Outlining With Robert Pattinson: The Resolution

At long last, we come to the final installment of my Outlining with Robert Pattinson series *sigh*

The part I'll be discussing today is the one most readers are dying to get to. What will happen after all those pages of conflict/backstory/world building/superamazeballs action??? 

Yep. Today I'll be tackling...

THE RESOLUTION

Or denouement, if you prefer the term. 

So. Your main character has faced the antagonist. They have battled it out, WWF style. There are bruises and broken bones and tears. But there's also a victory. Either your main character came out on top, or your antagonist did. Whoever won, your story's inciting incident has now been laid to rest. 

Sort of.

You see, in the resolution, your MC deals with the aftermath of his victory or loss. Their internal/external conflicts have been resolved. Lessons have been learned. Your MC has done a 180 degree change--their emotional arc has morphed them from who they were during the setup to a) someone different or b) the same person, but with a different outlook. 

This new outlook can be a product of one of two things:

1) Your MC wins the battle, but has lost something valuable 

2) Your MC loses the battle, but has gained something they never thought they'd value

This makes your resolution a bit more complex than saying, "We won, we won, we won! Now let's go PARTY!" or "FML, we lost... F. M. L!!!!!!" Everything in your manuscript has been pretty layered so far, right? Why not make your ending just as interesting? 

Other things to worry about at this stage of the story: 1) have I answered all the questions I introduced during Acts I and II?; 2) is there any plot hole I forgot to fix?; 3) are my scenes full of tension?; 4) do my scenes propel the plot forward, or drag it down? (cut those that drag it down!); 5) is my resolution a product of the hints I've dropped throughout the manuscript? (no Deus ex Machina, please!). Of course, you'll come up with more details to work with, but these are the ones I'm always freaking out over.

So. During the resolution, your MC has two options. They could be walking around like this:

"Don't look at me... I'm in a mood. A BITCHY mood"-- direct quote from your WIP

or like this:

"Leonardo DiCaprio can suck it. I'M the king of the world!!!!!!"-- direct quote from your WIP

It's up to you to see which Robbie P fits best with your story: loser or king.

Aaaaand that's a wrap! Hope you've enjoyed my outlining series, and that Robbie P has been useful to your manuscript! Because, come on, the dude is useful for almost every writing analogy ever made.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must go work on my outline...

Tell me: how do you feel about the resolution? Do you know how your story will end before you even start writing it? Or do you figure it out as you go?

Outlining With Robert Pattinson: The Turning Points

NOW we get to the good stuff, folks. Yes, I already confessed I love writing the inciting incident, but there are other parts of the story that I believe are just as much fun.

Which parts, you ask?

THE TURNING POINTS

Just like the inciting incident, the turning points change the name of the game for your main character. They introduce a complication that freaks him/her out in such a way that they feel like the end is nigh. Think of the turning points as things your antagonist does to thwart your MC's goal, and with each one that appears in the story, the level of difficulty for achieving that goal gets higher. 

Personally, I stick with three major turning points, and a lot of minor turning points along the way. The minor ones can deal with the main conflict, the subplots, and theme. The major ones deal primarily with the story's main conflict, and has to force my main character to grow in some way. 

During the major turning points, your main character is shocked out of their minds. Peeing-in-their-pants afraid. And they walk around looking like this: 

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHHHHHH!!!!!"--direct quote from your WIP

So there you go, folks. Turning points can make Robert Pattinson cry.

Next week, I'll be discussing something that might make him bite off your bed's headboard: the climax :)

Now tell me: how do you feel about writing the major turning points?

Reminder: The amazing Erinn is having a LIFE IS AWESOME contest!! There are 3 epic prizes you don't want to miss out on!! Contest runs till March 18th, so go sign up NOW!!

Self-Imposed Deadlines: Why They Rock

So. My current WIP is in first draft stage. It doesn't have a coherent, logical ending. I haven't finished re-reading it in full, or wrapped up my revision outline. 

