Julia Cameron makes writing sound so easy. \u00a0That’s because, she’s a pantser.<\/p>\n
This is an ongoing argument in the writing community. \u00a0Should I plot or should I write?<\/p>\n
I wrote Grimaulkin 1 Version 1 in a month. \u00a0I had an idea of what I was writing from (a Grim much older and wiser, admonishing the reader of the follies of power). \u00a0My idea was that the following things would happen:<\/p>\n
He’d find out he was gay<\/p>\n
He’d get a boyfriend<\/p>\n
He’d go to the Academy<\/p>\n
His boyfriend would break up with him<\/p>\n
He’d get angry and do a deal with a demoness<\/p>\n
Who would burn him and mark him as his own<\/p>\n
He would get great power<\/p>\n
Others would be afraid\/jealous of him<\/p>\n
He’d escape the Academy<\/p>\n
He’d find someone new<\/p>\n
He’d return to the Academy with this new man<\/p>\n
He’d take over the Academy<\/p>\n
He would bring magic to the masses.<\/p>\n
The end.<\/p>\n
I realize now, writing this plotline, that the whole Salem excursion (Grim 2) is worthless. \u00a0Well, not worthless – it was making the point about power and being responsible. \u00a0But most of it has nothing to do with this plotline.<\/p>\n
I need to work on Grim 3. \u00a0I tried to plot it, but here’s the problem with plotting with me: \u00a0I write to hear the story. \u00a0If I plot it out, then I’ve told myself the story, so that’s it. \u00a0But the good thing about plotting is I can change my mind when I do write it (and often do).<\/p>\n
So what’s best for me?<\/p>\n
PANTSING.<\/p>\n
I don’t care what the rest of the writing world says. \u00a0They’re talking about getting things done FAST. \u00a0“How to get your novel done in 30 days\/90 days\/1 year\/overnight” is like that.<\/p>\n
I think I have time.<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0Harry 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.<\/p>\n
I’m thinking of writing for Samhain (A gay small press) using the Tamerlane stories.<\/p>\n
Speaking of which, I need to write his novel. \u00a0Hm, who should I emulate? \u00a0Jim Butcher\/Harry Dresden? \u00a0Alex Venus? \u00a0Drood?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Julia Cameron makes writing sound so easy. \u00a0That’s because, she’s a pantser. This is an ongoing argument in the writing community. \u00a0Should I plot or should I write? I wrote Grimaulkin 1 Version 1 in a month. \u00a0I had an … Continue reading