JoWhittemore Bonjourno, peeps, and welcome to this week's #mglitchat! Tonight, my lovely cohost @elissacruz & I are talking structure. #mglitchat -7:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg #MGLitChat Five Tips for becoming a Successful Muppet Writer: A) Add like a muppet... -7:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg #MGLitChat Welcome all, I shall end my Muppet Crusade now. -7:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy new to the chat. Wondering about reclassifying my novel as MG instead of YA. Need help! #MGLitchat -7:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore There are of course, two schools of structure. Plotting (outlining) and flying by the seat of your pants (plunging). #mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @Dfg It isn't easy being green... or structuring a good plot. #mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
michaelascotto On deadline and can't chat...but will certainly be checking in, especially between paragraphs and particularly good sentences ;) #mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @DonelleLacy is this your steampunk work or another WIP? #mglitchat -7:03 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @JoWhittemore didn't know pantsing was a structure. I do it a lot though. #MGLitchat -7:03 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz For the record, I'm a plunger (also called a pantser). But I use plotting methods when I hit brick walls. #MGlitchat -7:03 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @jessStorkwrites another. It's a finished novel. I've been querying as a YA, but I wonder if it should be MG instead #MGLitchat -7:03 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone This should be an educational chat. #mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @DonelleLacy It's actually a looser form of structure. :-) You know your beginning, you know your end...and away you go! #mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk I'm an outliner... but I pants individual scenes. Its fun that way! #mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @DonelleLacy what is it about? And what are the age of the characters? #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @JoWhittemore boy it would help if I knew my end! #MGLitchat -7:05 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @elliefalcone #mglitchat It's from time to time. -7:05 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Do we have any people besides @elissacruz who are free writers? #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar 8th, 2012
coachhays64 @JoWhittemore Is there something sort of right in the middle, like flying by the seat of your very well tailored pants? #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @JoWhittemore And half the time you may only know the beginning...but still away you go! #truth #MGlitchat -7:05 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite I have an outline but depend on the seat of my pants as I'm writing to tell me if it works or not. #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore And what do you feel is more advantageous about that method? #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KDuBayGillis @JoWhittemore @DonelleLacy So how do plungers/pantsers get from A to C? #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone I'm a loose outliner. Since I write "mysteries", I need a road map of some sort. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk i've tried pantsing a draft, but I end up hitting road blocks that way. I need my map. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson @JoWhittemore I sometimes just have to write to come up with ideas, though I've tried to get better with outlining. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites I thought I was free spirit plunger, but then I met index cards and it's been nothing but unorganized outlines since then. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @AnshaKotyk I started as a plunger/pantser and have done a complete 180. Weird! #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 8th, 2012
rachelgrinti @elissacruz I write like this sometimes. I start and go until I'm stuck, then start working on an overall structure. #MGlitchat -7:06 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @coachhays64 If you're a writer, you can't afford well-tailored pants. ;-) #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @JoWhittemore an entire 180? What made you change your ways? #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 8th, 2012
rachelgrinti But it depends on the book. I've started to try to plan a lot more in the beginning. #MGlitchat -7:07 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @jessStorkwrites 17yr. old girl from Victorian Boston unravels her family secrets in order to defeat an evil fae. #MGLitchat -7:07 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @DonelleLacy Sometimes the end can change, which is one of the frustrations of being a plotter. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KDuBayGillis @AnshaKotyk I feel that way, too. But every good map shows multiple routes. I also tend to throw my maps away and redo. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 8th, 2012
mswinchell Done both, "pantsed" it and also outlined everything. Both had pros and cons, but must say pansting it more fun and adventurous. #MGlitchat -7:07 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz I have to write my way through the book first, then I go back and outline what's working. Plotting first stops my creative flow. #MGlitchat -7:07 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone My very first, now trunked, ms I pantsed it. It was a 60K word steaming pile of excrement. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @jessStorkwrites Unorganized outlines. Heeee. (^_^) #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @DonelleLacy hmmm... does it have a love interest? Is it a coming of age story? #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy I pantsed my first novel. I think I might have to plot more my second. and my third. it's a series #MGLitchat -7:08 PM Mar 8th, 2012
LaurelSnyder I outline more with each book. #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @JoWhittemore Or sometimes pants. #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @elliefalcone Oh, I can't imagine writing a mystery WITHOUT an outline. #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite Often an outline can make a writer feel as though she must stick with to it, but that's not always what the story needs. #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz I will confess that I do a mental plan of the next scene I'll be writing, though. #MGlitchat -7:09 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore So it seems we've got mainly plotters/outliners in this group! Practicality overcomes!! ;-) #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @JoWhittemore @coachhays64 or ipads. #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @jessStorkwrites it has an arranged marriage and potential love interest. He's the MC's shadow guardian/imaginary friend. #MGLitchat -7:09 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa hi everyone! plunging into tonight's topic #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson I sold WOLF STORM on proposal & 3 page synopsis, but once I started writing it realized I needed more elements to up the stakes #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @JoWhittemore @elliefalcone I write mysteries without outlines. Somewhere in the middle I figure out whodunit. Usually. #MGlitchat -7:10 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @JoWhittemore @DonelleLacy So true! You write the ending and then have to change it when the first ending is stuck in your head. #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @elissacruz same here. I think not planning at least major plot points slows my writing down though. #MGLitchat -7:10 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Mike_Jung