Nathan Bransford - The Forums

I write linearly, mostly. Ideas for later scenes occur to me. I set them aside. I like to sleep on all my ideas. I outline probably 75% of the novel but I never choose an ending ahead of time. And I refuse to use the first or eighth ending that occurs to me. I hate predictability

Your question makes me think of David Mamet and Aaron Sorkin. They can get away with quick dialogue among multiple characters because the play and screenplay formats are different from the novel. Nonetheless, this is one of those issues that would cause me to research by checking scenes from novels ...

So far my ideas have occurred to me in three ways.

1. I dream the wildest adventures and hurriedly write notes upon awakening.
2. I meditate while showering. "What if" questions form into stories there.
3. I read the Bible. That book has some of the most amazing plots. I steal liberally.

I took a 3 year break from writing while I attended law school. When I look back at what I wrote before, I know in my heart that none of it can ever see the light of day again. I intend to go beyond "rewriting" the former works. I'll review them for inspiration and write anew. I look forwa...

I don't think there is a rule, but I would use the currently popular middle grade / young adult books as guides. How much sex is in "Twilight" or anything by Sarah Dessen? I wouldn't know the answer to these questions as I don't read or write for this market.

I'm thinking that I like you. And, when I get started, I will write at a pace similar to what you describe. Trading chapters once a month seems slow to me. However, I must confess that, at the moment, I'm studying for the bar exam, which is administered July 28th and 29th. Until then, I will not be ...

I might be a good fit for you. Tell me a little about your writing experience and your goals. I have never read a romance novel before. I bought my first one just the other day. However, I read widely, and recently began working on my first novel, which I thought was an adventure. Friends quickly to...

Hi, my name is Caleb. My interest in writing started early. I won a writing competition during the 2nd grade. I assumed, immediately, that I'd be the next Ernest Hemmingway (The only novel I knew at the time was "Old Man and the Sea.") Since then, I've worked as a writer of opinions and sp...