But I'm going to start working on Draft Numbah Two this week. 

Folks, I love this story. It is a mess. A big one. But I love it.

And I REALLY want to fix it. Like, now.

I have a self-imposed deadline of completing Draft Numbah Two by mid-April. No one else is asking me to finish this manuscript by that date. I'm forcing myself to do so.

Why?

I haven't written a new word in a month. A MONTH, people. And before that? I was stuck in Shiny New Idea Brain Storm for THREE! *hangs head in shame*

So yeah. I need to get back to work. Or else... die?

This is why self-imposed deadlines rock. You know yourself pretty well, right? You know what you can and can't do. How long you'll probably take to work through the mess. These kinds of deadlines usually work because you're doing things at whichever pace you feel like. Sure, some of use get ambitious and aim for four revised drafts in 48 hours, but still. You're thinking hard about what you can achieve, and that's better than STARING AT THE COMPUTER SCREEN without typing A SINGLE WORD for THREE MONTHS.

Yes, I am shouting at myself. Please don't leave. I swear I'm normal. Sometimes.

Nobody knows your writing process better than yourself. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, then tackle the weaknesses first. If you do the opposite, you risk having to cut EVERYTHING later on because the messy parts are so messy, your good parts don't make much sense in the story. Take as much time as a) you need; b) your story needs. That means even after you meet your deadline, your story might still suck. Wait a while, then jump right back in. With another deadline in mind, if possible. 

FYI: I'm not a huge fan of giving your first draft a deadline, but you can certainly do so. I think, with revisions, deadlines are helpful. You get organized as a writer, and your story benefits from it. Double win.

Now tell me: do you have any self-imposed deadlines right now??

Outlining With Robert Pattinson: The Inciting Incident

Last week, I discussed the Setup of your story. Today I'll tackle what comes next:

THE INCITING INCIDENT

a.k.a. My favorite part to write *fist pump*

This is when you make things difficult for your main character. You throw him/her a curveball by forcing them to face a problem they must solve throughout the entire novel. Whenever I sit down to brainstorm possible inciting incidents, I ask myself this question: what makes my main character uncomfortable? What would totally freak them out and send them crying to their mommy? What would make readers stick around to find out if he/she beat his/her biggest fear?

There's also genre to think about. Is your story a mystery/sci-fi/contemporary? Genre will have an influence in the type of problem your MC will have to solve, as well as how he/she solves it (unfortunately, you can't have someone shoot laser beams out of their eyes in a contemporary... *pouts*). But to me, a great inciting incident does two things:

1) Propel the story forward in a new direction 

2) Boost your main character's internal conflict with an external one

Sure, #2 gets developed along the way with other parts of the story (which I'll discuss in later weeks), but you get the idea. Basically, during the inciting incident, your main character walks around with a pissy face because you pretty much ruined their life. Like this:

"Really, Inciting Incident? Really??? I HATE YOU!"--direct quote from your WIP.

There you have it, folks. The Inciting Incident makes Robert Pattinson very. Angry.

Stay tuned for next week's post: the Turning Points.

Now tell me: do you come up with the Inciting Incident as you go? Or is it the first thing you think of when brainstorming ideas for a new WIP?

Outlining With Robert Pattinson: The Setup

Ever since I've become a plotter, my life has been... weirder.

Why? Because of Robert Pattinson.

You see, whenever I sit down to work on my outline, his face is RIGHT THERE. Remember that post on how my writing stages mimic his hair? Same thing is happening with outlining, but not with his hair.

With his face.

So, for the next few weeks, I'll be starting a new series called Outlining With Robert Pattinson. Said series will go through my process of figuring out my manuscript in big picture terms (don't worry, no chapter/scene goals for this one. More like a map of the whole thing). For Part One, I'll start with...