I haven't gone all the way through it yet, but outlining feels promising - it's helping me w/ my lack of discipline re: plot. #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman I was a staunch plunger until I had to write an outline for current WIP for sales purposes. There's something to this planning #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Some advantages of plunging/pantsing that I've heard you mention: freer thought, more imagination... #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites Be back in a bit... have to drive home from work. #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman Writing from outline isn't as much fun, but I see fewer rewrites in my future #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Mike_Jung The big trick seems to be finding balance between planning concretely and leaving room to diverge as much as necessary. #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk I read a lot of plotting books and I think the best ones mention "holding the plot loosely" #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @DonelleLacy Yes. I usually know where to begin and where to end. It's the middle that's a complete surprise. #MGlitchat -7:12 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite Nothing is more fun than the first blush of writing by the seat of the pants. That starts the fire. The writer then must fuel it. #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa Plotting is one of my favorite topics these days. I'm totally in the plotting camp. Hopelessly lost without map. #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @AnshaKotyk I changed to plotting when I realized I tend to ramble. :-) For MG, there's something to be said for brevity. #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 8th, 2012
coachhays64 @JoWhittemore If you steal well-tailored pants, is it's plagiarism? I'll go sit in the well planned chaos writing corner. #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @jodyfeldman know what you mean. Have to write a synopsis for this second book and I don't know what will happen yet! #MGLitchat -7:12 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @KarenninaPosa I like how you refer to it as a map. An outline IS like that, isn't it? #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 8th, 2012
thunderchikin @JoWhittemore I find plotting in advance very freeing and very imaginative, much moreso that when crafting sentences. #mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @coachhays64 Bahahaha! #mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 8th, 2012
mswinchell Also found pansting it to allow me to feel more like the reader, since I am discovering the twists as I approach them. #MGlitchat -7:13 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz My plotting vs. plunging tip of the day: the best method is the one that works for you. #MGlitchat -7:13 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KDuBayGillis @JoWhittemore @AnshaKotyk I wonder if plotters don't cut as much when revising. #mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk The absolute truth: RT @elissacruz: My plotting vs. plunging tip of the day: the best method is the one that works for you. #MGlitchat -7:13 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite I take a notebook everywhere. Never know when a problem will solve itself while I'm in the store or taking a walk. #mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen I think a lot about my stories, of course, but I am a hideous outliner. I like to discover the story as I go. #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore So, in our disads of plunging/pantsing category: wandering story, lack of focus, frustration, constant revision #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @story_queen I fear the concept of discovering as I go... what if I'm boring?? #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Mike_Jung I'm susceptible to Shiny New Idea Syndrome & plotting helps w/ that. It's forcing me to make choices early instead of late. #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy It's possible to pants with a basic outline. It's like exploring a big old house you've only seen from the outside #MGLitchat -7:14 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone It seems a lot of people are put off by thinking plotting has to be full of details and never deviating from it. Am I wrong? #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea I use a story paradigm when I plot. That doesn't mean it's set in stone but it does help me. #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @kdmccrite I do this, too. I seem to create lots of problems when I write... #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore How so? You don't feel rigid? RT @thunderchikin: @JoWhittemore I find plotting in advance very freeing and very imaginative. #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman I'm learning to shove the outline to the back of my mind, though, and it's not as debilitating as I imagined #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @elissacruz That's what I think of most of the writing "rules." Do what works for you. #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @JoWhittemore It is a map for me. But I give myself freedom to explore outside the map. Unmapped territory makes writing exciting #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @DonelleLacy So, if you're half-pantsing...are you busting a sag? :-) #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @story_queen I love to discover as I go too. My subconscious mind seems to be brilliant! #MGLitchat -7:15 PM Mar 8th, 2012
coachhays64 @kdmccrite Me too. I scribble notes and ideas on anything and everything. My dumbphone cell notepad is full of ideas. #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa Absolutely. RT @elissacruz: My plotting vs. plunging tip of the day: the best method is the one that works for you. #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Please explain story paradigm! RT @ixtumea: I use a story paradigm when I plot. #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite Often when the story seems stuck, it's because the writer is trying too hard to stick to the outline.Make a change, play "What if"#MGlitchat -7:16 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea Whatever works for you is the best method when it comes in regards to plotwork. #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @AnshaKotyk Ah, but that's the cool part...I hate to be bored and so I like to write NOT knowing what is going to happen. #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @JoWhittemore Busting a sag? What does that mean? #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @JoWhittemore It's basically the heroes journey using a screenwriter's method. There's different ones out there. #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @DonelleLacy Of course, after the discovery draft comes the hardest revision in the world...ugh. #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @elliefalcone You never heard that expression? It's when kids wear their pants low on their butts. #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz Re: writing the boring parts: You can always revise later. #MGlitchat -7:17 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @JoWhittemore I love Joyce Sweeney's paradigm. There's also a link I can post on another one. #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @story_queen I'm still learning to love revision. It's a tough kind of love. #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @story_queen not knowing what will happen is like you're keeping pace with the reader. It's exciting! #MGLitchat -7:17 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa I am in absolute awe of writers who plunge with just an idea, and come up with awesome sauce at the end. #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @JoWhittemore @DonelleLacy Hahahaha! Ah yes--saggers. #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Mike_Jung I hope my outline'll make it easier to see where the ripples go when I deviate. That was hard to do while pantsing. #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @KarenninaPosa #mglitchat thanks for the compliment :) -7:18 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @JoWhittemore Ooohhh. Duh. No, never heard that expression. #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @story_queen I have the unfortunate tendency to revise as I write. And then revise again later. It's why I hate being asked to! #MGLitchat -7:18 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea What doesn't work for me is just writing at the seat of my pants. My story goes all over the place. #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 8th, 2012
