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In the first two weeks of 2016, I have sent one novel to my publisher, edited another one ready for re-issue, and edited the manuscript of another author prior to publication
In other words, my desk is now 'clear' for me to start a new novel. However, I find myself in a situation I have not encountered before. I have no idea what this new story will be about!
I have a basic scenario i.e. a backstory for both main characters, and I have two possible starts for the story – but can’t yet decide which to use.
Beyond that are blank pages! Ideas flit through my mind, and last night a friend produced a list of 15 possible events in the story, but I haven’t yet been able to develop any real story arc – apart from knowing there will be a happy ending, of course.
So now I am not sure what to do! Do I start the story, and hope the characters will take over and tell me their story? Or do I keep rolling the ideas around until something jumps out at me to show me which way the characters are (or should be) heading?
I’ve always said I am a pantser, but at the same time I usually have a vague outline in my mind when I start a story, or at least some of the major events/turning points in the story. At the moment, however, my mind (and my computer screen) are very blank!
Get it started and then it will flow, I'm sure. Your characters are just waiting to tell you (and us) their story.
ReplyDeleteMust admit I'd like a vague idea about where they're going first, Carol!
DeleteMaybe write down some of those 15 ideas and flesh them out? That might give you an idea of how to start it.
ReplyDeleteIt's not so much the start, but what happens from Chapter 2 to the end that I don't know yet! What I have some idea of that, I'll have more idea of where the first chapter will start!
DeleteI'm sure if you make a start ideas will come into your mind as you write. At least that's how it works for me. I usually only know the beginning and the necessary happy ending and am often taken by surprise when something happens that I hadn't thought of.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Margaret! I just started rewriting the first chapter, and already something has happened that I didn't anticipate!
DeleteOooh, the beginning of a new story is definitely equal parts excitement and nerves for sure.
ReplyDeleteI say just start writing...my bet is the characters will lead you where they want you to go!
Good luck!
I'm hoping they'll start giving me some clues about their story soon, Debra!
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