THE SETUP

This is where the story starts, which means your main character's boat has not yet been rocked. Or maybe it has, and you carefully blend in backstory with his/her current circumstances. Some authors love opening with character (voice), others with action and character. To me, this second option is what works best--revealing character through action. I don't mean having your MC kick someone's face and say, "Who's your daddy, biatch?!!!" I mean putting your character in a situation that makes him or her react as only they would. 

Basically, your MC is a rock star in the setup. Those first twenty/thirty pages show him/her at a really awesome/sort of okay place, depending on your story. You are quite literally setting him/her up to face something that spins their world out of control. 

During those opening pages, your main character walks around looking like this:

"Oh, hello, love. Have you heard I'm awesome? Because I totally am."--direct quote from your WIP.

So. That' the Setup, folks. 

Next week, I'll tackle... the Inciting Incident. *cue ominous music*

Now tell me: how do you like your manuscripts to open? Character? Or action and character? 

New Year's Revisions Blog Party!!!

Happy New Year, peeps!!! *throws confetti*

So. My buddy Katrina is throwing a blogfest today. It's all about revisions. *shudders* 

Okay, that's a lie. I LOVE revisions. I'd take revising any day over drafting. For reals.

So here's my entry for the Revision's Blog Party!!

What I plan to revise: My current WIP, which will *hopefully* be done my mid-February. I started it in November (not for NaNo, though), and spent a lot of time outlining like a maniac. The outline still needs work, but I'm ignoring it at the moment. Focusing on the actual writing part instead :D

The process I'll go through: First, I'll finish the first draft. This one will focus on getting the events in place, making sure the character development is there, as well as my MC's voice. The second draft will be more focused on world-building and setting, but I'll also be on the lookout for plot holes. Usually, I send the finished second draft to my crit partners, and work on a third draft once I have their feedback. Then it's back to square one.

How long I expect it to take: Since my first draft will *hopefully* be done by mid-February, I plan on working on my second draft from that point till mid-March. So, basically, a month. Then it's off to crit partners. *crosses fingers and hopes they like it* Once I get their feedback, I revise with what works best for the story. That will most likely take me another month, so I think I might be able to start querying in late May. 

Easiest part: Fixing dialog/story arc/GMC (goal, motivation, conflict). It's always what others consider the hardest that I love working on (yes, I'm weird like that...). 

Hardest part: Fixing weak writing/passive voice/show vs. tell. You know, the "writerly" stuff. *shudders for real*

When I'll feel done: After five drafts, I think. The fourth will be using crit partner feedback, and the fifth will be a final read-through before querying. *fist pump*

There you have it, friends. 2011 is gonna be a busy year. 

Will you be doing any revisions soon?

How To Get Back To The WIP When You've Been Away For, Like, Forever

So. My "vacations" have started. I say "vacations" because:

1) The students at my university are on strike (tuition fee skyrocketed and overall dictatorial crap coming from the suits upstairs)

2) Two of my three classes have projects due in January, and I haven't wrapped them up. BUT I'll be completely ignoring them from today till December 27th. After that, back to work.

Today's post is about going back to work on something else--le WIP.

I only have the first three chapters done, and ONE LINE in the fourth. Yep. I'm pathetic. My goal for this month is to get at least four more chapters done (and to finally pass that wretched 10k mark). 

So how do I get back to work on my abandoned WIP after a month and a half of ignoring it?

1) Le playlist

For every manuscript I start, I create a playlist. This WIP in particular has two--one for the main character, one for the love interest. I love both playlists with a burning passion. Because their songs are EXACTLY what the characters are feeling. No other manuscript has gotten that lucky. So I spend a good deal of time listening to the songs and getting back into my characters' heads. Then I wait for the point in which I can't tell myself apart from my fake people.

