Getting it written - how far do you drift from the plan?

Okay, so I made it my goal this year to write a novel of roughly 60k words. I'm not especially passionate about the story, but I've studied the genre during my degree and want to 'engineer' a good example of the style - this, by the way, is irrelevant to my post, I'm not asking for comment on the idea. Just a bit of background info.

What I've noticed during the project is that I keep changing my mind over what should happen, what the story needs and character motivations. I expected this to happen and I'm sure it's fairly common. Now on one or two occasions, I have started from scratch after changing key elements of the plot, but now I'm just trying to hit my goal of completing the first draft. At about 30,000 words, the story has changed enough that I need a complete re-write already. So, my question is: how far do people let this go before they decide that it's not worth continuing?

Effectively, my first draft won't be a coherent story from start to finish - but I want to get to 60k! I have decided that the accomplishment of the full sized first draft will be a major milestone, that will outweigh the fact that I will have to do considerably more work in the long run. Just wanted opinions from anyone that's completed a novel.

 

Area novelist starts off with a dispassionate project and revises until good, news at 11.

 

Not sure if this is intended as sarcasm, but I'll assume not. I don't think I'd ever bother with a project that I wasn't interested in usually, I just figured this was a good way of isolating the nuts and bolts of creating a solid narrative. I'm fully aware that numerous revisions to any piece of work are required, but my post is specifically about continuing with a story that has changed to the point that the beginning will not be relevant to the end by the time I get there!

 

Yup. I do this all the time.

Actually I try not to start over when I change things. I was three chapters in my WIP when I decided to change the fact that the mc's enemy, who he didn't hang out with much, was actually his long time best friend. Leaving several major scenes to be rewritten. Rather than stopping to rewrite I just kept on writing - noting that I'd have to make those changes in the next draft.
Just keep going. I finished mine and now that I'm editing I find it's much easier to work with a full first draft than bits and pieces.

 

If what gets down on the page is not in the same ballpark as what I initially wanted to write, then my inner editor was not happy with the original plan. After rewriting, I always found my inner editor had been right.

Sometimes it's a major annoyance to rewrite three or four times a 'simple' 5k, and often as not I get frustrated and angry with myself and my story, because why, oh why can't I simply know what needs to be written beforehand? Sadly, that's not how it works.

 

Some people don't know what they think until they see what they write. That's a famous quote by some author I think. Other people think that they discover good material by generating a bunch of bad material. Some people think writing is a grind, but once they finish, you won't be able to tell they were uninspired at first. They always believed that their end work would be good.

If you have found the story halfway through, then it sucks for you that you wasted words, but just maybe that is the process you needed to go through to find the best material, and you have done a ton of work to get there. If you could just shit out the best material whenever you wanted on the first try, then either you'd be special, or the world wouldn't be full of so much bad writing.

 

I think it might be useful for you to look at why you're making the changes you're making. If you're deviating from the plan because you've found a direction that's clearly better, then fantastic, keep it up, carry on, you're doing great. But if you're deviating from the plan because you got kind of muddled and wandered off track, then it's a potential problem.

I tend to write character-based stories so it's hard for me to do much in the way of outlining because I need to really write the characters in order to figure them out. Because of that, I often find my plots go in directions I hadn't contemplated at the start. I don't think this is a problem... I think it's close to inevitable. (And I've completed 30-something novels, so I don't think it gets in the way of completing books by any means).

But if you're writing something plottier, something in which you'd intended to lay clues and follow a certain path to a climactic scene, then I think it could be more of an issue.

You'll have to look at your work to figure out which you've got.

 

I've covered this in my posts. I'm inclined to think no amount of passion is going to see anyone through 5/6/7/8 re-writes, so it's a good idea to build up the discipline of hard graft. Of course, I could be wrong...

 

Interesting comments about finding material. I have a fairly solid plot outline, but in trying to bash out 60k words I've realised that it probably needs another dimension. For example, in my initial idea, my protagonist had a child. I decided that this might complicate certain aspects of the story - especially to fit with the genres very well established paradigm. However, it transpires that this would actually fill out the story and add another colour, for lack of a better word. In this draft, the child suddenly appears about 30k words in!

 

I think I'm going to persevere. The plot outline will survive, it's just a few things will need changing or it won't make sense! Nonetheless, I think the achievement of having completed a full-length draft will be something in itself. I guess I'll find out if it was all a good idea when I come to the first re-write...

 

I go back and rewrite and make a lot of changes along the way. I believe my story is better for it. I'm also in no real rush. I want to get it right. For me, that means allowing myself to change everything if need be. I've scrapped most of what I had and started again a few times. Again, my story is better for it. I don't want to deal with a mess of words at the end. I wrote a novel before which I consider now my practice novel. It was sort of a question of if I could do it. I was able to finish it within a few months, but I really can't say how long it would have taken to get that novel up to publishing standards. I did try, but along the way I came to realize that it wasn't going to happen with that story. So, well I do understand the achievement of completing a novel I also understand (better now) the true level of work that needs to go into a novel for it to be successful. When I leave things too long I end up just leaving them. A rough draft can seem overwhelming. I need a rough draft I can work with, and, for me, that means smoothing out all the roughness I can along the way.

