Recently, I started writing a new novel.
It’s still early days, but the process reminded me how difficult it can be when you first begin a project.
Although this will potentially become my third novel, there have been several years between each, so I’ve never really developed a process. Instead I try to feel my way into the story. It can take me months, even years to really get going.
The theory goes that there are two types of writers: the plotters and the pantsers.
The plotters like to plan out their work in advance, while the pantsers prefer to see where the story takes them.
I fall somewhere in the middle. I like to make some plans, because it gives me an idea of how to proceed when I’ve having trouble. But I don’t have the patience to plan in depth: I’d rather get started and write as much as I can. It feels a bit of a waste to spend too much time on planning, when I could be writing.
It feels like procrastination.
This manuscript has been a challenge so far.
I’ve scrapped it once and started over, because it wasn’t working for me.
Whenever I describe it to people, the outline is clear and comprehensive. But sit down to write and the plot feels thin. I’m not sure how to move between scenes or what needs to happen next.
Perhaps this will become a literary novel, where the focus is on characters instead of plot. We’ll see what happens.
I’ll keep writing and see where it takes me.
Sammy says
My problem every time!