I definitely do not do much in the way of outlining because that is the way that I tend to work… My characters tend to drive the plot on their own, and I just give them certain signposts along the way because there is something that I want to happen.
It’s funny that this list is such a mixture of things which are absolutely mistakes (#5 — everybody should read, widely, including in genre*), and things which are really a matter of individual preference (#6 — Ernest Hemingway: pretty good writer, moderately successful, won a prize or two, didn’t outline).
The one I really wonder about is #3. When writers do write something different (and different is sometimes wonderful), is it because they’re setting out to do that, or is it because they’re really trying to be normal and they’re just not that good at “normal”?
* I’ve known a lot of musicians, and pretty much all of them listened to much wider range of music than you’d ever expect based on what music they played.
I would definitely take this list with a ‘pinch of salt’ and agree there are things on it that are in no way impediments to success. But if you are new, and have never written a book, a little bit of planning certainly won’t hurt 😉 Ok maybe a little mental anguish on my part when I do make myself plan, but it does help.
Thanks for this. I have to admit I am a bit overwhelmed with so many texts on the mistakes we make. There must be someone who does things well;)!?
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In my humble opinion, if you are passionate about writing, and you are trying, it’s all just part of the learning. 🙂
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I definitely do not do much in the way of outlining because that is the way that I tend to work… My characters tend to drive the plot on their own, and I just give them certain signposts along the way because there is something that I want to happen.
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I have got better at planning (I’m a big scrivener fan and this has helped me a lot), but confess, I also just like to write 😉
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My Scrivener gives a plan, but my characters do keep adding chapters along the way!
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They are the best chapters Angie! Love it when they just thrown one at you as a little bonus 😉
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Thanks for the reblog Chris 🙂
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Welcome Georgina – There are comments about it under my re-blog 😀
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It’s funny that this list is such a mixture of things which are absolutely mistakes (#5 — everybody should read, widely, including in genre*), and things which are really a matter of individual preference (#6 — Ernest Hemingway: pretty good writer, moderately successful, won a prize or two, didn’t outline).
The one I really wonder about is #3. When writers do write something different (and different is sometimes wonderful), is it because they’re setting out to do that, or is it because they’re really trying to be normal and they’re just not that good at “normal”?
* I’ve known a lot of musicians, and pretty much all of them listened to much wider range of music than you’d ever expect based on what music they played.
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I would definitely take this list with a ‘pinch of salt’ and agree there are things on it that are in no way impediments to success. But if you are new, and have never written a book, a little bit of planning certainly won’t hurt 😉 Ok maybe a little mental anguish on my part when I do make myself plan, but it does help.
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#6 …. outlines work for me when I’m writing non-fiction (tech manuals, etc.) they do NOT work for me when writing emotion-based fiction.
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Reblogged this on Kentucky Mountain Girl News.
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Thanks for the reblog 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Reblogged this on American Writers Exposed and commented:
Love the list!
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Thanks for reblog 🙂
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Absolutely! Thank You!
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Thanks for reblog 🙂
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Reblogged this on Opher's World and commented:
good advice
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Thanks for the reblog 🙂
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great advice – opher from Opher’s World
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Great advice! I figure it’s a learning process…
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Words to live by.
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Reblogged this on EM Biddulph.
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Thanks for reblog 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this helpful information Georgina and for following my blog.. 🙂
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Welcome Suzanne 🙂
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