Every time I begin a new novel, I decide it’s time to really learn to write.
Since June I’ve been slowly working through Story Genius, with pages and pages of notes and questions and scenes that take place long before the opening of my new story. I’m discovering character stuff that’s usually unearthed way late in the game for me…as in second-round edits.
A few months back I posted here about an idea I’ve been mulling over for the last year: how to write from the inside out. With this approach, externals don’t force the plot, but the logical next step of the story shows the way (think ripples extending outward from a rock dropped in a pond). Story Genius‘s main premise is that plot, story, and all else grow out of the internal workings of the protagonist and how these shape his world.
Sound like writing from the inside out? That’s exactly what it is.
Of course there will be changes to these initial ideas.That’s writing. Yes, I’m experiencing some resistance
Here’s a great post about Story Genius written specifically for middle-grade writers.
If you’ve read Story Genius, I’d love if you’d share your thoughts below.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a small percentage if you click through and purchase. Thanks for supporting this site!
I loved Story Genius too and Lisa Cron nails the whole “misbelief” thing. Righting it, coming to truth, is the engine. I like how you put it: writing from the inside. That’s how I write it and Lisa’s method gives me a better structure to work with than the typical outline. More thoughts here: http://vijayabodach.blogspot.com/2016/10/story-genius-by-lisa-cron.html Glad you are making such good progress on a new book. I am still resisting. And Irma isn’t helping. But page by page, I’m trusting the process.
I hope you’re safe, Vijaya. Off to read your post.