word_working I beg. my ms for the joy of writing something imaginary in the midst of Big Life Stress; I loved not knowing where it was going. #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone RT @AnshaKotyk: @story_queen Im still learning to love revision. Its a tough kind of love. #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes Phew~ needed that reminder just now!! RT @elissacruz: Re: writing the boring parts: You can always revise later. #MGlitchat -7:19 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @kdmccrite I agree. I plot, but I'm not afraid of throwing out an entire outline if I find it doesn't work. #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @AnshaKotyk Shhhh...I kind of hate revision. But I love the results. Kind of like eating vegetables....#mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite @coachhays64 I'd be lost without all my scribbled bits and pieces. #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @Dfg You're welcome! Looking forward to that awesome sauce! #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz While pantsing, I have learned to stop mid-sentence and get back on track if I start to stray too far from a story. #MGlitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea I end up writing out my story on my huge Costco whiteboard and then use different pen colors per POV, arc #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite @story_queen Those problems you create as you write is what makes your story compelling! #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @DonelleLacy Precisely. The danger of this approach comes when I get stuck...then my characters stall. Not good. #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
word_working RT @story_queen: I think a lot about my stories, of course, but I am a hideous outliner. I like to discover the story as I go. #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @jodyfeldman As long as you basically know where you're going. Like going on a road trip! ;-) #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
word_working RT @kdmccrite: I take a notebook everywhere. Never know when a problem will solve itself while I'm in the store or taking a walk. #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @KarenninaPosa #mglitchat I am just preparing it, would you like bread with it or just noodles. -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @story_queen Revisions...the brussels sprouts of the writing world. #mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @elissacruz that's why I revise as I write. I can't bear for something to be out of place in the current scene! #MGLitchat -7:20 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Brucewriting @elissacruz I plot the exact same way. Revise, revise, and revise my way to complete a novel. #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore You guys are so brilliant with all your input! Look at the chat whiz by! #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @kdmccrite As long as they eventually get solved, of course! #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz For the record, I LOVE revision. So I don't mind having to revise over and over and over and over again. #MGlitchat -7:21 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa LOL RT @elliefalcone: @story_queen Revisions...the brussels sprouts of the writing world. #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @elliefalcone Now see, if you fry them up with some ricewine vinegar they're tasty,what can be said for revision? Eat chocolate? #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @JoWhittemore #mglitchat Well, brilliant is my second name. (Don't ask the first name) -7:22 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson @DonelleLacy I revise as I write too, esp. after first third of book, I go back and really polish before I continue #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen RT @elliefalcone: @story_queen Revisions...the brussels sprouts of the writing world. #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy pantsing my stories feels like exploring new areas in videogames. First hazy, they get clearer the closer you get. #MGLitchat -7:22 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes But...but...but...I love brussels sprouts! #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @elliefalcone So true! #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @JenniferCEstes #mglitchat You need to eat more chicken. -7:22 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Summary: Pantsing-good for free thinking, bad for focused writing. Plotting-Uh...the reverse of that! #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @elissacruz Can you do mine? Revision to me is the dirty work part of writing that has to be done in order for bk to shine. #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes @Dfg With brussels sprouts? #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @elliefalcone come to think of it now, I actually like brussel sprouts :) #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @deegarretson Same here! I write in sets of three chapters. Revise, repeat til I'm done. Then revise again #MGLitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
rachelgrinti Interesting how many like to experience discovery of story along the way! I get excited by the cool stuff I know I'm getting to. #MGlitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @JenniferCEstes #mglitchat Yes, it never hurts to experiment with things. -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Since there's not many rules to pantsing, let's talk abut plotting and ways we can better structure our stories. #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Tips/tricks? I heard someone mention index cards. What else? #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @elissacruz Right now I'm digging real deep. Yes, it's painful but needs to be done. #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @ixtumea LOL. Actually, if someone would just write my first drafts for me, then I'd be very happy to revise the rest. #MGlitchat -7:24 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @JoWhittemore I find that I choose different ways to plot with each story. Different recquirements I guess? #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @JenniferCEstes I do too, actually. #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass I'm using WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK. Great plotting tool. #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @elissacruz LOL. See the first sh*ty draft is the easy part for me. It's the revision that is when the real work happens. #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa Me too! And that vision of the end getting closer. RT @rachelgrinti: I get excited by the cool stuff I know Im getting to. #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @AnshaKotyk Fascinating. How do you prep differently for each? #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @JoWhittemore For this outline, though, I had to include character info, etc--more than I usually like to know before I start #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @JoWhittemore Tips/tricks: Scrivener!!! #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy Has anyone heard of the Blake Snyder Beat sheet: http://t.co/OHmQ11Vj ? #MGLitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes I happen to be writing the first sh*ty draft, so am looking forward to revision...magic? #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass Also have a big timeline stretching across my desk. Helps me see the major plot points, then I can outline the details later. