Quote:
Originally Posted by ekster
But something just refuses to click when I try to plan it out at the chapter by chapter level.
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I agree, then don't.
There are 2 distinct methods of writing, with flavoring in between.
Camp One: I came across this camp when reading on Orson Scott Card's web site for writers. He has A LOT of great information there, including essays on how to write. What he does is plan everything out before he writes. Full out line, word counts, etc. Before he starts writing the actual narrative he knows exactly what will happen from beginning to end.
Camp Two: I first saw this method described by Stephen King in his book "On Writing" (side note.. YOU GO BUY THIS
) When King writes he starts with an idea "a tilted lover gets revenge" or something like that. Then he just starts writing with NO IDEA where the story will go, or how it will end.
Both are very successful in their art, and both prove that thier model works... for them.
I fall squarely in Camp Two. I have in my mind a character, and I put that character in a scene and see what he does. From there the story flows out. It is the only way I can work. I can not understand Camp One, and in my experience people that fall in Camp One can not understand Camp Two.
Here is the thing... BOTH are completely valid and proven models. Perhaps your problem is your tying to hard to be something your not. So in summary.. my suggestions...
1) Go by Stephen King's "On Writing" and read it. Then read it again.
2) Sit, write, and stop worrying.
3) Look into a program called Scrivener. Its great if you want to just write scenes in pieces and assemble later.