Question for Other Authors

[Jim]

My fifth novel was somewhat of an anomaly in that it didn't end the way I thought it would. Not even remotely. I know that this sounds kinda weird, but has anyone else ever had this happen to them? Where the characters begin telling you what they want to do? Where your story ends up being their story instead?

[Loretta]

My characters allow me to choose my endings but they constantly surprise me with what they decide to get up to between the start and close.

[J.N.]

I would say that's true at many levels.

When you write, sometimes inspiration takes a sudden turn.

When you edit, you might change things here or there, and switch an ending from dark to light, bleak to uplifting, or sad to joyful.

Beta readers will give you feedback, like xyz was *****, and then you might change it.

Until it's published, the tale is fluid.

[S.U.]

Oh yes, absolutely. I think it's great when that happens because it means that the character has found his/her own voice and you, as a writer, have done a good job of developing the character.

[James]

When your character chooses the ending, put the manuscript away for a bit. Then come back and read it as objectively as possible to be sure it is truly the ending the rest of the story deserves.

[Alicia]

Loretta wrote: "My characters allow me to choose my endings but they constantly surprise me with what they decide to get up to between the start and close."

I'm an extreme plotter - everything laid out from beginning to the end of the trilogy as to what happens; then the characters tell me how it happens. We're all happy.

[[deleted user]]

It often happened to me to plan in advance for a certain general outcome, only to be struck with new ideas mid-way that will make me change drastically the final outcome. It most often happens when I get to a point in my story where two different ways to handle a situation present themselves, but with each way heading towards a totally different story ending. Then, I let my subconscious decide which way to go (very often not the most obvious ending).

[Theresa]

Jim wrote: "My fifth novel was somewhat of an anomaly in that it didn't end the way I thought it would. Not even remotely. I know that this sounds kinda weird, but has anyone else ever had this happen to them?..."

Yes, that happened at the end of the 2nd book. My main character did something I wouldn't have expected, but in the end, the overall story line of the series was stronger for it.

[T.J.]

I view writing a lot like playing "connect-the-dots". I set up a general idea on how things will go forward, but sometimes I really have no idea how to connect two specific dots because I don't necessarily plan in that much depth. Then, when I'm inspired and manage to fill in that section, sometimes things happen that take me by surprise and I have to revamp my plotlines to account for it. For example, there was a throw-away character in my first book Rescue at Waverly who was destined to die, but it didn't happen and this character ends up getting promoted into a second main character as the series progresses.

Lots of situations like that in my backlog of unfinished works. I see some detail I wrote, and it may even have been a filler that had nothing to do with anything, and then I think "Oh, that's interesting, maybe I should turn it into a subplot or use it as a seed in a later book." Stuff happens, almost of its own accord, because I'm more of an intuitive thinker than a planned-out thinker. And sometimes its a challenge to keep it all wrangled within the boundaries of my original storyline.

[Jamie]

I plotted a novel before attempting to write it and it completely ruined the experience of writing it. I struggled to feel creative as it was a join the dots effort. My current novel I had a vague idea of it before starting and just let my characters become what they wanted to be. It has been much more fulfilling.

[Justin]

Hmm I can't say it has but I think it's interesting that even you were surprised by how your book ended. I usually have my book ending in mind and if I feel I want to change it I ask why and wonder if it's truly a better idea then what I originally came up with.

[Tess]

How do you choose a characters name?

[Pamela]

I choose mine by names that I think fit the characters as well as names that I like. I write women's fiction/contemporary romance and children's books so it's not like historical or futuristic books where the names are paramount, although I still think that it is an important consideration.

[Margaret]

Alicia wrote: "Loretta wrote: "My characters allow me to choose my endings but they constantly surprise me with what they decide to get up to between the start and close."

I'm an extreme plotter - everything lai..."

I admire your ability to do that. I had been at my sequel for nine months before I could write a page of motivations for each character. I started with a vague idea of what I thought should happen but I think I had to get to know the new characters. Once I did, I was right.

The sequel is actually of another book coming out next year, not my first.
His Most Italian City

[Ross]

Hi there, Tess!

First of all, it would be imperative for you to decide if your character is human, animal, alien, or some other fantasy species. Then, if you're truly stuck and can't come up with any names which you think are worthy of your character's legacy, why not visit: fantasynamegenerators.com/ ? It has a huge host of many different name generators! And with it, you can copy/paste any words from it into a writing document...Good luck! Getting ideas from dreams while you sleep also works.

[J.P.]

"Nothing is more clear than that every plot, worth the name, must be elaborated to its dénouement before any thing be attempted with the pen." Edgar Allen Poe, The Philosophy of Composition.

