i start with concepts and little else.How much or what are the things you planned out before you start writing? Or does it change depending on what kind of stories you want to write? If so, what are the essentials that you definitely write down in all of them?
When I first start writing, I also do this. Mostly having the protagonists I want to write and how I want the story to end.I generally have a rough outline in my head and come up with details as I go.
The exception to that is when I'm writing a story that's supposed to convey some specific message, then I plan it all from the beginning and only adjust the details when writing.
Yes, like this lol.I outline the beginning and end...
and pull the the middle out of my ass
Wow. I think I'll try one of your methods for my next story. But for the essentials, I think I'll go for MC's personality and occupation/race instead. And because I mainly write romance, the dynamic with their pairing as well.Varies. Mostly on the type of story, and why I want to write it and where the idea comes from.
HOWEVER, most of time its method 1!
Method 1, on the bare basic level, the essentials are one or more of the following.
- Powers of The MC
- Personality of the MC
- World of the Story
- A plot point or the story I want to tell.
So if I have idea of story, and know one or more of the above, I might try writing it. So overall, basically just a really rough outline.
After I start writing I may create a specific plan for the story or arc, but that's a different topic from the question.
However, then there is the two other extreme ends.
Method 2 is where I go into a LOT of detail making the world, characters and plot of the story. This is mainly for a stories that I want the whole "world" (the area where the story takes place) to feel really lived in, with a lot of moving parts. So I usually save this for the more detailed orientated stories. (Currently, I'm using this method for a WIP story that I haven't posted yet).
Then Method 3 is on other extreme, is where I know literally everything that will happen in a story. This comes from a different place thought. So instead of purposely planning out everything, I basically simulate a story--from start to whenever it finishes--in my own mind over a period of a week to couple months (Who needs tv when you can just program your brain to create your entertainment?!). Then I have a full story, which I just need to copy paste from my mind to page. However, I haven't done this for the purpose of creating a story, its usually for my own entertainment first, and they I try to make it into a story.
But yeah, most of them its just method 1. I just get idea of a fun MC or story and I may plan out a bit extra, but I usually just try writing about 10 chapters to see if I like the concept or not.
How much or what are the things you planned out before you start writing? Or does it change depending on what kind of stories you want to write? If so, what are the essentials that you definitely write down in all of them?
Well, I start with the entire theme, genre and plot, from start to finish.How much or what are the things you planned out before you start writing? Or does it change depending on what kind of stories you want to write? If so, what are the essentials that you definitely write down in all of them?
I am writing a horror/mystery. I wrote a summary of all important plot points before writing a guide on the characters, organizations, and magic system. Then I write a outline for what I want to happen in each scene to make sure everything is consistent and that I don’t waste time. Think of what is written at the beginning of a scene in a play.How much or what are the things you planned out before you start writing? Or does it change depending on what kind of stories you want to write? If so, what are the essentials that you definitely write down in all of them?
Mood.Sums up my planning skills...