Plotting...

[fajrdrako]

This evening I went to a NaNoWriMo plotting workshop at the public library. And it was very useful.

In manageable groups, we discussed our general plot and and our plotting problems, and did some brainstorming on the subject. I don't know about the others, but for me it was extremely useful. I talked about my story - historical adventure - and the comments, questions and suggestions really helped me put a shape to my ideas.

At one point, though, diurnal_lee said, as we discussed my story ideas, "I keep thinking of Francis Crawford."

Headdesk.

Really. I'm trying to write original, fresh, creative stuff. moved by all sorts of influences. And the influence of Dorothy Dunnett is so strong it shows up in casual conversation about my story?

I'm not sure whether to wail or be proud.

Comments

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Seems to me it's worth trying: the idea is not to produce a finished novel, but a finished first draft. There's a world of difference. I'm hoping the challenge wil be enough to force me to produce rather than being simply too busy all the time to actually finish any draft at all.

The research is not included in the one-month period.

No one gets to see my first drafts but me, anyway.

[silverwhistle.livejournal.com]

I think even for first draft, it's pushing it.
One chapter, perhaps, if the book is to have any real depth.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Everybody works in a different way. I don't know what's possible yet. I do know I want to be writing, and I haven't been, and it's driving me nuts.