Cheesecake and Writing Organically

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Cheesecake Cupcakes: Writing Organically

Good ol' Wikipedia taught me the history of cheesecake.  Cheesecake has been around for about 4,000 years.  It was originally made using flour, wheat, cheese and honey.  It was believed to have made its debut at the first Olympic games and became such a favorite that it was served at Greek weddings.  Over the centuries, the recipe has been changed, using different varieties of cheese and adding different ingredients, such as eggs and butter.  In 1872, an American farmer was trying to reproduce his own version of a French cheese for his cheesecake and ended up making his own version of cream cheese.  He then decided to start selling the product in foil wrappers, much like we use today, which became the staple for cheesecakes sold in America.

When I hear the story about the origin and changes of one of my favorite cakes, I must admit it reminds me of my own manuscript.  I had a dream one night that inspired my story.  I wrote out the scene of my dream and planned the story around it.  But as the story took shape, characters began to do things differently then they did in my mind and my plans.  And as I revised the story, I realized more and more that the scene that had inspired the entire idea didn't even fit anymore.  I sadly had to cut it out.

We can brainstorm and plot and outline for a long time, but somehow, as we start writing and the words appear on the page, they seem to veer off in a different direction then we originally planned.  I think this is a good thing.  Organic.  It makes the story and the characters seem alive.  

Whether it was intentional or not, I'm glad for the changes to the recipe that helped cheesecake become the dessert we know and love.  I admire the farmer who tried to make a French cheese and ended up with something different.  Instead of tossing it out as a failure, he realized the value in it and made a new and improved product out of it.  It went on to become a bestseller.

Cupcakes and Writing: Coffee

Coffee: Plot

According to GanoCup.com, coffee has become the second most popular drink in the world (after water of course).  They state that over 400 billions cups are consumed every year, making the coffee industry valued at 80 billion dollars.  And so, it should only follow that the world’s favorite drink should be transformed into cupcake form.  Now, I’ll admit, I’ve never had a coffee flavored cupcake, but I know they exist.  And if you were to hand me one, I'd gladly try it.  I’d imagine they taste like a Starbucks—the bitter smell of coffee, sweet smell of sauces and sugars emanating from the little cakes.  

And just like I go to a Starbucks to meet a friend or get some reading or writing done, people get their coffee to help them as they scurry around crossing things off their to-do lists.  Just as a coffee lover wants/needs their caffeine to keep them going throughout their busy day, so a good story needs an intriguing plot.

Whether you're participating in NaNoWriMo this year or not (I am for the fourth time and have yet to 'win') plot is something that is foundational to any story.  My first manuscript I ever wrote was a flop simply because it was so character-driven and had very little plot.  Not that characters aren't important, but if you want your readers to care about your characters, you have to give them a story they care to sit through.  And our goal shouldn't just be that our readers sit through our book, but that they're at the edge of their seats, turning those pages, rooting for those characters, "just one more chapter" kind of sitting through our books.

I have yet to learn the secret to developing a great plot.  I've read lots of helpful books, but I'm still not there.  I'm more of a 1) get the story out there, 2) think about it a looooong time, then 3)  revise it so the plot is more suspenseful.  And repeat steps two and three a gazillion times.  

I've learned a few tricks.  Such as make sure the inciting event occurs in the first chapter.  End each chapter with a cliffhanger. Each chapter should contain some kind of conflict.  Make sure there is something at risk for the main character and that they have strong motivation.  Start strong with a great hook.  

I wish I had the secret to developing a great plot.  Just as I wish a delicious frappe would plop in front of me anytime I sit down to write or read or surf the internet.  Or that I had a coffee flavored cupcake to try.

I'll just have to settle with learning new tricks for developing a stronger story.  Just like I make my own frappachinos.  But man, those things taste amazing when you have to blend all those ingredients together yourself.  You appreciate them a little bit more.

Hey readers and writers, what do you think makes a great plot?

Writers, what tricks do you have for developing a strong, intriguing plot?

And anyone else doing NaNo this year?

Totally Random Post

Plotting or Pantsing?
I've read many a post and article on this subject.  I'm normally a pantser. I have no idea where this blog post is going from here, I'm just typing and hoping it'll make sense.  That's what I did with my manuscript, and I think that's why it took me 3 years to write.  I spent two years just revising and editing because I'd realize I was going in the wrong direction or had huge plot holes.  And the reason it took me a whole year to write is simply because I'd get writer's block.  A lot.

So, I've decided maybe I should write my next manuscript with an outline in mind.  But the question is, what tools do you recommend for doing that?  Books?  Websites?  I've heard people rave about The Snowflake Method.  Anyone got any advice for a non-plotter like me?

Best way to print a manuscript?
In other news, I got a request from an agent to read my manuscript!  Whoo hoo!  She's requested a mailed copy.  The hubster is thinking I should get it printed at Kinkos since our ink isn't exactly cheap and we don't want to have to worry about the wear and tear on our printer.  But I'm thinking that will cost me a good $30 and a trip with a toddler and a pregnant belly, in addition to a trip to the post office.  So, what do you recommend is the best way to print a manuscript?  Do you use your own printer or another source for printing 206 pages?

Cool news:
And I just thought I'd share the latest update with my blogging friends.  Baby number two is another boy!  So excited my little monkey will have a playmate to share his toys and clothes with. :)


So anyway, I told you this post was random.  Maybe that's the problem with pantsing.  In case you can't tell, I can really use your advice! :)