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @JoWhittemore I'm on my 3rd book and I've used 3 different plotting paths for each one. This one is index cards. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @jodyfeldman Do you use Scrivener? i just started recently and love it. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy it's for screenplays but I think the structure works for novels too. #MGLitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea See Scrivener didn't do it for me. I was more confused and felt like I was spending 2 much time learning it instead of writing. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @JoWhittemore My outlines are more like a loose synopsis, highlighting the main ideas. As I go along, I'll add more details. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @KarenninaPosa Ha! Yes! I just posted about that as I saw this. Scrivener FTW! #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa I have a question for the pants-ers. How do you make sure the story has structure? Or is that what revision is for? #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @AnshaKotyk @JoWhittemore I would think that different stories would require different types of plotting. Otherwise=same stuff. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @JenniferCEstes #mglitchat Something that seems dull/boring to you might actually be pretty good for someone else. -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @DonelleLacy I'll check it out after the chat #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass Anyone use Cheryl Klein's plotting worksheets? From her website? Good stuff. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @KarenninaPosa #mglitchat Revision is for everything that you couldn't do when you were flying. -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @ixtumea I learned just the bare bones. Pretty handy. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite My editors want a good synopsis & I try to stick to it. But sometimes parts just don't work. Good editors are very understanding. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone I want Scrivener!!!!!! Exclamation points are necessary. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz Often I'll plot chapter by chapter of what I've already written. It helps to get me back on track while I'm pantsing the rest. #MGlitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite RT @Dfg: @JenniferCEstes #mglitchat Something that seems dull/boring to you might actually be pretty good for someone else. -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes @Dfg Oh, no, I don't think chicken is boring -- it's all in what you do with it! #mglitchat Plus, brussels sprouts! -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass The Plot Whisperer videos on YouTube saved my writing life. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
rachelgrinti I have a Scrivener trial but I just haven't spent the time to learn it yet. I will probably like it a lot once I do. #MGlitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @JoWhittemore I probably should try again. Did like the core board feature. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @KarenninaPosa I keep a mental chart of my structure. I know I have to get from A to C and B I fill in. Then revise to sharpen #MGLitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea RT @stefwass: The Plot Whisperer videos on YouTube saved my writing life. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @JoWhittemore I could hug Scrivener. Am learning as I use it, and loving it more and more #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Brucewriting The thing I like about revising is it is all about problem solving. There is something satisfying about hard fought solutions. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @elliefalcone #mglitchat It can't be that good, !!!!! that's one too many for my taste :) -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore When I plot, I try to identify the key scene in each chapter, as well as key players. That way I ensure everyone gets equal time. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @JoWhittemore I've heard that from lots of people, but I'm hesitant for now, but I have another project in mind and it might help #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @stefwass Love the Plot Whisperer. Take it with me to library/Starbucks when I'm working on plot work. #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 8th, 2012
kdmccrite Where the characters grab up the plot and run with it, that's when you know it's good! #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @KarenninaPosa Yes, my first revision (and there are always more than one:) is structural. I must be sure the house will stand. #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @Brucewriting I can agree with you on the satisfaction of a hard fought battle with revision. :) #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa You beat me to this. But YES! RT @stefwass: The Plot Whisperer videos on YouTube saved my writing life. #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @elissacruz I do that too! Each big chunk of scene/chapter/plot nugget I know ahead of time and pants the rest #MGLitchat -7:28 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson For MG, I try to make sure each scene moves the plot forward plus ties into character arcs, no characters sitting around chatting #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @Dfg Use them sparingly...just like the eff word. #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes Ooo, so many great thoughts now I can't keep up!! #mglitchat Scrivener! Plot Whisperer! Replotting after writing! Mind exploding... -7:29 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz Technically my first draft IS an outline. My second draft is really my first working draft. #MGlitchat -7:29 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea I still remember @jillcorcoran mentioning THE PLOT WHISPERER at the last SCBWI conference. I went home and ordered. #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @stefwass I have her book. Are the plotting sheets in there? #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @ixtumea I like it because I can focus on each individual chapter until it shines, versus just writing straight through. #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @deegarretson my chars chat, but to explain an event or lead up to one. #MGLitchat -7:29 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone What's this Plot Whisperer that others have mentioned? #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @JenniferCEstes #mglitchat *hands of a cup of tea* Relax, I have TiVo. -7:29 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @elliefalcone #mglitchat I guess this: http://t.co/tN57LktG -7:30 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @KarenninaPosa I've only seen the videos. I use plotting sheets from WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @ixtumea How does the book compare with the YouTube videos? #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson I should have said no characters sitting around aimlessly chatting just for character development :) #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes This ms - my first mg -- is a mystery, so I plotted outline and first draft is just getting thru plot points. #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 8th, 2012
