Julia Cameron makes writing sound so easy. That’s because, she’s a pantser.
This is an ongoing argument in the writing community. Should I plot or should I write?
I wrote Grimaulkin 1 Version 1 in a month. I had an idea of what I was writing from (a Grim much older and wiser, admonishing the reader of the follies of power). My idea was that the following things would happen:
He’d find out he was gay
He’d get a boyfriend
He’d go to the Academy
His boyfriend would break up with him
He’d get angry and do a deal with a demoness
Who would burn him and mark him as his own
He would get great power
Others would be afraid/jealous of him
He’d escape the Academy
He’d find someone new
He’d return to the Academy with this new man
He’d take over the Academy
He would bring magic to the masses.
The end.
I realize now, writing this plotline, that the whole Salem excursion (Grim 2) is worthless. Well, not worthless – it was making the point about power and being responsible. But most of it has nothing to do with this plotline.
I need to work on Grim 3. I tried to plot it, but here’s the problem with plotting with me: I write to hear the story. If I plot it out, then I’ve told myself the story, so that’s it. But the good thing about plotting is I can change my mind when I do write it (and often do).
So what’s best for me?
PANTSING.
I don’t care what the rest of the writing world says. They’re talking about getting things done FAST. “How to get your novel done in 30 days/90 days/1 year/overnight” is like that.
I think I have time.
The YA market (Grim might be going to that market, I’m not sure) is not going to go away any time soon, and the paranormal is going to be around for a long time. Harry Potter-copy books – which is what I’m pushing Grim to be (“An anti-hero Harry Potter who’s gay”) will remain a big thing.
I’m thinking of writing for Samhain (A gay small press) using the Tamerlane stories.
Speaking of which, I need to write his novel. Hm, who should I emulate? Jim Butcher/Harry Dresden? Alex Venus? Drood?