Vaun Murphrey's Blog - Posts Tagged "amwriting"
Continuity Tricks for Writers.
Continuity Tricks.
(www.VaunMurphrey.com)
Originally Posted April 13, 2014
I found when my imaginary world grew beyond one book that I might need some help remembering my details.
This doesn't mean your story didn't make a lasting impression, even on yourself - this means your brain is working the way that it usually does and shedding minutiae it is no longer immediately using.
My solution to this dilemma is to use a small notebook. At each session, I have it open next to me, and I devote at least a page to every chapter. I write each page number down that I complete and keep a count for that section.
If there are small details, I think I might need I jot them down for reference.
At the end of the chapters, I summarize them for ease of reference. This also helps your story not seem like a massive blob trailing behind you.
I also have been known to draw crude maps of locations so that when I write about that same place on down the road I don't totally change where the front door was by accident...oops!
None of these things might work for another writer but they work for me, and I developed them as I came along. If I help whoever reads this in any way, then I consider that a bonus.
Happy writing all!
(www.VaunMurphrey.com)
Originally Posted April 13, 2014
I found when my imaginary world grew beyond one book that I might need some help remembering my details.
This doesn't mean your story didn't make a lasting impression, even on yourself - this means your brain is working the way that it usually does and shedding minutiae it is no longer immediately using.
My solution to this dilemma is to use a small notebook. At each session, I have it open next to me, and I devote at least a page to every chapter. I write each page number down that I complete and keep a count for that section.
If there are small details, I think I might need I jot them down for reference.
At the end of the chapters, I summarize them for ease of reference. This also helps your story not seem like a massive blob trailing behind you.
I also have been known to draw crude maps of locations so that when I write about that same place on down the road I don't totally change where the front door was by accident...oops!
None of these things might work for another writer but they work for me, and I developed them as I came along. If I help whoever reads this in any way, then I consider that a bonus.
Happy writing all!
No End of Ideas.
I've got no end of ideas of late, but I'm finding it harder than ever to write.
Perhaps it is the endless waiting game of writing itself. The terrible and joyful pushing you do with your mind as you assert your will over your apathy.
Or maybe it's the lack of glamour, because you know there's nothing more camera worthy than typing in a robe with bedhead and tired eyes.
I just can't give it up. And maybe that's how I know who I am.
Not sales or awards or contest wins but the doggedness of being a writer.
So this is my advice to anyone just starting, in the middle or the end of their writing - don't stop being you.
No matter what others view as success. No matter if you can't live off of your stories or if you have two vacation homes.
Remember why you started in the first place and hold it close. No one will ever care as much about it as you. Don't expect them to. As long as you do - it doesn't really matter.
I've gotta go.
My freak flag needs to fly.
Perhaps it is the endless waiting game of writing itself. The terrible and joyful pushing you do with your mind as you assert your will over your apathy.
Or maybe it's the lack of glamour, because you know there's nothing more camera worthy than typing in a robe with bedhead and tired eyes.
I just can't give it up. And maybe that's how I know who I am.
Not sales or awards or contest wins but the doggedness of being a writer.
So this is my advice to anyone just starting, in the middle or the end of their writing - don't stop being you.
No matter what others view as success. No matter if you can't live off of your stories or if you have two vacation homes.
Remember why you started in the first place and hold it close. No one will ever care as much about it as you. Don't expect them to. As long as you do - it doesn't really matter.
I've gotta go.
My freak flag needs to fly.
Distractions and Apathy.
Fight the good fight!
That's what I tell myself daily as I drag my butt out of bed and stare at a glowing screen before the rest of the house wakes up, and I have to make it through the stress of my day job.
Some days are easier than others.
The thing is; I'm not sure my life would be any better if I wrote for a living. I'm one of those humans who need structure, or I slide into a ball of ooze that does nothing -wasting away with inactivity. I'm at my best with a list of 'to do's' both personal and professional.
So, if I win the lottery, (Oops I keep forgetting to buy a ticket), I'm not even sure I'd quit my day job to live the life of luxury. And by luxury I mean reading books all day long in my pajamas and writing until my brain is mush.
The point of this very short blog is - what 'could be' is great, what is 'now' is doable and what 'was' is gone.
I'm going to do my best to boost my productivity even when I'm tired or just disgruntled or discouraged. My imagination has always lit a fire in me, but it's up tp me to make sure I take care of myself and don't let it fizzle out.
Work smart not hard and all that jazz.
I'm out.
