Comments on: Instinctive vs methodical

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:34:48 +0000

Interesting, Zoe. I think I naturally shy away from formally trying to define my process because I don’t want to get stuck in a rut with it. I do do some things deliberately, and after 5 books I know where I usually hit problems, and how to avoid making the same mistake again, but in general, I like to think each time I write, I do it better, rather than the same way.

But I know plenty of writers who feel the same way as you. That the more you know about the process, the better you can make it. Which is the same destination as me, just a different route.

By: Zoe Winters

Zoe Winters — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:35:38 +0000

It’s much like throwing crap on a wall and seeing what sticks.

It’s pretty much trial and error. I’m pretty analytical (often too much so for my own good, which causes me problems) and so it’s important to me to be able to figure out how I do something or why I do it.

I was working on my novel writing methodology back when I was 12. I had this book: “Guide to Fiction Writing” by Phyllis A. Whitney. It was my bible until I figured out there were other methods of skinning a cat.

I think the only way to figure it out is to pick a method, try it, and see if it works for you. I’ve tried several different methods and what ends up happening is, parts of a method work and other parts don’t for me. So I take what works, discard what doesn’t and hope to get more clear on my method the next time around.

i think seeing it as “magic” is very romantic, but I guess I have this view that you have to know how the magic works or else it’s dwindles to superstition. It’s too hit or miss for me.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:40:20 +0000

LOL, Zoe, I wondered where all the (many) writers who like to know the methodology of their process were. How do you go about pinning it down? I’d be interested to hear how you define it.

By: Zoe Winters

Zoe Winters — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:05:32 +0000

Magic only works consistently if you know how it works. Stumbling upon it each time doesn’t sound like fun to me.

By: LaDonna

LaDonna — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:42:24 +0000

Okay, raising hand here about Karin’s great line! And Michelle, I love your take on Maass, Vogler, and Margie too. Now, that appeals to me also.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:38:01 +0000

I like that expression, too, Karin . I think anything that is prescriptive probably isn’t for me, but Vogler and Maass are more along the lines of what Margie Lawson offers. A way of shaking things up, in your own way, rather than a checklist.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:35:58 +0000

Liz, I’ve read books that aren’t really How To, but do give suggestions not on style, but on elements to consider. Like Donald Maass and Chris Vogler. I wouldn’t describe either of their books as How Tos, but I don’t write with them at my elbow, either. They are more general works on the big picture.

I agree that the journey is so individual, it would be hard to follow someone else’s method and have it work.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:32:59 +0000

Jan, it sounds like the way you do it works for you. And anything that terrifies should usually be avoided .

By: Karin Tabke

Karin Tabke — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:29:28 +0000

I have my moments, Liz.

By: Liz Kreger

Liz Kreger — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:14:53 +0000

Oooo, I like that analogy, Karin. “Writing from the inside out.” Good one.