#non-linear writing

[a-ray-of-moonshine]

Random Writing Thought:

Sometimes, it makes sense to write the ending first, so you can keep it in front of you and remind yourself, as necessary, what your entire story is headed / what you should be working up to with every chapter.

[lycorogue]

“One and the Same” Progress Report:

I just finished up what SHOULD be the scene that opens the door to the great MariChat friendship that makes up much of the backbone of OatS. I still need to tack on a proper opening to the scene/chapter. I also, of course, have to go through with edits, especially once I have the story actually pieced together. As of right now, though? 4400 words and 8pgs.  Marinette is freaking out about the potential of meeting with Gabriel to talk about her fashion designs. Chat Noir spots her at the Trocadero and kind of talks her off the ledge (figuratively; don’t worry). There’s some bonding. There’s also a brief Balcony Scene, and the plan to woo Marinette starts to build a new layer. I’m excited! That scene came together a bit easier than I had feared. It does change quite a bit in my “Chat Noir Finds Out Marinette Loves Adrien” scene, but that needed an overhaul anyway.

Writing this thing non-linearly has really helped me keep my momentum. I’m all over the place! ^_^ I think NaNo will be less “write 50,000 words in 30 days” and more “ORGANIZE THIS CHAOTIC SHIT! OHMYGOD WHAT HAVE I DONE!? IT’S ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! WHAT IS A TIMELINE? WAIT A MINUTE, WASN’T MARINETTE SUPPOSED TO HAVE POV TOO!? WHAT WAS I DOING WITH MY LIFE!?” So... uh... yeah... stay tuned for that mess. :D

[katesattic]

I'm a non-linear writer.

What do you mean by that? It means I write scenes as they come to me and don't worry if we haven't gotten to that plot-point yet. So the plot's all over the place? No. My novels are chronological. They might have dual timelines, but within those timelines they go from point A to B to C (not from C to A to B). The story is linear within these two timelines, however the order in which I wrote them is not. Why do you do this? I feel less limited this way. I am free to write scenes as they come to me, in full. I'll connect the dots later. Writing this way gives me freedom. I used to write linearly because I thought that was the only way. So, I would table certain scenes for later. And by the time I would finally get to them, my notes would be so minimal that I had forgotten the bulk of the scene. Does that mean you write big scenes and connect them to each other later? Yes and no. Sometimes I write small insignificant scenes that are more about the characters relationships to each other than the plot. But I find writing this way helps me connect scenes better. I've written point A and B and, to connect them, I can fill the space with suspense, humour, build up the reveal, or whatever I need so point B is impactful. Do other people write like this? Yes. Diana Gabaldon (author of the Outlander series) is a published author who writes in this fashion. OK, but why again? Because I feel freer. I'm less bound by rules. If I write as it comes to me and worry about connecting it later, I feel liberated. I usually know in what chapter the scene will be set. So, it's not like I'm randomly writing. It has a place in the plot, I have plot outlines, and I know where I want the story to go, so why not write that scene as it comes to me and edit/connect it later? Doing this also helps me to see if the scene is truly necessary to the work. Can I edit it and build on it? Or do I scrap it? It's great for when you write something at 4am then want to look at it later with fresh eyes. Can I do it? Yeah! It might not be for everyone. Some people like writing linearly. I don't. I find it too constricting. And if you feel that way too, writing non-linearly might be for you.

[msbookish]

Austin Kleon on non-linear writing and index cards. The very thought of this process really inspires me. I'd like to complete a project using this method. (via Austin Kleon - VizThink Austin 2/3/2010 - 4 of 7 - YouTube)

[atbaron]

Fortune Cookie Friday - The End Is Just the Beginning

Fortune Cookie Friday – The End Is Just the Beginning

Whenever I sit down to write a novel, letter, or blog post, I always consider the end. Even as I write these words, I am formulating the last line. The end is the culmination of the work, and in my opinion, it is the most important part. I am not the only writer that does this, though I would love to feel special (with all of my idiosyncrasies); many well-known authors follow this method. (more…)

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[mousedeerproductions]

Mouse Deer and Tiger and Twine So I've created a video about how to create a non-linear narrative using Twine, and philosophize about non-linear narratives in general.

