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Birth of a plot

[image error] I spent the last 2 days working some kinks out of a plot line and then charted the basic story. I use different colors for different character point of views and post-its so I can move scenes around.  And even looking at the storyboard now I can see I'm missing major hero POV moments in the climax of the book.  This isn't the finished version :) It's not only a 'work-in'progress' but the story tends to fill out as I go along (thank God).Funny but when DH gets home from work and asks me how I got on, I always feel guilty if I've been plotting and researching. I'm a goal oriented person so collecting thoughts and images seems like playtime rather than work, but I spent much of this year trying to work without this process (we were on the move so much and whiteboards/space for post-its was lacking) and feel like I failed big time on my own work goals.

I've yet to work out the exact progression of the romance, but I know my characters (finally) and even have some faces to pin on them.
[image error]
[image error] And I even have a location.
[image error] So--here goes. My aim is a first draft by Christmas. I also have to edit ICEBREAKER again after some expert feedback--really looking forward to that.  I have 2 other book ideas firmly shelved in storage.  One set in Scotland, the other in Canada.  I greatly appreciate the hero suggestions. 
Kids home. Must find earplugs and work.

Have a wonderful weekend. My only plans involve a rake, and not the thrilling variety.  What about you?
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Published on November 05, 2010 10:00
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message 1: by Susan (new)
Nov 11, 2010 09:49PM

Susan I'm curious. Is it common for writers to pick a real person as the face of their character? I always assumed that it was the writer's imagination completely, but I see that it could enable a writer to be more exacting in descriptions if picturing a real person. Regardless, I liked the ones you picked.

Also, where is the site of the "sea of mountains" picture? It looks awe-inspiring.


message 2: by Toni (new)
Nov 12, 2010 07:48AM

Toni Anderson Susan, I think all writers have their own process. I know many who use images and create collages to help them plunge into the story. For visual people it is a short cut way of throwing yourself into the story (I think :)). It doesn't mean the characters look exactly like that, but if the story were made into a movie, these guys could play the roles. Does that make sense?

That sea of mountains is the Hindu Kush brushing up against the Wakhan Corridor. A spit of Afghanistan, divided up so there was a buffer between Imperial Britain and Russia during the 'Great Game'. It was also part of the ancient Silk Road and the route Marco Polo took to China. Fascinating area.


message 3: by Susan (new)
Nov 12, 2010 08:39PM

Susan Yes, it does make sense. Thanks, Toni.


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