I like this perspective. You’re basically saying (correct me if I’m wrong) to start with the beginning and let the rest come out. This is the opposite of plotting. Correct? My question is. How do you pull that off for a novel? I basically have a seed of an idea that I start to write at and then I bring it home relatively quickly. Because I got th idea out. How does it work for 300 pages?
Great question! This actually reminded me of a book called "The 90-Day Novel" by Alan Watt (not to be confused with the philosopher Alan Watts, although there is a surprising amount of philosophy in this book). When writing longer works, I noticed that the seed would sustain me for a few chapters, but eventually I'd hit a wall. So I reached out to my mentor, and she recommended this book to me. My memory's a little hazy, but I think the book gives you the bare bones structure for outlining the essential beats in a novel while still leaving a lot of room for flexibility. I remember finding it really helpful.
Sometimes the hardest part about writing is the BEGINNING. Argh! I appreciate this sentiment about a ripple and how it can just keep going from there. Your novel sounds so interesting and intriguing!
I love this. Beginnings really are quiet — small seeds that grow into something you never could’ve planned. Your approach makes writing feel alive and surprising, not forced, and Hannah’s rabbit hole sounds like the perfect way to let a story unfold on its own.
I like this perspective. You’re basically saying (correct me if I’m wrong) to start with the beginning and let the rest come out. This is the opposite of plotting. Correct? My question is. How do you pull that off for a novel? I basically have a seed of an idea that I start to write at and then I bring it home relatively quickly. Because I got th idea out. How does it work for 300 pages?
Great question! This actually reminded me of a book called "The 90-Day Novel" by Alan Watt (not to be confused with the philosopher Alan Watts, although there is a surprising amount of philosophy in this book). When writing longer works, I noticed that the seed would sustain me for a few chapters, but eventually I'd hit a wall. So I reached out to my mentor, and she recommended this book to me. My memory's a little hazy, but I think the book gives you the bare bones structure for outlining the essential beats in a novel while still leaving a lot of room for flexibility. I remember finding it really helpful.
I’ve never even heard anything like this before. I’ll have to look it up. Thanks for that!
For sure! Yes it's definitely worth checking out :)
I like it. Don't force the story. Follow it.
Thank you! That’s actually a good mantra. Don’t force, follow.
Oh, this was a great read!
Thank you so much!
Sometimes the hardest part about writing is the BEGINNING. Argh! I appreciate this sentiment about a ripple and how it can just keep going from there. Your novel sounds so interesting and intriguing!
Thank you so much, Kara! Beginnings are fun for me, but the middle's where things can get a little sticky....
I love this. Beginnings really are quiet — small seeds that grow into something you never could’ve planned. Your approach makes writing feel alive and surprising, not forced, and Hannah’s rabbit hole sounds like the perfect way to let a story unfold on its own.
Thank you so much! Your writing is a testament to this as well :)