus, but the technique is also unwieldy. I obsess about doing it “right,” as if a bottomless pit will open under my feet if I fail to write down the correct information. Still, I’m used to pinning down the obsessive bitch while the reasonable girl gets things done, so that’s a workable problem. It’s better than being adrift in a sea of plot as the scenes circle like sharks.
I’ve tried organizational software like yWriter (which is free) and Writer’s Cafe/Storylines (which I paid for). And here’s a good post on how to use Google Notebook to outline your novel. I haven’t tried that yet.
The truth is that I just don’t like spending time doing things that won’t be included in the book. I’ve always been impatient and lazy that way, but I’m finally seeing the wisdom in doing all that peripheral work. It will actually take less energy in the long run than trying to swim to shore without a life preserver.
What kind of organization have you found to be most helpful?
#1 by DarcsFalcon on March 3rd, 2008
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http://www.SoftwareByBrian.com! Look for “text block writer.” I’m an index card fiend, and I think this software is pretty cool, and it’s free. I’ve read through the help files and played with it a little, but I don’t have a story to plot out. I’m thinking now though, that maybe this software can also be used for other organizational chores – it’s like a corkboard on your screen, with all the index cards pinned up. You can rearrange them however you need with a drag and drop. I should do a review ….
I do know planning anything can be a pain, but you’re right, in the long run, it does make things easier. I’m glad to see you writing.
Love and hugs!
#2 by Ian Thomas Healy on March 3rd, 2008
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I tend to not outline much or synopsize (I claim credit for inventing that word, by the way) when I write. I usually have a pretty solid plan in mind when I start writing. Sometimes I’ll write a one-sentence chapter summary, when planning where things will go. Sometimes it’s not even a complete sentence (I’ve described one chapter as “Big fight.”).
I find that if I go into too much planning, I handcuff myself and can’t move forward. My plots tend to churn and head in unexpected (albeit logical) directions, so I can’t plan too much.
Ian
#3 by Sherri Cornelius on March 3rd, 2008
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Fal–thanks for the link. I’m downloading it right now.
Ian–that “pants-seat” writing worked during the first draft, but now I’m trying to get it into a publishable form. At this stage, imprecision is my enemy. I’m not even close to the “plan too much” stage.
#4 by Dee on March 5th, 2008
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When I wrote my two books, I did an outline, a synopsis as I went, and after I printed out the book and read it through, sticky notes. All helped. All were time consuming. I’m lazy too. Hang in there and keep writing.~~Dee
#5 by Sherri Cornelius on March 5th, 2008
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Thanks for the input, Dee!
#6 by Kelly Mahan Jaramillo on March 5th, 2008
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Just wrote to you and hit submit when modem went down. But of course.
To try and re-call lost comment from brain – - -
I, too, am a huge fan of index cards. Had them everywhere, pockets, in the car, and yes, in the bathroom. Many writing thoughts happen on the throne. Admit it, guys.
A great book by Annie Lamott – “Bird by Bird – Thoughts on Writing and Life” – That book infected me with the index card virus.
A suggestion, if you try this route. If you have a room with three empty walls, tack up one wall with index cards concerning plot/story.
Next wall, characters and dialogue, Third wall, synopsis.
Using different colored cards may keep you from going snowblind.
Then, stand back and stare at them as if you were a detective trying to solve a murder.
It seemed to work for Annie Lamott.
On another note – I have wanted to stop by and say hi for so long, but circumstances here are reaching critical mass.
Rather than collapse in a heap, I thought of you and decided to stop being a giant baby, get off of my ass and check in.
I am so glad you are struggling with your WIP – writing is in your blood, there is nothing you can do about it. You will write until you drop, thank God.
Lots of love from the swirling vortex.
K.
#7 by writtenwyrdd on March 6th, 2008
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Hi Sheri, love the concept of note cards myself, but I get obsessed with keeping them neat. They are truly useful for identifying plot threads and helping to figure out best placement and pace. But I find I get bogged down using them much of the time. they are best used by me, I think, as you describe: To figure out plot problems and resolutions to them.
BTW, thanks for the link!
#8 by Sherri Cornelius on March 6th, 2008
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Yo, wyrdd-up! (get it???) The link is my pleasure. You link to a lot of good fantasy resources, so thank you.
Kelly, good to see you around these parts! I was starting to wonder about you, good to know you’re still truckin’. I hope things get easier for you pretty quick.
#9 by Don on March 11th, 2008
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I use yWriter and love it. But when you’re learning to write, doing outlines in it can be a tad difficult. I just downloaded the Text Block Writer software and will try that. But I think I might try sticky notes on a large piece of card board like those a drug stores and see if that works.
Right now my problem is that I don’t know how to write with balance. So that my confrontations occur evenly and that I don’t forget to include everyday scenes in the story to help build my characters.
#10 by Don on March 12th, 2008
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Eh Sherri,
Do a search for the snowflake method; it might be what you need. It’s got some good points that may help you think a bit better.
What I am trying to do to organize my story is first come up with the major confrontations including the climax. Then build out around that. I don’t know if it’ll work. But that’s all I have right now.
#11 by Sherri Cornelius on March 12th, 2008
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I appreciate the tip, Don. I’d hoped the notecards would help me identify the major confrontations in my book. I’ll find something on that snowflake method, and let you know how it works out for me.
Thanks for coming by!