coachhays64 @JoWhittemore Next, I am trying a big whiteboard where I can draw, write & tape ideas. Would like a glass board like CSI Miami. #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes Revision is for focusing on character & voice. Also, improving mystery! #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman I do prefer plunging, but in reality, I think about it so much, I've prob outlined half before I write a single word #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @KarenninaPosa I haven't seen the video. I've dog-eared my book through. #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @JoWhittemore @ixtumea I don't divide my books into chapters until it is finished...then I decide where the breaks are. #weirdme #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @coachhays64 #mglitchat I already have two whiteboards, they're awesome for plotting or in my case for mapping things out. -7:31 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @Dfg Awesome! Oops. I only used one that time. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @coachhays64 You know what? I tried a whiteboard and post-its. It looked like a conspiracy theorist had been in my house. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy Wondering if anyone missed the beat sheet method of plotting I linked: http://t.co/OHmQ11Vj #MGLitchat -7:32 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes I 've Scrivener -- esp the corkboard and jumping b/w chs easily -- to be invaluable in this process. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @story_queen I think @cindypon does that too in her writing. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @story_queen I should probably consider doing that... wait to create chapter breaks. The ones I do create are just wrong #weirdme #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @jodyfeldman Me too. I think about it for a long time before I write a single word. Years in some cases. #MGlitchat -7:32 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @jodyfeldman Do you try and stick to your mental outline, though? #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @JoWhittemore LOL! I do the post-it note thing, too! #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @DonelleLacy The Beat Sheet is part of my index card plotting for this novel. LOVE IT. #MGLitchat -7:33 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @stefwass OMG, I have post it notes all over my huge whiteboard where my paradigm is. #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @AnshaKotyk @story_queen But chapter breaks are my mini-victories! When I get cookies! #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @ixtumea @cindypon Yay! I'm not alone. (And Cindy Pon is awesome!) #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @AnshaKotyk I just found it the other day. I think I'll probably help my main plotting #MGLitchat -7:33 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes @JoWhittemore I have way to many other household things to organize on boards & postits to make room for -- gasp -- writing! #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @elissacruz Years? Yikes. Then again, the spark can come years before, but the intensive thinking is usually weeks #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy Am I the only one who writes in chapters in the first draft? And then keeps them after? #MGLitchat -7:34 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @JenniferCEstes Plus being able to move scenes around without copy/paste (re: Scrivener) #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @DonelleLacy Save the Cat by Blake Snyder is priceless. #MGLitchat -7:34 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @JoWhittemore I just had a visual of the FBI kicking your door open and taking you away while you scream, I'm just a writer. LOL #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 8th, 2012
coachhays64 @Dfg I hung mine on the wall and hardly used it. Took it down and leaned it against wall...now I used it. It does help me. #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @AnshaKotyk I usually pick a break in the middle of a scene, so the reader will just have to turn the page! #sneakyme #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @ixtumea Yay for post its! And do you have a big sign that says, "What does my character want?" LOL #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @coachhays64 #mglitchat It's also pretty fun to draw stick fingers & do some stupid scenes on it. :D -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @story_queen Yes! That's totally what I need to learn to do! #sneakyme #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @DonelleLacy I do. Very rarely do I move them. #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Brucewriting Scene and Structure http://t.co/mh9cSlI2 really helped me with early drafts and the pacing of my plot. #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa I want a giant whiteboard. (more plotting tools) #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Outlining help: Index cards, post-its, Scrivener, WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK, whiteboards, Save the Cat, the Beat Sheet #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @coachhays64 #mglitchat *figures (was busy watching a video) -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @jodyfeldman Ha ha. Not me. I'll think deeply about a book, and then put it away for a few more months. #MGlitchat -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea I've done both. I've written chapters in some of my books then others left them out until the end. #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @elliefalcone I also title my chapters though. I just seem to have a hard time titling the whole novel. #MGLitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson @story_queen I do that too. Getting them to turn the page is important. #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @JoWhittemore #mglitchat You forgot: The Plot Whisperer -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @JoWhittemore Quick answer - not entirely. It allows me to start writing w/some structure and gives a solid base/reason to stray #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
coachhays64 @JoWhittemore Only becomes a problem when plotting overflows to writing and posting on the living room & dining room walls. #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @JoWhittemore Tell me more about SAVE THE CAT. #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @JoWhittemore I went to a Donald Maas workshop. It was fab! #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @elliefalcone Hahahaha! My hands and face covered with Sharpie marks. "The signs! The signs are everywhere!" #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson @DonelleLacy that's funny, because i hate titling chapters, would rather just leave them off #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Yes, and the Plot Whisperer, thank you! #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy I could really use some advice for titling books in a series. Especially when I don't know how many books I'll end up with. #MGLitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @DonelleLacy I can't title anything right. :( #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @jodyfeldman Eventually the book will jell. It may take some serious on and off thinking for years, though. #MGlitchat -7:37 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @stefwass I should stick a "What does my character want?" post-it on my forehead. Crit partners have drummed it into me enough. #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @ixtumea Jealous of that workshop! #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @ixtumea I've always wanted to attend something by Donald Maas #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @AnshaKotyk And he signed my book too! Very nice and approachable. It was at a RWA workshop. #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 8th, 2012
