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! :)
omg omg omg congratulations darling! What truly splendid news!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Juju! I'm excited. :)
DeleteAwww baby no.2!! How adorable!! Yay!
ReplyDeleteAnd huge congrats with the full request of your ms!! double Yay!
I come to an agreement with my workplace - I ask to use the work printer but provide my own paper - helps if you have an understanding boss though!
Take care
x
Thanks Old Kitty! :)
DeleteHaha, when I was working I printed my manuscripts there. Now though, I'm doing the stay-at-home mommy thing and so I'll have to use my own printer. But I think I will. Seems like a lot less stress and less cost (at least up front). No one said being a writer was cheap, right?
Double congrats on all the amazing news!
ReplyDeleteI used my own printer to print my manuscripts, and yes, it is expensive. But I just ate the cost because, at the time, I had a toddler and a baby, and FedEx is a 30min drive with a long wait. Or at least, that's the case with the one over here.
As far as advice, you just have to try different methods and see what works for you. I used to be a panster and am trying to reform for the same reason. Outlining worked pretty good with novel #2, but I'm still having to go back and rework the plot. For that I'm using the Snowflake Method and Save the Cat beatsheets and plot tips from the Dark Salon and well, just about any plotting advice or chart I can find. I have a collection of resources that I could pass onto you, if you'd like.
Again, congrats! And good luck with everything! :)
Thanks Avery! I've read Save the Cat and it was awesome, and I think that's just the book to help me with my outline. I'll have to dig it out. And those beat sheets are awesome! I didn't know he made those, I just printed a few of them now.
DeleteAnd speaking of printing, I think I will just print it myself. It'll save me hassle and I don't think it'll cost me more than going to Kinkos in the long run. :)
Thanks again!
So many wonderful things to be thankful for!!
ReplyDeleteAs for outlining, I'm a bit of a plotser, a panster and a plotser. I currently don't use a particular outlining software, just good ol' MS Word. I try to do a sort of drill down method: Big idea>Bit more break down of Big idea>leads to some scene breakdowns/chapter breakdowns. Also do some character sketches for main and sub characters. Then when I write, I just go. The writing may detour slightly from the skeletal outline I developed, which can be pretty cool and eventually loops back to the skeletal outline.
And a beautiful baby boy on the way. I'm sure big brother is excited.
I usually print at a printer location. I know it may be cheaper to print at home, but then again, I don't have a printer at home.
Wishing you the best with your request! Good things coming, I just know it :-)
Oh, congrats on boy #2! How exciting!
ReplyDeleteI do a little of both -- plotting and pansting. Before I start writing, I try to organize the ideas swirling around in my head in outline form. Then as I start writing, somehow I come up with a completely different story! LOL!
btw, I tagged you in a book/WIP teaser test making its round in the blogosphere. Don't feel obligated to participate if you'd rather not, but I thought it was pretty fun. :-)
Congrats on your manuscript request and your baby boy! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the little fellow!
ReplyDeleteI've used to Kinkos and they have done a nice job, BUT you must state up front that you want good quality paper used. My first printed MS from them was on a nice bond. The second was printed on a cheap paper that I had to go home, file that copy, and print my own. About thirty dollars for a copy to file away was such a waste. So...ask!
Because I write mysteries, I plot in detail. I know who the killer is, why he's the killer. Sometimes I don't know how the police will find the killer but I enjoy that along the way.
ReplyDeleteAbout the printing, not sure. I just print it out myself.
Awesome news about the second boy. Boys are awesome! Have one myself.
I plot a bit and then fly by the seat of my pants :)
ReplyDelete