2) Le outline

This is the first WIP that has had an outline before I start writing. Usually, I outline as I go to avoid getting stuck. But no, I changed the name of the game, and I'm super happy I did. In fact, my playlists have helped me to FINALLY figure out the ending. I had a particular version I was quite fond of, but when I listened to a song from the main character's playlist, I just... got it. So my plan is to jot down everything I've come up with these past few days, then see if the story flows well. By adding or removing details, I force myself to immerse every single thought into the world I'm creating. 

3) Le other books on my to-read pile

I've been reading like a maniac these past few days. Books that are similar to my WIP. Books that totally aren't. The point? I've been reading. Other stories always make me crave to write my own. Doesn't matter the genre or target audience. I'm not sure exactly why, but it always works like this for me. So I make sure there are plenty of books around when I'm drafting, just in case I lose steam. And yeah, that happens a lot. *blushes*

So there you have it. Music, outlines, and books help me get back to work. 

What about you? Any tips you'd like to share??

Post-NaNo Editing Checklist, Mystery Agent Contest And A Video!

Today I'm over @ Operation Awesome giving out revision tips for all you NaNoers out there. You can check it out here.

Be sure to stay tuned this Wednesday for another Mystery Agent Contest over @ OA!! So pretty please polish those one-line pitches, folks!! Mystery Agent is looking for YA and adult (all genres except for Christian fiction, erotica and picture books). Best of luck!

Also, I really really really wanted to share this. The fabulous Myra McEntire had this on her blog yesterday. It made me laugh. A lot.

I hope you do, too :D

Le video:

Hope ya'll had a great Thanksgiving!!

Yep. Shiny New Idea = Latest WIP

It's official. Yesterday I sat down, put on the earphones, and did the unthinkable.

Well, it's not so much 'unthinkable' as it is 'unavoidable'.

You see, I am a wuss. Big time. I am afraid of blank Word documents. But I am only afraid of them when I'm expected to write something on them. Like, actual words. That make sense. 

So yesterday I sat down, put on the earphones...

and started a new manuscript.

*le sigh*

I have been outlining this latest baby for about two months (did I mention I'm afraid of blank Word documents??). The outline STILL isn't finished, but I don't care. It was just my excuse to not start writing this sucker. But I have to stop being scared. It's time to write. 

So far, I have 1k. Only 64k more to go :D

What about you? How far along are you with those NaNo WIPs? 

Oh, and quick reminder, today's my day over @ Operation Awesome! I'm talking about why you should keep going when the going sucks. Fun times.

3 Reasons Why Your Internal Editor Rocks

Yes, NaNo is still happening, folks. No, I'm still not participating. *hangs head in shame*

BUT I figured I'd take more precious blog space to talk about something people usually freak out over. 

The Internal Editor.

*cue girl shrieks from scary movies*

What is the Internal Editor? Well, it's just like regular people--it can either be your friend or your enemy. The reason? It tells you what to do. While you're working on Draft #1. Which is supposed to suck.

Internal Editor will stop you every once in a while, maybe every two pages or so, and go, "Yo! This scene blows big time, G!" Yes, Internal Editors can be from the ghetto :D 

Anyway, while some people shut their Editors off during the first draft, I'm here today to defend the opposite. 

Here's why:

1) Your word count... well... counts.

You have a goal to reach 2k in an hour (I hate you...). But during first drafts, you simply type whatever comes to mind without caring about the coherence/structure/awesomeness of what you're typing. You just want to meet that freakin' goal. But if Internal Editor steps in, you get the best of both worlds. You get to 2k, and every word counts. It's not fluff or boring or stupid. It makes sense for your story, and you'll be able to push forward with a better outlook on what's to come. 

2)  Your writing/story improves along the way.

The more you read your own work and spot weak writing, the sharper your skills get. Typos, info dumps, inconsistent characterization--you can catch it all while it's still hot, and take it out immediately. Also, your story's thread is kept intact. You don't go off course by simply writing for the sake of writing something. You keep track of what you want to convey, and force yourself to stay faithful to it. By doing so, you get a clearer view on what your acts should consist of, what the chapter/scene goals are, and how everything will lead up to that ever-important climax. Sounds like hard work, but it's not--you go little by little until there's a whole bunch of awesome at the end.

