Plotting by ear
This weekend, I immersed myself as much as my schedule allowed in plotting a new novel. Not a romance this time but a mainstreamish/women’s lit-ish story that literally won’t let me sleep.
In the past, I’ve always been a pantser–write now, plot later–should be a tshirt in my closet. But this time I tried something a bit different, based on an idea I found in the amazing Create A Plot Clinic, by Holly Lisle Her line-for-idea cards are where I am at the moment, and it’s all working pretty nicely (thus far).
The coolest thing about plotting, to me, is my ability to “hear” my characters in my head before their stories are fully fleshed out. I get truly random snippets of dialogue in my brain at random times (“You’re the least traditional person I’ve ever met”, “Smoking is disgusting and gives you wrinkles. And I care about you.”, and “Can Rick be Elvis at my wedding?”) (you’ll have to read the book to find out where these fall!)
Some people need medication to stop these voices, but I encourage it. These words aren’t just random phrases but sentences and conversations I actually hear crystal-clear between my ears. Since I just started plotting today, I know I’ll start hearing more of them at times during the day when I least expect it. It’s just the way my first draft goes. I could probably write an entire draft in only dialogue. Maybe I should be a screenwriter…!
How about you? Do you hear your characters? How do your first drafts take shape and form from the abstract images and storylines in your brain? I’d love to know. (If for nothing else to make sure I’m not the only one who hears voices …LOL)
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It's pretty simple, really. I'm a writer who loves writing about writing, and sharing all the tricks of the trade with other writers. And when I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing. I have a hunch you know what I mean :)