wherein Liz thinks a little about writing patterns

[edenfalling]

Just for reference, as of me making this post (aka, before I start writing while at work because I am SO BORED), the three stories I am most actively working on this month are, respectively:

1. Narnia/Naruto crossover at 4,743 words
2. Narnia bridge fic at 4,239 words
3. Doctor Who/Magnus Archives crossover at 3,044 words

They're all more than halfway done (...I think), but I'm also pretty sure they all have at least another thousand words to go before they're finished.

For comparison, I only wrote two things in all of 2019 that were over 3,000 words long, and one of those was a chapter for a novel-length WIP rather than a standalone story. (I also only wrote four things that were over 2,000 words long, so.)

It feels really good to get back into the habit of writing moderate-length pieces instead of only ficlets. I mean, moderate-length stories also come with the annoyance of having to keep track of things and maybe even commit an outline or scene breakdown, but hey, I will take the bitter with the sweet. :)

Comments

[rosaxx50]

I am ridiculously excited about that DW/TMA crossover given that I've only listened to 1 season of TMA. The clashing philosophies!

[edenfalling]

It's been a lot of fun to write so far! :)

[marmota_b]

Heh. That title made this little marmot think "knitting patterns?" :D

[edenfalling]

No, patterns of labor rather than instructional diagrams. ;)

[marmota_b]

Well, yes, it says more about my thinking patterns. ;-)

[marmota_b]

Also, pff, I haven't written an outline yet outside of school...
... although I've also been thinking that with some of my more abitious stories, and by that I mean WAY LONGER THAN THAT, I have been thinking that I probably should...
ETA: Should do more than just write snippets of scenes as I think of them in the right order, I mean. :P :D

[edenfalling]

I find that even a very rudimentary outline -- nothing more than a quick scribble to the effect of, "In order to get from where I am to the ending, I need to hit these events, highlight this theme, and make sure this character arc happens" -- can be helpful as a sort of guide rope through the wilds of unwritten words. Sometimes I get a lot more detailed than that, of course, but it's good to have a sense of where you are, where you've been, and where you're going. :)

[marmota_b]

Up to a certain point I've been very good at carrying all that in my head surprisingly well - but, as I said, up to a certain point and I think I'm reaching it or have already reached it, what with too much to keep in my head in many other areas of life. :D