1920's Red Cloche Hat from Shaping The Body Exhibition Castle Museum, York. |
I've always written sequentially, so start at chapter one and work through to the end, but this shorter project isn't working that way.
I have scenes and dialogue in my mind but not the joining up or narrative pieces.
So I decided to try something different; write the dialogue in the scenes I do have in mind and fit it together later on when I'm clearer on the descriptions and narrative.
Admittedly I was sceptical that it would work, but surprisingly it has worked well and I'm making progress quicker than I anticipated.
The core prompt has been in my ideas book for years, and despite considering a few possibilities- one set in the early 19th century- it didn't go anywhere, until the couple from the past revealed a brief conversation that made sense of the 1920's plot.
One day I'll write that other story that will tie up the early 19th century to the 1920's...
Meanwhile the disadvantages are that I've got to learn about everyday facts of 1920's life.
For example can my heroine turn on a light? How widespread was electricity in country houses?
It's interesting in another way, because my mother was born in the early 1920's so some of the questions & answers will relate to her childhood too.
At least I'm writing... :-)
8 comments:
I always work like that, Carol. You might have doubts early on but it does eventually take shape. Enjoy.
It's great that you've found a way that works so well for you, Carol.
I hope you find answers to your questions about the 1920s :-) xx
I'm finding it very helpful, Ana. It's helping the plot ideas emerge too. :-)
At least with a 20th century setting it's easier to find answers and explanations, Teresa.
It just goes to show how important it is for writers to be able to adapt to different writing projects. What you've described is very similar to how I'm writing my book. I didn't deliberately choose this method - it's the only way I've been able to approach the writing. :)
Sometimes something different just works. It's quite liberating to realise that other methods work for you. Good luck with the research, Carol!
Yes, it's strange to find a different method works on one project but not another, Helen.
I've decided to research the information I need as I go. I wouldn't usually do it this way, but as it's a time period I'm not totally familiar with, it's working better as I go along.
(I've deleted the duplicated post)
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