Planning ahead

Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by Shahar, Jun 9, 2011.

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  1. spklvr

    spklvr Contributor Contributor

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    I think most people who plan ahead also plan the twists and side-events though. I know I do. I plan ahead. If I don't, what I end up with is just crap that isn't going anywhere. Even if I have a vague idea, I need to write down the plot as a whole to see that I actually have a story. Main reason for that being that I come up with new stories all the time, and can't be wasting time on one that won't go anywhere. The plot might change many times if I think of better things, but I always let new ideas (and new plots) simmer for a bit before using them.
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Jeffery, I'm with you. But I also know the minimalist approach isn't for everyone.

    I prefer the flexibility of not trying to nail everything down in a prefabricated plan. For me, it makes the story flow more organically. But many other writers need to construct a roadmap before they begin writing.
     
  3. SeverinR

    SeverinR New Member

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    My way of writing is like planning a trip;

    Lets say NY city to Indianapolis, I want to stop at certain places along the way, so I get a general idea of how I want to go, and then I get started.

    I might find interesting things along the way, that were not planned.

    But I don't plot every single road, each gas station or rest stop.

    You want to have a direction, a destination, but not a rigid unchanging plan during the trip.
    And ignore that GPS voice that tells you not to venture away from the plan either.
     

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