Ruby Wednesday

[browngirl]

First of all, if you're reading this and you commented on one of my stories recently, thank you. I'm behind on replying to comments, but I should catch up soon. When I've finished this latest drabble offer I'll likely post a new one, probably early next week.

I also have some longer stories in the works, but spring is a busy time for me (I work in a school), so I'll put them out there when I can.

And now, a writing discussion question or two:

1) How do you plan out your stories? (And do you? Some people don't.)

2) How do you differentiate in your story's text between what a characterr thinks and what you the author think?

My own answers are fortthcoming shortly. :D

Comments

[serai1.livejournal.com]

Interesting questions!

1) I don't. No plotting, no outline, as little thought as possible before the fact. There have been a couple of stories that I've pondered ahead of time, and invariably those were the ones that gave me the most trouble. The question of how I actually do it is a bit complicated. It's unequal parts sudden inspiration, involved conversation with characters that I believe have their own existence in some way that I don't completely understand, and a kind of word-jazz riffing. One analogy that just occured to me is that of a surfer - I paddle along in the warm ocean water, waiting for just the right wave so I can pop and ride the curve. When I hit the right moment, it's like rushing down the tunnel of a really grand tube, surrounded by the roar and diamond brilliance, the freezing airy bite of words and the near frightening power of images as they cascade around me. Then I'm out the other end, gasping and laughing in the sun, and fall off my board into the water to wait for the next chance to ride. :D

2) Depends on the story. Most of my stories are first person, so being clear about the character's thoughts necessitates pinpointing his/her voice. Vocabulary, tempo, tone, idioms, mannerisms. When I write a story that's third person, I usually indicate a character's thoughts with the use of italics. It doesn't pay to get too complicated or call too much attention to what you're doing as a writer, so a simple trick like that is usually the best way to go.

Hope that answers your questions. *hug*

[rubynye.livejournal.com]

OK, now I'm picturing you surfing on a giant pencil. :D Seriously, thank you for these answers!

[illyria-novia.livejournal.com]

One analogy that just occured to me is that of a surfer - I paddle along in the warm ocean water, waiting for just the right wave so I can pop and ride the curve. When I hit the right moment, it's like rushing down the tunnel of a really grand tube, surrounded by the roar and diamond brilliance, the freezing airy bite of words and the near frightening power of images as they cascade around me. Then I'm out the other end, gasping and laughing in the sun, and fall off my board into the water to wait for the next chance to ride. :D

I must say that that is a beautiful and breathtaking analogy to describe a writing process.