coachhays64 @stefwass @JoWhittemore Tell her about the Beat Sheet. Great writing gauge/tool. #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @elissacruz I'm not that patient. And maybe that's why I have files of never-to-be seen novels #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @elliefalcone sometimes I think titles are intimidating. You could let your beta readers give you suggestions. #MGLitchat -7:38 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @KarenninaPosa We could make "What does my character want?" t-shirts! LOL #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 8th, 2012
cindypon @story_queen @ixtumea is right! i don't chapter till the very end. @JoWhittemore #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone Another trick I use, is my first year Acting book. The GOTE sheet. Goal. Obstacle. Tactic. Expectation. #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @cindypon I thought you mentioned that! #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @stefwass Save the Cat is a book about screenwriting structure that many people recommend. It's where the Beat Sheet comes from. #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @stefwass We should! #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @jodyfeldman LOL I'm not that patient, either. Which is why I also have plenty of unfinished novels, too. #MGlitchat -7:39 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @deegarretson I have titled chapters before, but only as a reference for myself. Deleted when I submitted #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk #mglitchat 20 Master Plots and how to build them, is also a great book. Deals more with type of plots, quest, love, adventure etc. -7:39 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @JoWhittemore Ooh, need to check that book out too! #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @AnshaKotyk Have that one too! #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes @jodyfeldman I have chapter titles -- probably just for me,, to remember where I am -- but not sure they'll survive final cut! #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Basically, there's 15 essential beats every story should have #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes Too many craft books, too little budget!!! #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea Curious. Do any of you find writer's magazine really helpful for helping with plotwork? #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass Cheryl Klein's SECOND SIGHT is also great #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson @jodyfeldman I didn't have chapter titles in my first book, but my editor asked me to add them in. It was a struggle for me #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea RT @stefwass: Cheryl Klein's SECOND SIGHT is also great #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss @JoWhittemore I'm late to the chat. Is Kate Messner here? She is the one who intro'd me to SAVE THE CAT. What a gift! #MGlitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @JenniferCEstes I love most of my chapter titles. I'm hoping they don't get cut! I wouldn't mind novel title suggestions though #MGLitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Beat sheet explained here: http://t.co/hRUxwPay #mglitchat -7:40 PM Mar 8th, 2012
thunderchikin @JoWhittemore Not at all. It's easier for me to plot with stickies than with sentences. A sentence can be a cell. #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @cindypon @ixtumea @JoWhittemore Because you are cool like that! :) #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @JenniferCEstes Too many craft books, too little patience :-) #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Also, my mind is blown by those of you who don't put in chapter breaks until the end! #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf Sorry I'm late. #MGlitchat -7:41 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @JoWhittemore Ok, that's very similar to what I used. #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @JoWhittemore Thanks for the Beat Sheet info! #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes LOL!!RT @jodyfeldman: @JenniferCEstes Too many craft books, too little patience :-) #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @deegarretson Oh, the pressure. Don't like the pressure :-) #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 8th, 2012
thunderchikin @JoWhittemore Plus, even after plotting and then crafting lines, I stay open to creative serendipity #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy Chapters make my book easier to write. Smaller, bite-sized pieces are less daunting. #MGLitchat -7:42 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes RT @thunderchikin: @JoWhittemore Plus, even after plotting and then crafting lines, I stay open to creative serendipity #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @thunderchikin I PRAY for creative serendipity. :-) I have a creative serendipity altar, where I lay wine and cookies. #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss @jodyfeldman Very funny. I looked at all my craft/writing bks today, felt pit of pain some have gone unread. I can't read it all! #MGlitchat -7:43 PM Mar 8th, 2012
BuzzBooksUSA RT @jowhittemore: Outlining: Index cards, post-its, Scrivener, WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK, whiteboards, Save the Cat... #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf But some of us don't plot. #MGlitchat -7:43 PM Mar 8th, 2012
thunderchikin Cookies! RT @JoWhittemore: I PRAY for creative serendipity. :-) I have a creative serendipity altar where I lay wine and cookies. #mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 8th, 2012
cindypon @JoWhittemore yeah. i don't think in chapters. i simply write scenes. #mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore I like this. RT @elliefalcone: Another trick I use. My 1st year Acting book. The GOTE sheet. Goal. Obstacle. Tactic. Expectation. #mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jodyfeldman @WriterRoss I have a nice collection but I'm fairly confident I've never gotten completely through a single one #mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss @JenniferCEstes "Serendipity cannot be plotted." <g> #MGlitchat -7:44 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @stefwass SECOND SIGHT is great I heard Cheryl Klein speak & it was like putting my brain through a plot blender. I learned a lot #mglitchat -7:45 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @AniProf I inch my way along scene to scene most of the time with a vague idea where I'm going. Takes longer than plotting #MGLitchat -7:45 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @cindypon You, wild stallion, you! No one's going to fence you in! ;-) #mglitchat -7:45 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss @jodyfeldman Craft books are comforting to me. I like knowing they are here to re-fuel my ...er.. serendipities. ;> #MGlitchat -7:45 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @jessStorkwrites OK, so jealous of all these great speakers! #mglitchat -7:46 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @cindypon @JoWhittemore I write in stolen moments a lot, so once the whole big thing is done, I break it up into chapters. #mglitchat -7:46 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Becky_AS Pantsters- do you have an end in mind, or does the ending surprise you? #mglitchat -7:46 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy Any conferences anyone could recommend for say Fall-ish? I might be in the market. #MGLitchat -7:46 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf @DonelleLacy Not always. Maybe it's cause I've been a storyteller for so long, but coming up with new story ideas is easy. #MGlitchat -7:47 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore I think we can all agree to basic plotting with a little wiggle room, yes? Now to just convince you all to plan chapter breaks! #mglitchat -7:47 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @jessStorkwrites LOVE Cheryl Klein! #mglitchat -7:47 