How do I progress through writing my manuscript since I'm a pantster? First I have a vague idea of my entire story. I know my characters, the main plot, and how it will end. But, how do I get there without outlining the entire thing?
My method is simple. I finish writing the chapter I'm on, and then before calling it a day, I outline what I want to happen in the next chapter. That gives me a starting point for the next day's work. My outline is not a step by step, blow by blow, but more what I see as moving the story forward. The characters seem to take control once I begin writing and the chapter develops with their interactions. It's kind of like watching a movie unfold. Sometimes it takes a strange twist that I didn't expect. That's when it's fun.
So how do you go about writing your manuscripts? Do you outline any parts of it?
Curious minds want to know.
3 comments:
I'm terrible at planning and making a plot of anything. I usually just start off with a first chapter outline in my head, sit down, pan it out and have some vague idea of where the next chapter is going.
Then I'll jot down a few briefs ideas of where the story is going overall.
I'm not much of a planner.
Hi Scarlett. It's good that you look ahead to the next chapter. I think most people do tend to at least plan that far ahead. Although lots of authors actually do outline their entire novel first. That's always been a distraction to me. Makes me feel like I'm bound by rules. LOL!
"I write for the same reason I breathe - because if I didn't, I would die."Isaac Asimov
Love the attitude. Love the interview.
Tarah Scott
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