Yesterday I came across a site that has a list of 9 questions for the writer to answer about their own work in progress. You can read it here .
I printed it out and was able to answer maybe 4 of the 9. I wasn't happy about this considering how much work I've put into my story. Questions 3 and 5 are the ones I'm hung up on because I think I am confusing my "external stressors" and the "obstacles". To me they are one and the same.
My MC is attacked soon after she is sent on her mission. And it does change everything. Her, the group, and the future of the mission. The attack is meant by the antagonist as an "external stressor" so the MC would turn on those who sent her on the mission to begin with. But, it is also an obstacle because the MC has to, of course, defeat the attackers to continue on. I know I'm over thinking this and making it harder on myself. But that just goes to show that I don't have all the bugs worked out to get past the third chapter "speed bump".
I like how the questions make the writer be honest about what they are trying to say with their story. Question number 8 I thought would be easy to answer but, after 6 years, to many plot ideas, notes scattered between the mid west and east coast, and three comps later, I am not able to answer that question yet. It could also be the reason why I haven't been able to figure out a title also.
I like writing on the fly but, I also like structure. When it comes down to getting the work done I like to sit down with everything I've accumulated over the years and be able to write out a workable outline. But when I get stumped by a simple 9 question survey about my own story, then it would seem I'm still in the conceptual stage.
I will admit I did get upset over not being able to answer the questions because, damnit, I should know these things by now. And this is one thing that I can't brainstorm with my husband about because even tho he has helped with a lot of things, this is not his story. He doesn't know what I am trying to say with it. Granted, I started it for one reason and thats to give something to my MC thats long over due but, this is where different aspects of novel writing come in that I think first time writers have a hard time remember. (OK maybe just me.)
Theme is very important. If a writer knows what they want for their MC before they even finish the story, then there should be a solid theme of the story that does not change...........ever.
Today I found a site that explained the power of theme better (to me anyways) than I have ever came across. Men with Pens explanation took hold of my wandering themes and told it to stay put and make itself be known in every chapter, every gut retching scene, and every hard decision that my MC has to make.
What I'm writing is not just for readers or myself. I am writing it hoping to give the MC an ending that she deserves. I will not fail in doing so. (Even if it takes me another 6 years).
I printed it out and was able to answer maybe 4 of the 9. I wasn't happy about this considering how much work I've put into my story. Questions 3 and 5 are the ones I'm hung up on because I think I am confusing my "external stressors" and the "obstacles". To me they are one and the same.
My MC is attacked soon after she is sent on her mission. And it does change everything. Her, the group, and the future of the mission. The attack is meant by the antagonist as an "external stressor" so the MC would turn on those who sent her on the mission to begin with. But, it is also an obstacle because the MC has to, of course, defeat the attackers to continue on. I know I'm over thinking this and making it harder on myself. But that just goes to show that I don't have all the bugs worked out to get past the third chapter "speed bump".
I like how the questions make the writer be honest about what they are trying to say with their story. Question number 8 I thought would be easy to answer but, after 6 years, to many plot ideas, notes scattered between the mid west and east coast, and three comps later, I am not able to answer that question yet. It could also be the reason why I haven't been able to figure out a title also.
I like writing on the fly but, I also like structure. When it comes down to getting the work done I like to sit down with everything I've accumulated over the years and be able to write out a workable outline. But when I get stumped by a simple 9 question survey about my own story, then it would seem I'm still in the conceptual stage.
I will admit I did get upset over not being able to answer the questions because, damnit, I should know these things by now. And this is one thing that I can't brainstorm with my husband about because even tho he has helped with a lot of things, this is not his story. He doesn't know what I am trying to say with it. Granted, I started it for one reason and thats to give something to my MC thats long over due but, this is where different aspects of novel writing come in that I think first time writers have a hard time remember. (OK maybe just me.)
Theme is very important. If a writer knows what they want for their MC before they even finish the story, then there should be a solid theme of the story that does not change...........ever.
Today I found a site that explained the power of theme better (to me anyways) than I have ever came across. Men with Pens explanation took hold of my wandering themes and told it to stay put and make itself be known in every chapter, every gut retching scene, and every hard decision that my MC has to make.
What I'm writing is not just for readers or myself. I am writing it hoping to give the MC an ending that she deserves. I will not fail in doing so. (Even if it takes me another 6 years).