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @Becky_AS Usually I know where I'm going, but sometimes I'll change the ending to fit. #MGlitchat -7:47 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @Becky_AS about 3/4 of the way through the book I know how it'll end. Sometimes the end changes. #MGLitchat -7:48 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @Becky_AS Both have happened to me. Sometimes I start with an end in mind and sometimes I have no idea where it will all go. #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @stefwass SCBWI is a great resource to find speakers, that's who organized the retreat. Is there a chapter in your area? #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz I also don't write in chronological order while I'm plunging away...so my first draft is usually an unrecognizable mess. #MGlitchat -7:48 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @AniProf I come up with lots of ideas. It's putting them in order that sometimes takes work #MGLitchat -7:48 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf @JoWhittemore I can't agree, unless by "basic plotting" you simply mean where to start and where to end. #MGlitchat -7:48 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes @elissacruz *bows* awesome, yes #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @Becky_AS And once, I thought I knew the end, but I was wrong. A better end came along. (I think this happens to plotters, too) #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Keep in mind: Even if you have structure, you're not bound to it. You can always take a detour and end up at the same place. #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson @Becky_AS I always know the end, it's just the getting there I don't know. #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes @story_queen Yes, it does! #Mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @AniProf Yep! #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass @jessStorkwrites Yep! Maybe I can convince them to bring in Cheryl?! Or Donald Maas?! #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @elissacruz You are a brave one! #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss Ironic in that I love mapping out routes when driving. Anal about knowing where I'm going. When I write I take the scenic route. #MGlitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone Am I the only oddball who writes chronologically? #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes @JoWhittemore And, sometimes even if you don't think you will, that happens. With surprisingly wonderful detours! #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @JoWhittemore Scrivner is a great way to save scenes for later organizing... I find it very helpful. #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @elissacruz Sometimes it's best to write scenes as you think of them. Plug them into the main novel where they fit later. #MGLitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes @elliefalcone Nope. Wacky writers, unite! #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @AnshaKotyk @elissacruz So do I, especially if I'm itching to get to an action scene. #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @story_queen Nah, just crazy! ;) #MGlitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf There are as many variations of writing methods as there are grains of sand on a beach. #MGlitchat -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @WriterRoss #MGlitchat Well, when you write, you're using your WILD side. ( I lol'ed at Anal) -7:50 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk Ditto the action scene. I think that's why I plot so I can write all the cool stuff first. #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass RT And, sometimes even if you dont think you will, that happens. With surprisingly wonderful detours! #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @story_queen I agree. Having a map to treasure doesn't mean there isn't a better treasure elsewhere. I change course accordingly #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @stefwass It's worth a shot. They have regional coordinators and if you suggest it to them, it might happen. #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @JoWhittemore True! Don't marry the outline!! (The outline sometimes lies!) #mysteriesofwriting #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf @elliefalcone Nope, my first drafts are always written chronologically. #MGlitchat -7:51 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Becky_AS @elliefalcone I totally need to write in order- it's the only way to see where those turns could take you! #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @jessStorkwrites My question from earlier about YA/MG was more does it require love/romance to be YA? #MGLitchat -7:51 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @elliefalcone I write chronologically too. But I take lots of notes for later scenes. #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone RT @story_queen: @JoWhittemore True! Dont marry the outline!! (The outline sometimes lies!) #mysteriesofwriting #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
rachelgrinti @elliefalcone I usually do. There have been times when I skipped ahead a bit when I was stuck. #MGlitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss @Dfg That's true. I am a wild writer. But a lint-picker-upper everywhere else. ;> #MGlitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @AnshaKotyk @elissacruz I do the same... I just pick the scene I feel like writing that day and write it. #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elle_strauss Hi sorry I'm late. I forgot geez. Just in the nick of time? #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @story_queen I'm always amused at how much a final product differs from the original outline. Characters gone missing, scenes cut #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @elle_strauss #mglitchat Yep, we were just talking about Muppets. -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @Becky_AS I often think of those turns after I've written that part of the book, so I stick them in wherever and move later. #MGlitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @elle_strauss Better late than never in my book. :) #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy my book has adventure like an MG but there's an arranged marriage and older concepts - death, coming of age, etc. #MGLitchat -7:52 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone I making cookies for all youse chronological-ers out there. =) #mglitchat -7:53 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @DonelleLacy Sorry! I had to leave work and get home. A love interest and older Protag are the calling cards of YA. #mglitchat -7:53 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz I also write a lot of [INSERT COOL SCENE HERE] notes when my plunging fails me. #MGlitchat -7:53 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg #mglitchat If you see me followinf you, do not be alarmed. I randomly follow people from MG every Thursday. -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk Sometimes the only way to draft! RT @elissacruz: I also write a lot of [INSERT COOL SCENE HERE] notes when my plunging fails me. #MGlitchat -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf @elliefalcone Chocolate cookies I hope! #MGlitchat -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
