Outlining and Me - Why it Never Works

Since I failed at Wrimo this year - which I think is for many reasons - I decided to actually sit down and think about a new story to write.  Now, when I say sit down and think, basically what happens is I get a random idea which turns into a blurb.  The blurb becomes what could either be a prologue, random musings, or even the start of the first chapter. From there I stop and think about where this could go and how it could work as a story.

My Wrimo novel however was just write and continue writing and see where it goes.  That worked for a while, but then real life decided to rear it's ugly head.  A close friend of the family died, I need to find a new job, etc and so on.  I wound up missing a few days and my muse was just gone.

That's when I decided to take this new random blurb I wrote and form it into a story.  To make it easier for myself, I said, "Hey let's plot this out a little bit.  Make some notes using Storybook and go from there."

Which I did. It was nothing to elaborate. Even when I attempt to outline I don't like to make it too detailed so that I have some wiggle room for twists, turns, and roundabouts to make their way into the story.  I never know when I'm going to get a burst of inspiration or a quirky idea that would fit the story.

So I made my note cards on Storybook.  Not for the entire story, but for a good portion of it to see how it went. I start writing. Just beginning chapter two I've realized that these note cards and semi outlining is moot because already my characters have taken over.

Structure is not my friend when it comes to writing.  It just doesn't work. I may want the story to go in one direction, but my characters tend to fight me tooth and nail.  It can be frustrating sometimes.  Not to mention the fact that I wasted half a day trying to figure out where I wanted the story to go only to be bitched slapped by my characters as they took control.

Honestly, I'm not sure why I attempted to outline or plot out this story.  It NEVER works for me. I'm not a linear thinker.  My mind is often chaotic.  Even when I plan things out it never goes that way. Sometimes I wonder if I really do have multiple personalities with all the character conversations and arguments that go on in my mind and on paper. 

Dear Characters,

It's come to my attention that you want to do what you want to do. My opinion rarely ever seems to count. While I understand that you are independent you are not always wise and should take my opinions into account. However, if you still wish to fight me tooth and nail I'll simply say this.

Sincerely,

Sully

THE BITCH IS BACK!!!!

Did ya miss me? Did ya huh, huh, huh? 

Okay so I'm a little excited.  I fell off the blogosphere when life caught up.  I MISSED it though. I know I never got to finish up with a lot of stuff I was doing, but meh moving and other such things got in the way. The hubby and I are in our place.  Thank you powers that be!  It was a long time coming and seriously, there's a lot less stress now that we're not sharing space with three or four other people.  So YAY for being on our own!

I've been working on NanoWrimo, or rather I was except I got thrown off the last couple of days because I wound up at a funeral on Monday.  No one likes funeral's or having to say goodbye, and it seems like I've been to far too many before I even hit thirty.  (Still haven't hit it, just sayin'.)

I finished one novel though and I'm in the process of editing it.  My Wrimo novel is sort of a sequel to that, but not.  It was on a whim because November came entirely too fast.  Still writing is writing and I love to write and figure that maybe when I start a project on a whim the crap will come out first before it starts to take shape.  That's my story and I'm sticking too it.

Unfortunately I feel like crap today. My allergies are hitting me hard now that it's warming up again. Florida has plant life year round, so pollen, ragweed, all that lovely stuff that makes you sneeze ten ways from Sunday.  Anyone want to exchange noses?  No?  Yeah I wouldn't want to trade with me either.

On that note, I really need to go and shower. My pup has an appointment at the vet for a booster shot.  You'll be hearing from me soon. ;)