 

Personally, I find writing stories from start to finish rather dull. I always start with a general idea of the whole story, then I just write. While I do have an idea for an ending when I start, that's rarely where I end up. I think letting the story flow naturally makes it a lot more fun, and if it doesn't end up where I want it to... then so be it. If it makes the story better, I can sacrifice my planned ending. Or characters. I don't like having the heroes survive anything all the time, as I don't see the point in putting them into risk in the first place, if we know they are going to survive. If you kill one main character somewhat early on, there's really no guarantee no one else will die later on. And that makes the story a lot more interesting, as people can die.

In my latest story, I was strugging a bit with the exact thing. How can both MCs possibly survive? Short answer? "Well... what if they don't?" And then there was one. Totally not what I intended, but I like it. Sure they were the MCs in what was intended as a series, but whatever. It can still be a series, even if it's just one MC now. And because the MC who died was very important, it opens up the possibility that anyone can die. Even the remaining MC. In worst case, I'll just write a spin-off with a different MC in a new series. Or even continue the current one with a new MC. Like if Shia LeBouf had taken over in Indy 4, so we'd get an Indy 5 with him rather than Harrison Ford. Same series, new MC.

 

My first manuscript went off-piste constantly and I rewrote it from scratch multiple times. Since then the final product has been pretty close to the initial outline, though something always changes - it's difficult to envision what will be in-character until I start writing and flesh the character out.

Generally, the things in my outline tend to happen in the manuscript, but the way the characters gets there often changes.

 

If you have to keep starting over and over from scratch, that doesn't mean the story is worthless. Instead, try taking the core of the story's idea, or a particular character, or a scene that you can envision strongly—whatever you think is the 'best' element in what you've written already—and take it in another direction altogether.

Play 'what if.'

What if the character I thought was going to be the main, sweet-tempered heroine is actually a cruel bitch? Maybe it's obvious to everybody ...or maybe she keeps her nature well-hidden, till it's time for the killer strike?

What if the haunted house where all the blood and gore was supposed to happen (in your earlier horror story version) turns out to be an interesting old pile that is well worth restoring to its former glory? And in doing so, your main character becomes acquainted with the former owner? Whose son is a bit of a catch, but he's not happy with the house being restored at all?

I read some advice the other day that makes sense. If you get stuck and don't know what to do ...try adding in a new character. That often tips the balance enough to get the story rolling again.

And etc. Take what you are doing and turn it around. Sometimes a 360 degree turn. Sometimes less. But try to create a new perspective.

You can do this without writing, if you're worried about creating reams of useless stuff. Spend more time thinking ...until suddenly you know you're on the right track. Then go for it.

Perhaps the main problem you're experiencing is that you had no enthusiasm for your story from the very beginning, as you've hinted by saying you had no real passion for it. In other words, you're just completing an assignment: Write a story of 60,000 words, and turn it in by Monday.

Unless it actually IS an assignment, maybe wait till you come up with ideas you actually are enthusiastic about. Then you'll be more likely to turn out something that pleases you, as well as others.

 

Thanks for the input. I think this is more an experiment in plot development than anything else - my beat sheet hasn't given me enough to get near 60k, so I am using this as an experiment to see what a full-length plot looks like and how much character development can add.

Effectively, yes, this is an assignment. But I'm very disciplined when it comes to this sort of thing. Also, the story is based on real-life elements, so it's not as if I have no interest in it whatsoever, it just isn't going to be my life's work. As I say, I don't think passion can really drive a story from initial idea to finished product. I think people put a bit too much faith in that idea tbh.

I have numerous ideas on ice, but I lack the fundamental story-telling skills to make convincing and see them through, especially as I am invested in the ideas. I specifically started this project as a dispassionate attempt at analysing the key components of a narrative.

 

This is purely my opinion and something I have also done in the past. Honestly, I think this project was not worth pursuing from the beginning. I don't see the point in writing something you're not passionate about, no matter how much you think you want to replica the style. You still need an idea you're passionate about. The only books I've finished have been passion projects.

Changing the course of your plot as you write is natural, which is why I don't believe in spending months outlining. Some people don't get as emotionally engaged in their work as others and can discipline themselves, but I often find the finish product is flat and emotionless. You're invested in the ideas you say, so I'm a bit confused.

Are you enjoying writing it or not? If not, that's the time to stop and evaluate things.

 

Thanks for the input. As I say, I'm not really looking for feedback on the project idea itself - I personally think this is the hard graft that most people are not willing to put in. I have numerous projects on the go and this one serves a specific purpose - which appears to be working.