ixtumea @elissacruz I've been known to kill some of my characters off when that happens. #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa And as many books on craft RT @AniProf: There are as many variations of writing methods as there are grains of sand on a beach. #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Becky_AS @DonelleLacy death and coming of age can be mg #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @jessStorkwrites I wish my novel was easier to shove into a mold. It's been very hard! My MC is a late-bloomer! #MGLitchat -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @JoWhittemore Do you refer to the outline often as you write? #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @DonelleLacy hmm well I've seen types of coming of age in MG. Arranged marriage may not float as well in MG though. #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf I TRY and write a chapter a week, kind of like a serialization. #MGlitchat -7:55 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes Wow, I step away for a minute and suddenly @ixtumea is killing off characters and @elissacruz is inserting cool scenes! What?? #mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elliefalcone @AniProf Chocolate chip okay? #mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 8th, 2012
coachhays64 Great #mglitchat tonight. Thanks for the wealth of knowledge. Time to go intimidate, I mean be an adult sponsor, at a high school dance. -7:55 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy I mean, a 17yr old who isn't consumed with romance? Who has an imaginary friend? But I like her age. #MGLitchat -7:55 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @coachhays64 Wow, HS dances. I remember those! :) See you next week! #mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @story_queen I actually do. Because if I just started to flow, it would turn into..."Where was I going with this?" #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 8th, 2012
jessStorkwrites @DonelleLacy what kinds of things does the MC learn about herself through the course of the novel? #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @Dfg I do that too. We should hold a #randomfollow every Thursday #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf @elliefalcone As long they're chocolate chunks! #MGlitchat -7:56 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elle_strauss @AnshaKotyk thanks. I had it on my calender and everything. try again next week. #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @story_queen That being said, if I'm not where the outline says I should be, I'll adjust the outline. But I try and stay focused. #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss @DonelleLacy I like referring 2 your character as late bloomer. That's way I write. Slow. Meandering. Then boom. It's all there. #MGlitchat -7:56 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @KarenninaPosa #randomfollow #mglitchat I usually date whoever I follow (you see what I did there) -7:56 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz @KarenninaPosa It's not random if we're all MGers, silly. ;) #MGlitchat -7:57 PM Mar 8th, 2012
deegarretson @DonelleLacy CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY is a good one to read to get a sense of MG/YA, about a girl not wanting an arranged marriage #mglitchat -7:58 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @elle_strauss #mglitchat Summary: Plunging; great fun, good way to think of creative scenes, will require more revisions in the end -7:58 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @elle_strauss Great! I'm cohosting next week! :) #mglitchat -7:58 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @jessStorkwrites who she can really trust, things aren't always what they seem, family is obligation not love sometimes #MGLitchat -7:58 PM Mar 8th, 2012
story_queen @JoWhittemore Ha! That's probably why I don't outline! If I take the time to focus, my writing time is gone! #mglitchat -7:58 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elissacruz So, in a nutshell: plotting is good for plotters. Plunging is good for pantsers. Whatever works for you is the best way for you. #MGlitchat -7:58 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss In all seriousness, I missed most of chat. I'm from school of chronological writing. Not sure if I could bounce forward/backward. #MGlitchat -7:59 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @elle_strauss #mglitchat Plotting: great for mysteries, helps you need creating complex scenes & sub-plots. -7:59 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @elissacruz I didn't start it! :) #mglitchat -7:59 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @Mike_Jung Selling on proposal definitely requires plotting. Especially if you have to provide the synopsis up front. #mglitchat -7:59 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss @AnshaKotyk Writing the short story-- next week's chat topic? #MGlitchat -7:59 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JenniferCEstes Good night, mg-ers! Thanks to hosts for the chat! I've decided to pants my outline.... #mglitchat -7:59 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf Amen! RT @story_queen: @JoWhittemore Thats probably why I dont outline! If I take the time to focus, my writing time is gone! #MGlitchat -7:59 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy @deegarretson thanks! I need to read a variety to find out where mine fits! #MGLitchat -7:59 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @WriterRoss Yep. Next week is short story time. #MGlitchat -8:00 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Kids, we've reached the end of this week's chat. You don't have to go home, but...I'm taking all the folding chairs. #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 8th, 2012
stefwass RT @JenniferCEstes: Good night, mg-ers! Thanks to hosts for the chat! Ive decided to pants my outline.... #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @elle_strauss #mglitchat Tools: Plotting> the Plot Whisperer, Index Cars, Writing Breakout Novel Workbook, Whiteboards, Save the Cat -8:00 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore Thanks for all your input and excellent resource suggestions! #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa Best reason to pants I've ever heard @story_queen: @JoWhittemore If I take the time to focus, my writing time is gone! #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk Great chat! Thank you all and see you next week! #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elle_strauss @Dfg Thanks! I used to be a pantser but now I'm mostly a plotter #mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
WriterRoss @AnshaKotyk Love short stories. Great topic. #MGlitchat -8:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf Great! That's what I've gotten published so far! Short stories! #MGlitchat -8:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg @elle_strauss #mglitchat You're welcome, I usually go back & forth between the two :D -8:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AniProf @JoWhittemore Just leave the cookies and we'll be okay. #MGlitchat -8:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
AnshaKotyk @AniProf @WriterRoss #MGlitchat@elle_strauss Awesome, I'll see you all next week! -8:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa @elliefalcone No debate there. Whatever works. #mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
elle_strauss @Dfg Love Plot Whisperer and Save the Cat #mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Dfg I should start doing resource links and summaries for #mglitchat I am known to be an excellent content digger -8:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa Awesome chat, as always! Where did the time go? #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
DonelleLacy Great chat! Glad the plotters and pantsers can live in harmony! #MGLitchat -8:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
MG_WELLS RT @AnshaKotyk: Great chat! Thank you all and see you next week! #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
JoWhittemore @AniProf Sigh. *takes pile of cookies out of her shirtfront and puts them back* #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
Becky_AS Now to reread for the links and books.... #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 8th, 2012
KarenninaPosa Adding to my craft books pile: Save the Cat. Gotta read all the gazillion other books I have #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 8th, 2012
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