Meditations on Writing

In a few moments of enforced idleness I had a little cogitate.  No, really!  Rather along these lines:

It seems to me that there are only two ways to write a book.

Firstly, let's just examine what L Ron Hubbard had to say about it.  I paraphrase because I cannot remember, now, the exact words:

He said that you should never do a writing course.

I agree with that.  It is a bit like going to Art School.  You get to absorb the way that others do things and that takes the edge off the way you do it.  Art School is good for specific, mechanical, techniques - how to do ink and wash, how to use oils, water colours, scraperboard and also the more mathematical side like perspectives - I still have nightmares about those!  But style and content and how you combine those techniques are yours.

So what did L Ron suggest is the correct method?  He said:

"Write, write and write again.  Then, write some more.  When you are thoroughly sick of writing, write again.  Like anything else you only get to be good at it by practice."

Is he correct?  I think so.

Now let's go back to my theory.  This has, very likely, been proposed before by others but it is, right now, something that has crept insidiously into my head and the only way to extract it is to write it down.

Two ways to write a story.  You can fill in extras as you see best fit, of course.  Opinions and ideas are free and welcome.

First way:

Get the idea.  Write the framework.  Put in 'waypoints' to navigate by.  Write the start and the end.  Fill in odd details along your 'Masterplan'.  Research the subject and any points you want to include and insert them in 'The Plan'.  Now write the whole thing to that plan using words as cement to glue the waypoints together.

Second way:

Have the idea.  Sort out a beginning and a few characters.  Have a general idea of how you want it to end. Start writing.  Let the characters take over and follow them through their journey.  You may have to change location from time to time but still listen to them.  Live the story in your head and just use it as an exercise in dictation.

I like the second way.  The story, for me, flows better using this method.

For you?  I don't know.  Whatever you are comfortable with and brings you satisfaction.

I do insist on this, though!

If you enjoy writing it then somebody will enjoy reading it.  If writing is a chore then reading it will be, too.

So.

When you write happy bits  -  smile.

When you write sad bits - cry.

It will show.