3) Less hair pulling after you type THE END.

Every draft needs to be edited after it's done. I don't care what anybody says. There's no such thing as a perfect first draft. *rolls eyes* Even if your Internal Editor works along the way, you still need to have other people read and critique your baby, as well as a pair of your own eyes in the freshest state possible. BUT if the Internal Editor has been pulling its weight along the ride, those revisions you're dreading will be less than the amount you would've endured without it. And what could be better than less work??

So. There you have it. Internal Editors rock.

What say you, blogging buddies? Do you let your I. E. out while you're drafting, or do you shut the door in its face?

Awesome Fake People: Links On Creating Characters

Yep. Another links post, my friends. Can't help myself :D

This time around, I went on the hunt for characters. Many writers say they suck at crafting believable/memorable/likeable fake people. Since I am absolutely perfect and brilliant, I have NO IDEA what they're talking about...

...

Anyway, here are some really great sources for you to whip those fake people into awesome shape:

Roni Loren dishes tips on how to create sympathetic characters. 

Christina Lee talks about why changing who her main character is has helped her story.

The fabulous people over at The Blood-Red Pencil tell you how multiple modifiers can deepen characterization.

The lovely ladies over at YA Highway teach you about characters with Clifford the Big Red Dog, explain character motivation with Jack and Jill, and liken character description to the art of just enough.

Natalie Whipple shares her beef with strong female characters.

Janice Hardy (my writing hero) discusses things that are useful to know about your characters before you write.

Happy writing, blogging buddies!!

Awesome Beginnings: Links On Perfecting Your First Chapter

I'm feeling a little down this week, and couldn't come up with anything to blog about. Luckily, my blogging buddies rock seriously hard and have provided some help!

With what, you ask?

Beginnings. 

They're scary to write, aren't they? Hooking readers in + Me = suckfest. That's why I'm giving you all some super awesome links to help you with that pesky first chapter. I promise to post my personal beef with first chapters later on, so pretty please stay tuned for that. 

Le links:

My Operation Awesome buddy Michelle McLean tutors you on how to create a thesis statement in your opening pages.

The ladies over at Adventures in Children's Publishing share their favorite opening passages.

Bekah talks about the importance of character goals in the first two chapters. 

Natalie Whipple shares the first paragraphs of all her manuscripts and why they suck/rock. 

and

Beth Revis teaches you how to make your readers ask questions and care about the answers. 

There are A TON of other great sites/blogs/forums you can check out (like Janice Hardy's entire freakin' blog: http://storyflip.blogspot.com), but these are just a few of my faves. You won't regret taking a look at them. Pinky swear :D

Now tell me: do you struggle with openings as much as I do???

Operation Outline: Character Sheets Part Deux

To the pantsers of the blogosphere: I am sorry. Today I'm talking about outlining. Again. 

Please don't hit me. *cowers in a corner*

So last time, I mentioned Kody Keplinger's character sheet, which was pretty awesome. Now I want to show you something I'm doing for my current WIP. You see, I'm obsessed with character arcs. I LOVE seeing how someone goes from Point A to B in everything--books, movies, life. Because of this, I've started creating character arcs for all the key players in my WIP, but I went a step further. I've created relationship arcs.

It's important to get to know all your characters before you start working on how they get along with each other, and how their relationships will change throughout the manuscript. Sure, Kody's sheet works wonders for personalities and quirks, but I have a tip for you: go deeper.

Here's how I do it:

1) I start with Character A. He/she needs to be fully fleshed out before anyone else to me. In addition to Kody's personality sheet, I make a list of possible quotes he/she will say in the manuscript. That way, I get a feel for who he/she is directly from their head. I also come up with a short list of fears and flaws, which will come in handy later on in my outline breakdown.

