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The Kentucky Derby this past weekend had me thinking about riding and writing.
In
the world of writing, there are those that plan and outline before the first
draft and those that dive head first into the first version of a story. These days, I figure out my story ideas and get to know my characters as I outline plots before hacking out the first
drafts. But whether a writer outlines and plans, or dives into a story, there are times when that story runs away with a writer.
This is a lot like having a horse take a bit between its teeth and gallop off
into oblivion with the writer on its back.
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| Photo credit: This lovely photo is by jade at www.morguefile.com |
Sure, wild
rides can be scary, but they can also be exhilarating. Runaway writing can offer new insights
and revelations. A writer, like a rider on a rebellious horse, could end up in
a better place if the writer doesn't fight to reign in or pull up the runaway.
When
my writing takes off on me, I remind myself that writing an outline doesn’t
mean I can’t or won’t change it. The subconscious often knows best and sometimes
takes the bit. Keeping an open mind and not being shackled to an outline or any
preplanning can lead to a tangent that might be just a wild ride, or might
also lead to a much better story. Why not drop the reigns and find out?
Have
you had stories take off on you? If so, what have you learned from these wild rides? If you outline or prep, do you reign in a story that takes off or scrap the pre-planning and enjoy the ride?
It doesn't happen to me very often, but when it does - it's great! I let the words take over! I think - what the hey - I'll edit later! Sometimes when I do edit, the wild idea will read just awful but I'd love it anyway for giving me that initial feeling of total amazement when this wild thang took off! Hope I make sense! Take care
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You make perfect sense, Old Kitty. And I know what you mean about how the wild ride idea can look in the revision stages--a little scary.
DeleteI tried NaNoWriMo once and that was a kind of wild ride, hell-bent to reach the finish line. :) I do love when a story leaves me breathless as it leaps forward.
ReplyDeleteI've heard NaNo can be a month long wild ride, Tricia. This is intimidating! : )
DeleteI'm a plotter, especially when my writing is running away with me. I see a story from beginning to end, and have to get it out fast. That doesn't mean I'm inflexible. I just need to get it on paper before I start a draft. Knowing the ending helps me write the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI get this, Emily. The day I get my story down into a first draft is a very good day (no matter how ugly that draft is).
DeleteLove this analogy ... I plot a little, just skeleton stuff. And you make a good point to be flexible - we can change as we go :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tess! It's interesting to me how different writers do different amounts of prep work, if any at all.
DeleteGreat post, Cynthia, and yes I've been taken on some wild rides before, both literally and figuratively. Most of my stories end up being character driven, and even though I might think I know where they're going, the characters sometimes end up doing totally different things than I expected. And I usually let them :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! It's a post especially suited for horse lovers. : )
DeleteI've had this happen on occasion. Lots of fun because I don't outline, and where the story goes is anyone's guess.
ReplyDeleteI imagine it's a lot easier to let the ride happen when there's no outline, Anne. Thanks!
ReplyDeletei don't really do any pre-planning--although i am not published or seeking it----but as i have probably said before, here--i am more of an inspiration writer--interesting subject!
ReplyDeleteThanks! As long as you enjoy the process, it's all good, right, Lynn? ; )
DeleteI always know my ending -- but I don't always know how I'm going to get there. And how I get there sometimes changes my ending. A wild ride, yes.
ReplyDeleteI envy you knowing the ending right away, even if it changes!
DeleteSometimes my heroine takes an unexpected turn somewhere that I didn't plan. She winds up doing something or saying something that I didn't expect. It's always great fun when it happens.
ReplyDeleteGreat example, Loree.
DeleteIt must be something in the air, as I'm planning on this very topic for Friday....
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike, JeffO? : )
DeleteI use my outline as a way to make sure I have the proper plot points, and hero's journey. Beyond that, I try to allow my writing to be spontaneous. Sometimes my best writing is when a "happy accident" occurs!
ReplyDeleteAh, that's so true, Victoria. Maybe that explains the "happy" in "happy accident."
ReplyDeleteRunaway writing. I like that image. I think that's what I did for NaNo, and you're right. It can be exhilarating. Now, in the edit, I'm going through the painful part. lol
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Donna, all wild ride have their paybacks--in the revisions. ; )
DeleteThat's what makes storytelling enjoyable for me, the fact that writing can go in uncharted direction. Over time, I've found that it's better if I think about what I want to do, rather than going where the story takes me. It doesn't stifle my creativity, rather it keeps me going down my chosen path.
ReplyDeleteGood point, J.L. I've been on wild rides that have led to dead ends--and that's not much fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm a plotter too, but I leave room for some fun wild rides. Usually they are fruitful. :) That wiggle room for creativity is a must! (to me)
ReplyDeleteI need that wiggle room, too, Carol.
DeleteGreat analogy. And I'm not just saying that because of my Kentucky roots. I love those days when you are so lost in the story that hours go by and you don't notice. It feels like you're riding Pegasus.
ReplyDeleteRiding Pegasus. . . Now that's a great analogy, Leslie!
DeleteUsually when the ride is out of control, I have to reel it in because it's not going in a good place. I like more control!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting, Lydia. And I get it. As I wrote in another comment, I've been on wild rides that have led me into dead ends. So. . .
ReplyDeleteIt's so exciting when a story takes off and runs.It doesn't often go from start to finish, but I have had it happen where I'm almost at the end of the first draft before it slows or runs out of steam. All I need is the perfect ending. I often get that in the rewrite.
ReplyDeleteLoved this comparison.
Almost a whole draft? I'm envious. : )
DeleteI'm a planner, but that doesn't mean I don't loosen the reins every now and then. It's my characters who tend to nudge me in other directions. It's got so bad with my current wip, I had to duct tape one secondary character's mouth shut. I think he's hoping for a sequel so he can get more ms time. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL, Stina. Duct tape for chatty characters. I love it!
DeleteCouldn't agree more!! And what an exhilarating ride it is when that happens. Best feeling in the world. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteSigh is right, Lisa! : )
DeleteI'm not a plotter, so I always let the story lead. It's always fun to discover the story this way. Although I admire those who can plot everything out. My mind just doesn't work that way.
ReplyDeleteEvery writer has his or her own style, right? The important thing is to find that style.
DeleteOoops, stopping back because I forgot to let you know that I gave you an award on my blog today ;)
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks! I was on my way over to your blog anyway. ; )
ReplyDeleteWow, Cynthia, we are starting to think a lot alike when it comes to posting! I don't go on a "wild ride" too often at all. To me, this seems to imply fast writing, and it happens to me only every now and then.
ReplyDeleteI know! Kind of funny how our posts are similar. Again, the great minds thinking alike thing, right? ; )
DeleteCynthia, it happens to me all the time. I write this intricate outline and suddenly my characters decide they want to do something else. Sigh. the perils of writing!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Characters can not be trusted! : )
DeleteI'm drafting right now and I've had to tweak my outline several times. I'm finding that my characters come to life and dictate the plot. Makes me wonder who's in control.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Medeia. Did you really think you were ever in control? ; )
DeleteGreat post! At times it's better to let the reins go a bit and then again at times to keep a tight hold!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a happy weekend!
Hi Nas! Great comment! That's so true.
DeleteI do like it when a story takes off on me, but it usually only happens when I've built a solid foundation first eg understanding the characters and their motivations.
ReplyDeleteGreat point, Lynda. Characters can't take off until their pretty well developed. Thanks!
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