Sometimes the less we know about what will happen in a work of fiction, the better off we are. Because the more we know about what happens next, the more we close off the possibilities of the unexpected, the less chance we have of allowing our subconscious minds to speculate and probe down to the awkward truths that we need to express instead of glib things we initially thought we wanted to say. If we already know what we intend to say, we are going to learn nothing by saying it. Only when we allow our imagination the space to catch us by surprise, when we sit back and stare in bafflement at words that suddenly start appearing on our screens, do we find ourselves to be truly writing. Only then can we honestly say that we are being brought – often by the seat of our pants – on…
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What a coincidence: Last September, I blogged precisely the same quote (http://wp.me/p30cCH-KX). The original article and its companion constitute the best writing advice I’ve encountered. It must be time to re-read them. Thanks for helping spread the word that it’s okay to be a pantser.
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I think it’s OK to do whatever you feel most comfortable doing Christine 👍😃
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I wish more writers would adopt your philosophy. Far too many think that if they’re not outlining and sticking to a plan, they lack proper discipline. Then, they get frustrated by the inevitable deviations, and they panic and feel guilty when they get writer’s block. That’s no way to write a book. If we’re not having fun, we’re not doing it right.
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FUN and IMAGINATION are the key ingredients Christine – the rest can be taken care of during editing 🙊🙈🐵
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Even Plotters should plan for the unexpected. I simply don’t believe in writers who say “I have everything plotted down without any surprise possible.” When I do believe their saying, I thought about how much they’re hindering themselves.
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I think the surprise ideas make the story more interesting Massimo 😃
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Remember, it’s the hollow space that makes the bell resonate.
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And a few clangers Massimo 😄😄😄
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