I like this method a lot. So for all of my stories, I take the seed of my idea and develop its conclusion first. Then I outline, moving backwards through the story as often as I move forward.

[Mike]

I want to use a real rock group in my novel. The duo I have in mind are not very famous, and are only minor characters in 2 very short scenes. I am not using any of their lyrics, just their first names and the name of their band. Is that permissible? It's not worth the hassle to me to get permission from them, I can easily change the name of the band. But my first choice is to use their actual name. Any suggestions?

[Alina]

I'd just ask them if there is a way for you to contact them. Why isn't it worth the hassle? Unless they aren't on social media or don't respond to your messages, I don't see a reason at least not to try first.

[Ali]

My first book plotted out like I expected. The second book in the series, my main character took my ending in a slightly different direction. In book three, she did it again. Now that she has an incredibly well developed character (you see her grow through all three books), she sometimes makes surprising but in character decisions that make me smile and scratch my head. Teenagers! She regularly adds to my stories now by discovering new things in the middle, too...

[Jane]

Tess wrote: "How do you choose a characters name?"

My published book takes place in ancient Mediterranean type setting, somI found Italian names on the web. Current WIP is based (loosely) on an Indonesian type setting so have found Indonesian name son the web.

[Jane]

I usually plot out the basic structure of the book and a rough ending. As I feel my way in more detail emerges and I may then more carefully plot out the next chapter or two. But it always has room for change, it never feels constraining. But, no, I think my characters do what I expect for their personalities. Mostly.

[Pat]

Help me with this research question, please, if you can. I am looking for a photo or description of the uniforms Catholic orphans wore in the 1930s. This is for my new novel based on my mother's experiences as an orphan in Pueblo, Colorado. The book is titled Hang a Millstone Around his neck. Many thanks! Pat

Story of a Stolen Girl

[Jim]

The vast majority of public libraries dedicate entire sections to books and periodical articles written by authors, editors, publishers, and agents who have already achieved notable commercial success within their extremely competitive field. 99.9% of questions posed by novice writers will find a detailed answer within one of these books and articles.

The odds against anyone achieving notable success within this extremely competitive field may seem insurmountable. That said; some have. There is no reason why someone willing to expend the time, energy, research, and required resources might not become one of those rare success stories. I sincerely hope that you may eventually become one of those who do.

[Annais]

What do you do when you are unmotivated to write and feel like your wiring is not that good?

[Christine]

A.D wrote: "What do you do when you are unmotivated to write and feel like your wiring is not that good?"
I just watch YouTube for “inspiration.” 😏

[Jim]

A.D wrote: "What do you do when you are unmotivated to write and feel like your wiring is not that good?"

Inspiration, motivation, and dedication - all three - are absolute requirements for achieving notable success within any undertaking.

The uninspired cannot inspire others. the unmotivated have no incentive to do anything worthwhile, and an unwillingness to dedicate one's total abilities and capabilities to a project is to invite failure.

Inspiration comes uninvited and at the most unexpected time. If there is nothing to motivate one to do whatever is necessary, one will eventually give up. If one is unwilling to dedicate everything necessary to succeed, one cannot succeed.

If inspired to write, do it. Find and strive for whatever motivates you to write, and then do whatever is necessary to reward that inspiration and dedication. I hope you do.

[Gail]

A.D. in answer to your question....write anyway, especially then, when unmotivated and feeling insecure about your writing. That's when you may write your best then look at your work and say, 'hey, that's not bad!":) Isn't writing in itself an emotion? Why not use your emotions TO write.

[V.M.]

Jim wrote: "My fifth novel was somewhat of an anomaly in that it didn't end the way I thought it would. Not even remotely. I know that this sounds kinda weird, but has anyone else ever had this happen to them?..."

All the time! At first I thought I was a bit odd when it happened to me, but apparently it happens all the time to authors.
The first time for me was in a fantasy novel. The young boy thief suddenly anounced he wasn't a boy, but a girl.

[Shanna]

I listen to what's on the minds of others and off and that's all the inspiration I need! Just in listening to 2 different people today with everyday concerns about life It gave me the spark to write to short stories. I would just say keep an open mind

[Shanna]

Sorry I just came back to edit my typos but see there is no way I can. Meant to say I wrote two short stories.

[Melissa]

This happens to me all the time! I think it's the reason why I end up only plotting half of my book. The ending typically stays somewhat the same, but while I know the general scenes, as I'm writing the characters definitely shape the story of their own accord. I always feel like my characters have real experiences, and are just allowing me to share their story.