Terrific comment from a writer I work with — she thinks like in fireworks with ideas going off in all different directions. No wonder she has difficulty pinning down her story. It’s as if in every writing session she embarks on yet another story. Yet, it’s obvious that her themes remain consistent throughout. Based on that we begin our work.
For her, the process is not about generating scenes. For this writer, her process involves analyzing what she does have. We begin with key scenes at energetic markers:Â
- The End of the Beginning
- The Halfway Point
- The Crisis
- The Climax
Since she has revealed to me all the defining traits of a classically right-hemisphere dominate writer, such a task of analyzation brings up all sorts of resistance from her.Â
As we work our way through the maze, her next toughest assignment is to hone in on her story and begin to commit to one route over another. She searches for assurances that the process will lead her to a publishable book in the end, which is impossible to determine until she reaches the end of the process and finds out what her story truly is all about. So, rather than commit, she continues to flit from one idea to another.Â
No amount of reassurances from me or anyone else about believing in and relying on the beauty of her writing brings her peace. Such a belief has to originate from inside herself. Something in her back-story seems to be preventing this. And, just like with the protagonist, as this writer writes her story, she also embarks on a personal, emotional and spiritual journey to determine how her back-story negatively affects her front story and writing life.
No wonder writing a story from the beginning all the way through to the end can take so long and become so difficult.
Even so, and setting aside her dream of publication, I still believe to my core that the process of writing and the self-discovery writing brings us are worth the time and effort. Always…Â
How does your back-story negatively and positively affect your front story and writing life?
Click on green highlighted plot concepts for further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information.
To watch the entire Plot Series: How Do I Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay?Âgo to my YouTube channel. Currently, there are 26 Steps — only one more to go. A directory of all the steps is to the right of this post. Enjoy!
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I am very similar to this writer you speak of. I ended up writing 5 different scenarios for one scene in my Nano book. I am having such a hard time. Thanks for that bit of a wake up call. I have been watching your videos, a few every day and then trying to think logically about how to apply MY story to them.
Hmm I think that my inner critic is my worst obstacle. You aren't good enough. You flit from thing to thing. Master of nothing. WHo would every read this steaming pile of…. You quit everything you begin.
HEY NO I don't!
Thanks for sharing your experience with this writer. I can relate to the "fireworks" problem (and "fireworks" describes it very well). What do you mean by "key scenes at energetic markers"?
I also can relate to this writer. I have been floundering with my current story and I can't figure out if it is because I'm being overly critical of myself and the story (I am the queen of Negative self talk unfortunately) or if the story is truly not unique enough and I need to not waste anymore time on it.
When you can't peg things down (the firework syndrome you describe) and you have a history of being overly negative with yourself, how do you know when you need to keep moving forward versus it really is not the right story to pursue?
Back to watching your Plot videos (thank you for those!)
Glad to see you standing up for yourself, Jennivie!
The negative mind only has power when you give yourself over to those thoughts. I know it sounds simplistic but whenever you hear those negative thoughts about your writing, turn instantly to giving yourself a constant stream of positive self-talk like you're feeling secure and at ease.
You're in concert with the muse and whatever you believe is the creative source has chosen you and will not let you down.
It's up to you to listen to your higher self. Do not give yourself over to the dark side!
I know, it's easier said than done but merely the attempt is enough for now…
Molten, the easiest way for me to tell you about the energetic markers is to send you to another post and give the url for the step in the video series that addresses the missing markers:
http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/2011/01/three-key-scenes.html
and
http://www.youtube.com/user/marthaalderson#p/u/7/XfRjGNQHWBI
Hope that helps!
Shannon, I am a firm believer that the process of writing is an act of discovery and is always worth the time and attention to write to the end.
I don't believe in giving up on a story. Ever…
I have a corny belief that every story is longing to manifest and, having chosen you, believes you are the one to bring that fragment of a dream, that wisp of inspiration to the page.
You are unique, thus any story you write will be unique as well.
Believe in yourself and your story and the one who hounds your dreams and calls you to write…
Thank you for your feedback and thoughts. I felt some of my tension float away when I read this. I like assuming the story will be unique if I just trust in myself and the story.
Your belief doesn't seem corny to me.
Best wishes.
Your words, Shannon, both for yourself and for me, felt like a sweet caress.
Plot Wh says: I don't believe in giving up on a story. Ever…
I agree–but I think writers often commit to the wrong shape for a story, and find themselves unable to untangle themselves from that shape, whether or not it's where the story wants to go. That's where the kind of thinking that Martha advocates comes in: thinking about character and action and what that means to the theme. The things I think of as giving momentum to story.
Three years ago I bounced from character to character in my new wip. I fired in all directions. Slowly I learned to tame the fuse, and am learning to control my direction of fire.
I envy those who plot and plan to perfection. My mind tries but fails after a day or so.
Hi Uma, how fun to hear from you! Thank you for your kind and generous comments.
Hope you are well and your writing and teaching flowing…
fondly,
martha
Glynis, you are so far ahead of the game in knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and using strategies to compensate for the weaknesses and shine in your strengths.
Congratulations!
Molten, I added links for the energetic markers in the post in honor of you!
Great post. Thanks!