Anyone up for a fic planning discussion?

[green_animation]

So, I'm usually quite disorganised with my writing planning, but I find that mind-mapping and/or creating bubble diagrams can help with storyline progression. I was just wondering how anyone else plans out their fics? LJ-Cut for giant picture of a recent planning-bubble for one of my fics... it is a character study/fic progression combination, So... show me yours if you show me mine?

Comments

[green-animation.livejournal.com]

Pretty cool tool, right? I just googled online mindmaps and it came up - plus is pretty fun to play with.

As for the story arc, I just love the blank slate of Reks - but drunken "I'm going to war" sex with possible trauma for the both of them? So absolutely delicious to play with. I just like the idea of Penelo/Reks in general, but I have no idea where it came from. Probably my habit of pairing her with every male but Vaan in my headcannon.

Thanks for your insight: I wasn't sure about the full on harshness of rape, but uncertain drunk sex seems to be the way to go. I'm considering writing the next chapter from Penelo's viewpoint; her own ghost in the mist. Plus, build-up to angst =]

[windhover]

oooh, pretty chart

I've been planning out a FFXII fic myself lately, and though I usually jot down ideas and outline-y blurbs in a plotting notebook or Wordpad files, I tried out an iPod app called "Manuscript" for this one. It works pretty well, except for trying to actually get the notes off the iPod and onto the computer.

I also try not to do too much planning, though, since I have a bad habit with spending more time ironing out the details than actually writing. Still, although the fic I've been working on is less character study and more action-y AU crossover, I'll gather what notes I have and toss 'em onto Google Docs in a bit.

*ff_press stalker*

[heaven-monument.livejournal.com]

Enormous pretty! Must try it. (I tried to use a mind map before. It didn't work. The program I was using was too inflexible. Yours looks fun, though. :D)

I fail at epic longfic simply because I don't have a plan in mind, but I don't exactly know if my plan makes logical or chronological sense.

There is a comm on LJ called ff_epicfic that is supposed to be a hub for fic planning in the FF megafandom, but the comm is fairly dead. Which sucks.

Maybe what you could try to write your fic in miniature key scenes (drabbles?) and then link them together with actual prose. And of course, I only suggest that you do it because I'm too scared to use myself as a lab rat. >_>

Um... keep us informed?

Re: *ff_press stalker*

[wounded-melody.livejournal.com]

oh yea, I wanted to write for ff_epic but they never got back to me ><;

Re: *ff_press stalker*

[heaven-monument.livejournal.com]

Who is the mod? They seriously need to revitalise the comm. It has so much potential!

Re: *ff_press stalker*

[wounded-melody.livejournal.com]

I'd need to check. It would be great if they handed it over to a new mod if they can't continue.

[wounded-melody.livejournal.com]

I actually "daydream" the story in my head, visualing the characters and all. ^^;

[green-animation.livejournal.com]

I do this as well sometimes; it definatly makes it easier to write if I can actually see the characters do what I want them to. However it doesn't work for dialogue for me - does it for you?

[wounded-melody.livejournal.com]

Sometimes it does, but if I don't go and write it down I will forget ><;

[green-animation.livejournal.com]

Same, hence the beginning of the epic bubble diagram XD

Got here through FF_press

[liyosa.livejournal.com]

But your mind map is actually a pretty good idea! I might have to try that one day As in, probably today, since I'm actually starting to write a fic with plot, and I have scenes and everything, but then I get stuck in the plotholes in between. I usually don't have the heart to handwave them away so my plotty fics always get stuck in a rut :P.

I usually imagine the situation, and have a beginning point, a middle scene, and an end. Unfortunately, that practice doesn't work too well, due to my lack of attention span and a general lack of time management skills. I'm desperately trying to rectify that though. But props to you for actually planning your story out :D.

Re: Got here through FF_press

[green-animation.livejournal.com]

I actually started writing the fic this is based on in classes when I was bored; the first three chapters were meant to be it. But I started to get twinges to carry on and decided to be organised, for once. I just find it helps to have something to refer back to. Good luck with your mind map! Its a pretty cool tool to use =]