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So far (I’m just shy of the Act I climax), I haven’t had to revise my plotting in any substantial way. Most of the things I discovered as I pantsed my way through the first Act, were world-building and character-deepening items that added richness to the story, rather than changing the arcs (character or plot).
And it was tremendous fun to do.
For me a heavy dose of plotting – with the freedom to pants when I need to – simply works.
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Way to go on the progress! I'm loving your causal structured approach. LOL Whatever works!
over 13k! way to go! That sparked my motivation even more, though not in a competitive way, just a happy way.
I think the pantsing with in a plot structure approach is the best of both worlds – I used it with the WIP I'm revising now and it's making revsinggs so much easier (not to menion the first draft, too)
Love your new web look!
Hooray for progress! And your plotting/pantsing combo sounds so fascinating. I've enjoyed hearing what tools your used and what has worked well for you so far.
This is a new background and banner, isn't it? I likes it, my precious.
You guys set a high bar! Great progress here. Congrats. Now I gotta go write me some words.
@Sheri Thanks for the encouragement!
@Margo I was surprised how fast the words were coming, but it's good, if I'm going to make my target. And I'm so glad to hear that about the revisions being easier – I'm REALLY hoping so for this one. π
@Laurel Thanks! It always helps me to hear other people's processes, so I like to share. π
@Matthew Yes, we are all shiny and new here. π
@CLee Go, go, go! Get those words! π
Oh you plotter you! I had two HUGELY IMPORTANT characters show up that I didn't know were coming. No matter how closely I checked my outline they weren't there! And yet, they won't go away. *shrugs* Guess you can make a pantser outline, but you can't make her stop pantsing. LOL.
@LisaGG I knew you'd see through my see I'm still pantsing! routine. π Important characters have a way of making themselves known. π
I'm a plotter for the most part, preferring to outline a skeleton plan. Whatever works for the draft, and a combination of plotting and pantsing is a good plan.
Good Luck gathering the words.
You go, girl!
Semi-plotting seems to work for me too. I allow just enough wiggle room. π
It is so nice to meet you through Ali's Ninja writers. In fact, I really like your blog. So, that being said, I have an award for you on my blog. I'll be back to keep up with you through May's ninja writers.
@DG Whatever works, that's my motto. π
@Jennifer Thanks! Wiggle room – exactly!
@Susan Wow, thanks! Hopping over to check it out!
Huzzah! on Sekritiveness!
@Bryan Thanks! *grins*
I'm definitely going to do more plotting ahead of time next time–if I ever get to the next time. A first book, I'm realizing, takes a lot of time promoting. You already know about this.
Did you do a lot of pre-plotting for Life, Liberty, and Pursuit? It was one of the first blogger books that I bought, and I liked it. I should have written a review at the time–I'm doing better at this now–because I have a poor memory. So it's on my list to read again. I'm trying to post the review links on my blog's sidebar, as you might have noticed when you came over today to comment. Thanks for stopping by. And best wishes for Sekrit Project. Sounds like you're making great progress balancing plotting and pantsing.
Ann Best, Memoir Author
@Ann You are so sweet, for those kind words about LLP. In fact I did not plot a lot for LLP – it was pantsing all the way – which was one of the reasons it took longer to write and had more revisions. You are definitely in that exciting almost-there time of publishing, with your novel coming out SO SOON (yay!). The promotion does take SO much time, but it's also important to do, so your book can find its audience – best of luck to you with it!!
Woo hoo! Look at you go! Sounds to me like you did just the right amount of plotting. You know where you're going, but you've left yourself room to play. Ta da! And I love the meter thingy.
@Julie The meter thing rocks my inner geek. π
I usually use a combination of pantsing and plotting, too. Sounds like your system is working well!
@Sherrie Yup! Thanks for stopping by! π
Congrats on your progress! I'm a plotter too but it's good to mix it with some pantsing. π
@Ghenet Thanks! Gotta get the mix that works for you! π