I enjoy the writing of it, indeed. It just isn't my usual genre. Again, I don't think passion drives a person through numerous edits and revisions. Perhaps some people write things that still excite them after however many tens of rereads and rewrites, but I don't think I'll ever reach that level!

I also think a good writer can make any story work. Just my opinion, but I'm sure building this kind of discipline will pay dividends later. The story I have also has what I believe to be a respectable plot, so I think it's worth pursuing. It's just it needs tweaking here and there, and I'm not sure whether to do this on the fly or just start everything over.

 

I always know where a story is going to end, at least in the broad strokes, before I start writing. Invariably, it ends up there. Now the details will change, how it gets to that point may change, but I know the beginning and I know the end and those never fail to meet in the end.

 

So how much do you let things change before you go back to the drawing board? I have a solid ending and beginning - they never change, but certain details have evolved which means key plot points need revising. At the moment I've resigned myself to the idea that the second draft will need a rewrite in any eventuality, so I figure as long as I make revision notes along the way it makes very little difference if I do it now or later... technically anything that isn't already written is still first draft, whether it's been restarted a hundred times or otherwise!

 

I think maybe you're asking a fundamental question that can't really be answered by anybody other than yourself. How much do you let things change before you go back to the drawing board? (By 'back to the drawing board,' I assume you mean start work on another story altogether?)

I don't know. I can't answer that for you. I did stay excited by my story all the way through. I never got stuck during the writing, and, instead, hated anything that interfered with writing time—like work, social life, holidays. It took five full years to write the first draft. (It's a long novel that required research as well as writing, and was a hell of a lot longer then than it is now.)

I wrote the story I wanted to read, and I think I've succeeded. I still find proofreading difficult, because I get caught up in it, every time I read it. (In order to do formatting work, I have to make the print REALLY large, so I can only see a few words at a time, for example.)

As far as making changes go ...well ...I finished my first draft (first complete story that I gave to beta readers for feedback) in 2001. I have just this month finally put the finishing touches on it. Okay, that's extreme. I did allow a few years to go by after the first several edits, where I didn't actually do much on the writing itself, but I never gave up on the story.

Changes ranged from new perspectives on how the story should begin (yes, there were several of these,) an editing process that saw the story shrink to less than 2/3 of its original length—which also included writing two new chapters, eliminating several others, and combining two—a change of POV in several places (I have four POV characters.) I revised the story's tone, changing to a more adult, less melodramatic style. I tweaked my characters many times, fleshing them out even more. I completely eliminated some of the backstory. I also had to seek and destroy of one of my worst habits—restating everything for emphasis. I learned 'say it once, say it well, then move on.'

I thought about my story all the time, and occasionally I'd get a breakthrough about how to handle one of the problems. This revision was as exciting a process for me as the original writing. I did remain excited all the way through.

Sometimes discipline means taking a radically different approach to problem-solving. If something isn't working, you probably do need a new approach. That's different from giving up and walking away altogether.

I think the one thing you haven't really tried is searching out an idea that gives you passion. Or if passion is too strong a word, maybe excitement? Enthusiasm won't make you lose control of your story. It will give you inspiration for your story.

What kind of story would you like to read yourself? Figure that out, and you'll probably have solved your 'stuck in the middle' problem. Maybe it's not the middle that's the problem. Maybe the beginning isn't launching the story in the right direction after all. Maybe the ending doesn't quite derive from the beginning, which is why the middle is proving problematic.

You seem willing to do revision writing, which is a great attitude. But don't stop yourself from considering all possibilities.

Practical advice? I'd say stop writing for now, and just keep thinking instead—with a notebook to hand at all times to jot down any ideas. Play around with all sorts of new perspectives, including changing the beginning and/or the ending, till you find what gets you excited. That's what I would do, anyway.

 

Generally, I know so much about the plot that by the time I sit down to write, I'm just filling in details, the story itself is already written in the outline. There are times I will add things or remove things, mostly small details, that don't affect the overall path of the story. I can't remember the last time I had to do a major rewrite or scrap anything sizeable and start over.

 

To be honest, I have quite a backlog of bits and pieces that I'm keen to write, but as I say, I lack the storytelling ability to realise them properly. I've abandoned so many in the last few years its become very frustrating. Not sure if that makes sense, but what I am working on at the moment I can kind of see the completed piece and I can tell what needs fixing and where. That's the skill I am trying to develop further.

Thanks again for the input. I think I am going to freeze the first-draft writing for a few days and go back to the plot outline. I have a feeling that changing the plot and generating ideas which seem 'better' is something I (and I'm sure many others) will always contend with, so I will set something down in stone then continue to write.

I probably should have pointed out that I have a terrible attention span - I know everyone says that, but it's held me back a fair bit in life. I rarely finish anything, so I feel that completing a full-length first draft could break the cycle. It worked for short stories!

 

Good luck with your effort. You seem determined to make this work, so I suspect it will.