My first attempt at a novel was derailed by my insistence that all the characters follow my stupid plan. I completely pantsed my second, just published novel. I'm early in my third project and have split the difference: I have a fully articulated plan, but my characters are allowed to tell me to piss off as they see fit.
Nice piece! So true. I tell people who have this problem the solution is to read. Read, read, read. (This is the solution to many problems.) Of course I have the opposite problem. I think John Irvine wrote a book about it, a writer with the opposite problem, but I cannot remember the title.
I still get annoyed at writer's block, but I've learned that it means I've taken a wrong turn somewhere, whether it's with characterization or plot. Once I learn where the issue is and change it, my writing usually starts to flow again. The only writer's block I can't seem to fix is when I'm just plain distracted by something else.
My first attempt at a novel was derailed by my insistence that all the characters follow my stupid plan. I completely pantsed my second, just published novel. I'm early in my third project and have split the difference: I have a fully articulated plan, but my characters are allowed to tell me to piss off as they see fit.
Yes, sometimes it's hand to hand combat with your own characters!
Nice piece! So true. I tell people who have this problem the solution is to read. Read, read, read. (This is the solution to many problems.) Of course I have the opposite problem. I think John Irvine wrote a book about it, a writer with the opposite problem, but I cannot remember the title.
When you remember the title let us know!
I still get annoyed at writer's block, but I've learned that it means I've taken a wrong turn somewhere, whether it's with characterization or plot. Once I learn where the issue is and change it, my writing usually starts to flow again. The only writer's block I can't seem to fix is when I'm just plain distracted by something else.
You'll have to turn off those soap operas, Nick.
But I need my stories!
Grinning Literary Agent Emoji