Work on the Plot Synopsis Continues

Although my use of the word "continues" implies that I had been working on it in some regular pattern--which is not the case. But I did have a lot of thoughts rattling around in my head during the week, so today has been a really good day for getting those thoughts down on paper.

So, in short: I've filled out probably 1/4 of the plot outline into something approaching a synopsis. It's not a full-on detailed synopsis yet, but it is getting much closer. My current plan is to complete the first pass through fleshing out the outline, then go back and make another pass to add even more flesh--also some fat, skin, hair, and other details that will make it start to look like a real person story.

I may also take a remedial class in the proper use of metaphor.

Magic, Macguffins, and Monsters, oh my!

The brainstorming is coming to an end this weekend, as I flesh out the story idea and begin actually writing a plot synopsis.

"Sysopsis?" you say. "I thought authors started with a plot outline."

Not me. I just don't work that way. I've tried to stick with outlines, but I always end up writing actual sentences and paragraphs because that's just how my brain works. An outline simply isn't detailed enough for my taste.

So, for the next few weeks I will be focused on writing an essay of 20-30 pages, which outlines the plot, characters, central themes, conflict, and whatever else I can think of. When I start writing the actual book, that 20-30 pages will be expanded by a factor of about 20, so the final book is 400-600 pages.

Now, if you're wondering about the title of this blog post... all I can say is that it's your first hint of what the next book will be like. But don't take the hint too far -- you won't be finding any rainbows or ruby slippers in this story.

Still Brainstorming... Also a Bit Busy

The Geeekwif and I are preparing to move to a new house this weekend, which means that the past several weeks have been focused on preparing for said move. I've still got the story ideas in my head and on paper (of the digital kind), and am playing with some character ideas. Kind of like casual brainstorming... or maybe more like a "brain shower".

In any case, writing hasn't progressed much for obvious reasons but once we are moved into the new house, I am looking forward to getting a start on the plot outline.