Kayla James
asked
Julia Buckley:
I read in an interview that you don't outline. I am an aspiring writer. How do you write your mysteries this way? I know you don't always get notifications. I hope you see this soon but if you don't, I understand. I love Gothic stories by the way. I can't wait to read the first Writer Apprentice mystery.
Julia Buckley
Dear Kayla,
It is true that I tend to be more of a "pantser" than a "plotter." But I do have to submit detailed synopses to my publisher in order to have a proposal accepted, so even if I sometimes want to go into a story knowing just the basics and then construct as I go along, I have also sat down and plotted out a whole book, as well. I will admit, though, that even if I turn in a detailed synopsis, I do not always follow that synopsis. For me (and every writer is different) much of what feels authentic in my writing comes out in the moment of creation. I've even had characters pop up out of nowhere because I had a sudden idea that took a plot in a different direction. These digressions tend to have been some of my best ideas, which is why I do believe in the magic of going with the writing flow.
There is no one way to write, and I've tried a variety of things--first vs third person, past vs present tense, outline vs surprise myself as I go. The best type of writing for you is whatever feels the most authentic to you.
You can always try to begin something in two ways. First, just take a basic premise and sort of free-write an intro paragraph or a first chapter. Next, take a different premise and outline a whole idea, THEN write an intro. Which felt more natural? Which elicited the best writing?
Let me know if this is hoelpful.
Happy New Year!
Julia
It is true that I tend to be more of a "pantser" than a "plotter." But I do have to submit detailed synopses to my publisher in order to have a proposal accepted, so even if I sometimes want to go into a story knowing just the basics and then construct as I go along, I have also sat down and plotted out a whole book, as well. I will admit, though, that even if I turn in a detailed synopsis, I do not always follow that synopsis. For me (and every writer is different) much of what feels authentic in my writing comes out in the moment of creation. I've even had characters pop up out of nowhere because I had a sudden idea that took a plot in a different direction. These digressions tend to have been some of my best ideas, which is why I do believe in the magic of going with the writing flow.
There is no one way to write, and I've tried a variety of things--first vs third person, past vs present tense, outline vs surprise myself as I go. The best type of writing for you is whatever feels the most authentic to you.
You can always try to begin something in two ways. First, just take a basic premise and sort of free-write an intro paragraph or a first chapter. Next, take a different premise and outline a whole idea, THEN write an intro. Which felt more natural? Which elicited the best writing?
Let me know if this is hoelpful.
Happy New Year!
Julia
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Jan 05, 2024 02:29PM · flag