[emerymott]

Eight Months

* I was looking in my old zines and realized this is one of the only stories I ever put out and it was because its pretty legit. I know people follow this blog for pictures, but maybe someone will enjoy it. For those without an excellent sense of month chronology, I recommend reading it twice.*

Eight Months

by Emery Mott

It’s November.  Our fingers are interlocking as we walk.  I’m proud to show you off.

Its May.  I’m knocking on your door.  I’m peering through your window.  There’s no response, and I see no movement.

It’s January.  We just had our first real fight.  Mascara tears are drawing dark lines down your cheeks.

It’s October.  Our eyes meet across the room.  I think you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

It’s April.  We are talking on the phone.  Your voice is tired and distant.  I haven’t seen you in five days.  I fear you are using again.

It’s December.  Sweat is stinging my eyes.  My muscles burn as you smile wide and tell me you love me.

It’s February.  I’m nervous about meeting your mom.  You are telling me not to worry.

It’s March.  My glasses are off.  My vision is blurry.  I’m trying to focus on your yelling as I taste blood in my mouth.

It’s October.  This is the third time I’ve seen you.  My hands are trembling as we walk to my door.

It’s January.  The make up sex was incredible.  Your head is resting on my chest as it rises and falls.  I feel your legs shaking against mine below.

It’s May.  Your house is dark when I walk inside.  My eyes are adjusting as I feel my way down your hall.

It’s February.  We’re at dinner with your mom.  She is warning me about your past while you are in the restroom.

It’s November. You’ve slept at my house for three days straight.  We are watching stand-up on TV from the comfort of my bed.  You are laughing.  You look so happy.

It’s April.  My friend is telling me he saw you last night.  He won’t look me in the eyes.

It’s December.  I’m kissing the small scars on your arm.  I know better than to ask what they are from.

It’s May.  I get to the end of the hallway.  The bathroom door is shut.  Something is blocking it as I push it open.

It’s March.  My head is pounding as I sit on the curb.  You are screaming at me hysterically.  ”How could you?” How could you?”

It’s January.  We’re walking your dog to the park.  I follow your gaze to the dark building across the street.  The sign reads, “Recovery Center”.

It’s October.  It’s only been a day since we were together last, but you are telling me you missed me.  I can’t help thinking I missed you too.

It’s February.  I’m telling your mom not to worry, I’m telling her I will never hurt you.  I’m lying.

It’s May.  I freeze when I see your body.  You are slumped over lazily with your back against the bathtub.  Your legs are straddling the base of the toilet with your head on the seat.

It’s March.  Your best friend has her hand on my thigh.  I’m telling her I feel guilty, I’m telling her I’ve never done this before.

It’s November.  I’m telling you to trust me.  I’m telling you I’ll always be faithful.

It’s April.  I’m apologizing again.  You look frail in your over-sized sweater with the torn cuffs.  Your eyes dart around the room, but never meet mine.

It’s May.  There is dried vomit on your chin.  I’m crying as I close your eyelids for the last time.

It’s November.  You just told me you love me for the first time.  As I’m saying it back I realize for the first time in my life, I actually mean it.

[flytrapgirl]

Linear Writing for Non-Linear People

Linear Writing for Non-Linear People

Right now, as you’re reading this, I’m sitting in a waiting room working on The Killing Type. Right now, I’m typing this to the future, but you’ll be reading the past. Okay, this is starting to sound like an episode of Vsauce.

I’ve mentioned before that when I write a first draft, I build everything from the inside out, piecing together scenes without any regard for a timeline.Most of my friends…

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