So. I’ve been writing a science fiction trilogy plus companion tale (It didn’t start out that way, but that’s how it’s ended up) for the last 50 years. I didn’t know where the story would take me, and it was only by self-publishing the beginnings that I could free myself to bring the whole shebang to a finish. Or rather, I’m working on the finish!
In one of my critique groups (I belong to two) we were discussing the benefits of outlining before writing. The biggest benefit is time savings. You know what you need to cover in a chapter, you know the goal of your current chapter, etc.
Yes, that’s all wonderful! But it implies you know where you’re going before putting pen to paper. And you know the theme of your story. So what happens if your mind doesn’t work like that? What if you don’t know what the story is about until you write it down?
I don’t always know what I’m thinking. Here’s a personal example. Quite some years ago, I went to urgent care with a relatively minor but uncomfortable matter and waited for a long time, while others were triaged ahead of me.
Finally I dug out a pad of paper from my purse (always carry something to write on) and started scribbling. What did I write? I don’t remember, but my words pretty much told me to get up and go home. And I did. I went home and made an appointment. I often don’t know what I’m thinking unless I write it down,
That’s how my creative mind works as well. What comes out of my pen are conversations. It might be a dialogue between me and a character, or more often, it’s two or more characters talking among themselves. I’m merely their stenographer.
One of the critiques I’ve gotten has been a complaint that I include too much dialogue. That tells me I’ve done a poor job of translating “overheard” talk into proper scenes. There needs to be interiority, tension, action, decision making, not simply talk-talk.
I’ve arrived at the time for revision. I need to revisit my characters, especially the secondary ones, and bring out their stories a bit more. And I’m enthusiastic about doing it! It gets me up in the morning.
That’s important. Be enthusiastic about whatever you’re living for.
Sophie: Before and after. Just like in writing, there’s a before revision and an after. Let’s hope my edits make as impressive a change as Sophie’s haircut.
Kate Harrington 