7
That writing workshop in Chicago broke my constant outlining habit
Went to a weekend workshop at a tiny bookstore in Wicker Park. The instructor said "your outline is a safety blanket, burn it." She made us write a 500 word scene with zero planning. First try was garbage. Second try was better. Third try actually had a voice I never knew I had. Now I start every prompt with just a character name and a location. Has anyone else tried ditching the plan completely for a first draft?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
jesser7928d ago
Maybe it's just me but I feel like this is one of those things that works for some people until they hit a novel length project and suddenly need that safety net back. Idk, I've tried both ways and found that having a loose plan keeps me from writing myself into a corner, even if the first draft is ugly. But hey, if burning the plan gave you a voice, then maybe that's all that matters for now.
5
sandra_anderson228d ago
and that's exactly the thing about writing yourself into a corner. i've done it more times than i can count with short stories, but with a novel you're basically stuck for weeks trying to dig yourself out. the problem is that when you're so attached to being a "pantser" it almost feels like admitting defeat to go back and outline. but honestly i've started thinking of it more like having a map versus getting lost in the woods. you don't have to follow every trail on the map but at least you know which direction home is. a loose plan isn't a cage it's just a flashlight in a dark room.
2
Yeah isn't it funny how bad the first try is when you let go? I had the exact same thing happen at a workshop a couple years back. Felt like I was learning to walk again for the first few tries. But that third attempt where something clicks, man that's worth the garbage first drafts. Now I'll sometimes just throw a character into a situation and see what they do, and half the time they surprise me with stuff I never would have planned. Seems like loosening the grip is what lets the real voice come through.
2