2) I move on to the supporting cast. Everyone gets a personality sheet, but they also get the quote treatment, and the fears/flaws list. You'd be surprised how easy this can be after you've finished with the main character.

3) I go back to Character A and start pairing him/her up with Character B. This becomes my first relationship arc. What do I use here? The fears/flaws list of both characters. If Character A is scared stupid of being humiliated in public, and Character B doesn't get fazed by that kind of stuff, then how can B teach A to get over his/her fear? Or maybe B sucks at opening up to his loved ones, and A rocks at being honest--how can A help B let loose whenever he/she needs to vent? 

Another thing I find helpful is focusing on what Character A wants and how Character B won't let him/her get it. This works well with the hero/villain arc, but I think every character should want something that will force them out of their comfort zone. That's the only way real change will occur. 

Bottom line? Don't be afraid to go deeper. Yes, tons of writers create richly detailed settings and rock at descriptions, but relationship arcs should be just as rich. The key to making that happen is analyzing who the characters are, what they can/can't do for themselves and for each other, and how they'll change.

So there you have it: I've gone insane. Hopefully I'll have a pretty decent manuscript to show for it someday :)

Tell me: any tips you care to share with me? 

Operation Outline: Character Sheets

So. Outlines. Me likes them now. *cue death metal music*

I don't know how many plotters do it like this, but before I start my actual outline for the newest WIP, I'm making character sheets. 

A character sheet is a list of info regarding the characters in your story. There are tons of examples all over the Internet, but I'm using one I borrowed from super uh-may-zing YA author Kody Keplinger.

It goes a little like this:

Name

Birthday

GPA

Clubs

Favorite Class

Favorite Food

Favorite Color

Favorite Book

Favorite Movie

Favorite TV Show

Celebrity Crush

Favorite Band/Artist

Theme Song

Aspiration

Who Would Play Him/Her In a Movie?

Kody used this template to come up with her main characters' personalities (and it TOTALLY paid off). I've added a couple things to her template, like Favorite Song (the character's theme song represents who they are, but their fave song is simply one they listen to all the time). 

Believe it or not, this sheet has helped me figure out how my characters differ from each other by likes/dislikes alone. I've only completed one character arc, and it's been easier than I thought--thanks to this sheet. 

So there you go, blogging buddies. My life has changed for the better. 

Dear Pantsers: sorry for sounding like a public service announcement for plotting. Feel free to flip me the middle finger. I won't mind.

Now tell me: do you have any outlining tricks you use that have helped your story?

Confession: I've Become A Plotter (The Horror!)

First up, I'd like to give a HUGE THANKS to everyone who entered Operation Awesome's One-Line Pitch Contest!! We never thought entries would be filled in one day, ya'll! You rock. And best of luck to everyone who entered!

Okay. Now for the heavy stuff. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I am no longer a pantser.

I am a plotter.

The one thing I never thought I'd be, and here I am. Plotting before I sit down to actually write. *sigh*

Here's what happened: an idea for a new WIP came to mind a few months ago, but I put it aside because it was for a genre I've never written in. Months went by and I wrote another WIP while thinking about The One I Was Ignoring. After finishing Another WIP's first draft, I was burned out on the genre. I literally could not envision myself tackling rewrites because I thought my brain would melt. 

Fast forward to a week ago. I go back to The One I Was Ignoring and think about the premise. Then the characters. Then the voice. Then the genre. Cue my heart attack. 

After recovering from my heart attack, I realized this was a story I REALLY WANTED to write. But the fear of swimming in uncharted waters scared the bejeezus out of me. And that, my dear blogging buddies, is why I'm outlining. 

I refuse to believe I can't do this. So I need a plan of attack, one that's carefully constructed, to help me get through it. 

I'll tell you all about my outlining strategy later on, but for now, tell me: have you done anything you swore you'd never do lately??