December 9, 2009
Organic Writing
I actually read that term awhile back in an article used to describe people who write without plotting. It sounds so much nicer than pantser, (someone who writes by the seat of their pants) don’t you think?
There seems to be two camps for writers; the plotters who work from outlines of varying detail, and the pantser (or organic writers 
) who just sits down and writes, letting the story unfold as they go. There is, of course, a wide range in between the two camps. Some plotters work from an outline so detailed it winds up the size of a mini-novel, others from note cards detailing each scene, and still others from just a list of the major plot points. While in turn, some pantsers work from characters sketches or a list of the major turning points.
While neither group can really understand how the other can write the way they do–the idea of detailed outline makes me claustrophobic–I believe that we all have healthy respect for how the other works. When it comes to process, witers can be a superstitious lot. I believe it’s because we all live with the deep-seeded fear that the muse will abandon us permanently, our idea s will dry up, and we’ll be left sitting in front of our computers playing spider solitaire no longer as a means of procrastination, but because our imagination has become a dark, empty void. Or…er…maybe that’s just me.
There are pros and cons to both methods, and there are many blogs and websites out there that can tell you what they are better than I can. But I can tell you what works for me.
Organic writing for romantic suspense can be a bit tricky. The reason for this is you really have two different types of story happening simultaneously. The mystery element which is plot driven, and the romance element which is character driven. And while in the midst of writing your novel it can be difficult to make sure both elements are getting the attention needed to forward the story along.
When I begin a story, I usually have the hook and a good understanding of the characters, especially their GMC (Goal, motivation, conflict). Knowing who my characters are is essential for me as they’re the ones telling the story. The scenes play out in my head like movie, and I try to type what I see as quickly as possible. I do not reread, and I don’t let anyone else read my story at this stage. Becuase the story is not fully formed it’s very easy to begin to doubt yourself. Maybe the opening would be better if I did this… Maybe that character should do that… Don’t do it!
Second draft is when I read through my work. This is where I fix those plot holes, delete scenes and characters that serve no purpose and make sure all the loose ends are tied up. This is also the stage where I get feed back from crit partners to make sure that I’ve done all those things. It’s amazing what a fresh pair of eyes can find.
You might be wondering how I can write a mystery without knowing who the villain is going to be. That’s easy. With the exception of the hero and heroine, everyone is a potential suspect. In my head every secondary character has a reason to have committed the crime. This way even I can be surprised by how it all turns out.
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I think I’m somewhere in between organic (love the term) and plotter. I get an idea of my characters first. I need that to feel like I have a firm footing. Then I outline the major turning points for plot–usually one notebook page. That outline inevitably changes as I write, but it gives me comfort to have it when I’m starting.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:41 pmI’m a plotter. Without an outline, I can write in circles. LOL Well, maybe not, but I stay a lot more focused this way.
Lynnette Labelle
December 10th, 2009 at 5:32 pmhttp://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
Man, I’m an organic writer all the way. I love it. Its just really hard to organize my thoughts anywhere else other than my head and post-it notes stuck to my computer.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:22 amRoni, I love that term too. Often as I’m writing and ideas for scenes pop into my head, I’ll make a note of what happens, truly brilliant snatches of dialogue and where I think it might happen just so I don’t forget.
Lynnette, the Virgo side of my brain envies your ability to work from an outline. Especially when I’ve written myself into a corner…again.
Danielle, ah yes, the post-it notes. Your computer sounds like mine.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:09 pm[...] a small snag with the WIP, but I’ve managed to fix it and move forward. One of the hazards of organic writing, unfortunately. With summer coming, I’m trying to get into the habit of writing at night. [...]
June 9th, 2010 at 2:53 pm