(writing) Plotting and planning…
Posted on 30 January 2009 by Freya North
I have found that it is a good idea not to become too bogged down with structure and plot – it is far more important to have colourful, 3D characters. Not a lot need happen in a book if the characters leap of the page - on the other hand, who gives a toss about the most intricate plot if the characters don’t breathe? When you know your characters, the plot seems to follow - then there’s ample opportunity to shape it when you have momentum.A regular paperback book is anywhere between 100/120 thousand words. I tend to write about 40 chapters of around 3,000 words. But different writers go for different chapter lengths. Again, no rules on that.
However,one rule that cannot be bent let alone broken is that which our English teachers used to hammer home – all good stories MUST have a Beginning (introduction), Middle (plot thickens), and End (issues resolved).
Tags | Advice
July 4th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
freya when you write a book do you do it on a pc ive written mine on paper and how do you go about sending it to a publisher? thanks ashlie
July 5th, 2009 at 7:32 am
I write on a Mac. Learning to touch-type was one of the best things I’ve ever done - as I can now type pretty much as fast as I can think. It is unlikely, in this day and age, that an agent or publisher would consider your work if it was written on paper. Isn’t that sad? The various sections on the ADVICE part of this website should give you pointers as to the best way to have your work noticed… If I can help further, let me know!
GOOD LUCK!
FN
November 22nd, 2009 at 7:03 pm
hi freya. just want to say i’m such a fan! i’ve read ALL your books and i love them! (my favourite being secrets, because i just want live in saltburn now!)
i’m writing a novel myself, i seem to drink a lot of red bull, and eat chocolate and parma violets while i’m doing it.
its a romantic novel but about the relatonship between two women. i just wanted to ask, when you start to write about your characters, do you decide how the characters will be from the start or do you see how they develop as you write the book?
thank you!
love ffi xx
July 21st, 2010 at 1:12 pm
This is all great advice - many thanks Freya. I’ve just finished Secrets which I blasted through in about two days flat. I have to say that it’s Wolf that I miss the most (the description of him post operation tickled me immensely). I think you know a ‘good’ book when you miss the characters on turning the last page - I have what I call ‘fantasy ache’!
I’ve always fancied writing…so, ignoring this I became a corporate lawyer in the City (not quite the sort of writing I was intending!)….however, this has provided a plentiful source of material to write from. At the age of 29 I now live on the beach which is providing a totally different insight into life and has provided the final source of inspiration for my book. It jumps from the City, to the sea, to the countryside (as I’m originally from welly country with horses and silly labs for company).
Having read Secrets I have now been inspired to finish a book that i’ve had pottering along with on my laptop for some time. It’s certainly fun and cathartic to do and I have no idea if i’ll actually finish it or not but it makes me happy and I look forward to writing. I usually read in the evenings and at weekends but now i’m going to write. I have my story and characters sitting in my head and it would be sad to stop them from finishing their journey wouldn’t it!?
So, thank you again for your books which I enjoy and for somehow giving me the kick up the backside that I needed (without intending to of course!).
I’m off sailing this afternoon - wish me luck!
Katie