Writing Tip (No. 1001)
The Author Hard at Work
Do a full plan and a backup plan and a strategic directions plan.
Why? When things go awry, twist up into directions unknown, when characters stamp that foot and pout, when it works here and here but not there or there – you (writerly person) can step back and see what happened. Why did things go out of whack at that point? Ah, I see – I didn’t consider . . . Or, when the characters do the tanty, you look into their profile and interview and finally, finally, understand that she doesn’t like to be a wuss and she does like to swear and she doesn’t eat ‘that’ stuff – but really, she doesn’t like her name and it is inappropriate for this story.
And the big one, the saggy, bendy middle bit (this is the first time for me, usually it’s the end I delete, or the entire back 50% of the story). When this fails, there’s nothing for it – go back to the outline, see where the vagueness or misdirection or lack of understanding crept in – and FIX it. How? Well, I have this habit (bad or good or no meaning at all – just a habit), if I don’t like it by the end of the first (or second) draft – delete, delete, delete (versioning, of course, in case I decide to undelete, undelete, undelete at a later stage) and refocus on the direction that plays out in a more satisfying plump and play of words.
Have a plan, any old plan, so when the nasties come out to destroy the work, all it takes is to go back to that point, look with fresh eyes and new knowledge (’cause you’ve written more and know more now) of the world you’re working on, and restrategise. Have several plans, one that goes this way, one that goes that way. Consider it like a street directory – it can be in visual layout (hard copy) or digi-format (more usual these days) or a construct made up of obscure (or obtuse) or abstract angles and numbers and structures (three-D plans (think world building) or art pieces to imply meaning). Look at the plan and see if you can get where you need to be by following a different path, taking a less direct route (or more, depending on how you got to this place in the beginning), or even by being in a different locale altogether! Bit dramatic, that one, so consider carefully – the old adage ‘baby out with the bathwater’ comes to mind. Live in the world for a while, and see what it lacks – or if it doesn’t, why are you at this point? (Have no fear, you can continue from any point at any time because this is your world.)
But, whatever happens, if you want to save your sanity and continue writing, have a plan (or six) and be prepared for the plans to be flexible and malleable, and for the characters to come out and have their own way of viewing that plan, that structure – be prepared for the life that comes from the words that create worlds – and they will want to have their say (just like most people in ‘real’ communities want to have their say, and some of them louder than others) – and you need to listen and show them the plan you have for their path. Keep them satisfied and contributing to their world. That’s all it takes (great roars and wails of laughter and tears and ripping out of hair).
Yes, this all comes because I’m on a new project (The Third Moment) and finished the second draft – hey, guess what? I like the start, and I like the end – very much, in fact – but I don’t like the middle (50% again), so here goes: delete, delete, delete (post revisioning, of course).
Now, back to work – where’s that most recent plan I drew up?
