so what techniques do y'all use for brainstorming plot ideas, etc? for some reason, i keep trying to think my way through some, but what inevitably works best for me is to sit down and start writing down the possibilities, questions, etc and before I know it, I have a bunch of ideas to work with. But every time, I try to imagine the story in my head first and it rarely works that way.
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41,380 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 12 24
I kind of do a combination of both; or more accurately, I don't try to come up with ideas in my head, they just come at times (generally when driving or busy with something else) and I write them down as soon as I can.
29,595 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 17 02
I always say, don't try to "over think" it. Once you have an idea that seems good, say hello to your characters, sit down, and start writing.
Nothing is written in stone here. If you hate it, later on, you can always edit it out in a re-write.
For now . . . just get those words on paper . . . or in computer . . . or where ever you're keeping them. :-)
----------Happy Writing!
Katz >^. .^<
North Orange County ML
36,762 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 18 22
An idea for a story just comes to me. I mull it over in that moment. Then I either sit down to write or take some notes. If I'm in the middle and get stuck for how to continue, and I get up and do something mundane, like brush my hair in the bathroom. I thought up a lot of ideas to help in editing my last book while doing some primping or cleaning.
152,000 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 18 30
I usually type out a VERY sparse outline (like, 10 plot points in bullet points) about a month in advance. That gets my subconscious into gear, and it starts processing. Every few days, it spits out an idea. I don't focus too much on the idea, just get it down in my outline notes file, and let it keep processing. Then about a week out, I draw up a more detailed outline, telling when to hit specific plot points, but 'I leave that open to change should the story demand it.
Different amounts of brainstorming and plotting work for different people. :) Whatever works best for you is the one you should use!
----------101,352 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 19 03
The last few books that I have done have come out of dreams that seemed like a good plot. Over a couple days after the initial dream I would think about it and it would develop more. Then it would be time to write down some basic guidelines for scenes or chapters. About 15 or so to give the story some timeline and I would have what i need to start.
----------http://www.breaborderswritersgroup.info/
42,624 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 01 19
I try to base my writings in reality as much as possible by experience. Now, I write about magic kingdoms, fairy godmothers, and highway men. None of these are in my life's experience outside of books and movies, but you can still write about the littler details.
Base your characters conversations on real ones you had and enjoyed. Experiences can work the same way.
Last year I decided to spend a little time under my MC's skin. I was writing a scene where she was wearing the mask of a highwayman for the first time. So I put on a mask I had bought at a Ren faire years earlier. It was hot, and itchy, and impaired my vision. Not at all the romantic thing one is lead to believe it is. The scene turned out much better as a result!
----------My novel is guarded by Julio Nakamura, The Remedial Ninja... but he really wants to act