I'm currently writing the second novel in my series, 'Deceive Me in Ireland' and to avoid all the hassles and rewrites this time, I decided to plot. And you know what? I groaned and moaned the whole time, pulling my hair out over how I would get from A to B and what conflict to have. But, it all came together.
I started out by plotting the first few chapters. Then plotted the coming ones. Then a few more on top of that and as my characters grew so did the story in my head. By the time I hit the 50k mark, I knew exactly where I was going. I was no longer driving around with the headlight off and yet, I was still surpising myself.
Every now and then, I would have a pantser moment. A new twist, a new solution, a new chapter. The plotter and pantser in me are finally working together. It's like having a few kangaroos jump out in front of you. And of course, you never swerve.
I'm now plotting my next novel, a rural romance set entirely in Australia. I'm going to miss my Irishmen, but I'm excited about the prospects of a new challenge.
I have decided to still to my plotter ways and I'm still expecting a few roos. But there really are benefits in plotting.
For one, you save time. There no getting stuck at a crossroads or finding yourself down a deadend street.
Secondly, you get there faster, because as I found, I knew where I was going. There was no hesitation and yet there was still the same excitement you feel watching it all unfold.
And lastly, there's no turning back a hundred times just to get it right. I know the things I struggle with and so I plot them. I run my directions past the locals (my CP's) and then after a few quick alterations, I'm off on my way.
So tell me, are you a plotter or a pantser?
You sound like me. I wrote a couple of novels before bounding (kangaroo analogy!)into the Aussie rural genre - finding success there with A House For All Seasons. So give it your all. Oh and I also tried a sorta plotting! I deconstructed a fave novel (as recommended at conf in 2010). Worked a treat for book 2 - The Simmering Season.
ReplyDeleteHahah love the analogy. Thanks Jenn. I will :) It really is a matter of trial and error. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by and can't wait till your release!
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Hi Whitney,
ReplyDeleteI have a rough plot at the moment for an oncoming book. As it involves a little bit of history, it's needs to be right.
(It's my hubbys idea for the story. As he says, he comes up with the ideas and what he wants to happen and then I have to write it. It would be nice if he stuck to one plot though. So far, he's brought up 3.)
Oh, and I definitely swerve out the way of roos, they leave to big a dent in the bonnet.
haha, sounds like you need a bull bar lol. No, I don't like hitting roos either. I ment in more in a metaphorical way off going with your pantser moments.
DeleteWow, tuff job there Jenny.
Good Luck,
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Whitney, that's a great blog post. I know exactly what you're talking about. It's where I am now with book two of my small town series. (I took book one off the fave shelf too, Jenn J McLoed - and rebuilt it! Maybe your skill will rub off on me - here's hoping). With book two, I'm plotting ahead but relying on pantser style to fill the pages. Haven't encountered any roos yet - but I could possibly fit one in ... Good luck with your new challenge Whitney, but do keep a fire lit beneath the feet of those Irish boys you write about won't you?
ReplyDeleteHaha, I will lol. I just consider my new rural a trip back home for a few months and then off to Ireland I am again!
DeleteHaha, you'll get some kangaroos when you least expect it. That's how it always happens. :)
Good luck, Jennie!
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Whitney, I am definitely a plotter (must be the Capricorn in me) but I do enjoy the odd pantser moment. I guess the best is to be a plotser!
ReplyDeleteHaha, theres the word I was looking for. Thanks for stopping by Coleen!
DeleteW