Is it easier to write from an outline or off the top of your head? Well, for me, I usually have some sort of outline done up, even though I hardly ever stick to the outline. Just having something to help give me some sort of clue as to where the story's going to end up really helps me out.
But, stupid me. When it came to Nano I didn't even have much of an idea on November 1st that I didn't have enough time to create any outline. Now, I haven't a clue where I'm going to go. 2,000 words in and already I'm starting to doubt whether I can create any decent novel. I'm really biting my tongue at the moment because I feel like ditching my efforts for the second time (I can't do that or I'll end up with nothing at the end of the month).
When it comes to serious hit-the-wall writers block, what is the best way to get out of it? And that doesn't include ditching the little bit I've got, because I need something to work from.
Happy Christmas!
20 hours ago
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2 comments:
Try asking two questions at the start of each session:
1) How can my MC get out of his/her current propblem?
2) How can I make that choice cause my MC to land in a bigger problem?
Best of luck with NaNo!
I feel your pain! I had one little measly concept idea, and ended up scrapping it just a few days before November. I've been freaking out, not knowing what I'm doing, hoping to just write something although I have no idea what it will be....yeah, next year, I'm gonna outline. So I started writing, and I only have about 172 words right now! BUT...I now have an idea I plan to put in to action that will hopefully spike my word counts!
I discussed things with my brother, who helped me. Here's what we did (maybe it will help you too):
I already knew that I'd like to write fantasy, so it might also help you to identify a genre. (Instead of looking up lists of genres, it would probably be easier to go to the NaNo forums and look at the different genre sections.) Then, my brother looked up the main different types of conflict (character vs. self, character vs. nature, character vs. character, etc.) so that we could choose one for me. With a genre and conflict picked out, it's much easier to come up with a plot, because you've already narrowed yourself down a bit. The main thing after that, I suppose, would be to get a main character and figure out what they want and what's standing in their way. Hope this helps you! :)
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