Post
by AnimaDictio » July 15th, 2010, 1:18 pm
Hmm, I thought I was a pantser. I would have sworn to it just moments ago but after reading all these comments, I realize I have more in common with the planners. My writing never meanders. I don't ever find myself having to rein things in.
For me, the whole point of writing is to evoke an emotional, spiritual or intellectual response from the reader. But mostly, I like the emotional stuff. I start with my own emotional experience (which comes from an idea, a book, a movie, real life, etc.) and began to wonder how I could translate that into words in such a way that others can share this feeling with me. Sure enough, a scene will pop into my head. And then another. And another. The book emanates from that because I keep asking myself the question, "why?"
I dreamed a scene once of God crying in a corner, angry sad and frustrated. And His similarly frustrated friend trying to console Him, but also convince Him to do something about it. And them arguing about what to do next. Then I started asking questions. Why would God cry? Why would He ever argue with anyone? Why would He be sitting in a corner? Who is this friend? Why are they sad?
I don't even start writing until I'm all "why'd" out. Of course, as I write, some of the answers change. And the "why's" come back. Of course, I organize details so that the story is credible. But I'm rarely surprised by a scene as I write it. I suppose it's because I'm writing in my mind before I'm writing with my fingers. By the time, I hit the keyboard, my creative juices are focused on word choice and style. The needs of the scene are clear in my head.