Writing chronologically?

[gwendy85]

Well, I've been going through a long duration of writer's block but I do have future scenes in mind.

I read some writers skip to these scenes (eg writing them ahead) and filling in the gaps later but I'm afraid if I do this, I'll get confused or that I won't be as exhilirated when I reach those *future scenes*. On the other hand, it saves time while I'm waiting for inspiration to strike.

Can anyone give me advice? Is it okay to skip ahead or should I just write in chronological order? I already have the sequence of events and the ending in mind but I'm struggling with what's in the middle...

Thanks!

[Forbidden Snowflake]

Whatever works for you is ok.

Some writers write just random scenes that they have in their heads, knowing what will happen there, then jump to another scene and then in the end start putting everything together, writing the inbetweens.

Others write chronologically.

Again others write chronologically until they hit a wall, then write a chapter that comes later and then come back to the beginning.

And so on.

Whatever works for you.

If writing the ending at first helps you find a middle then do so.

[blacbird]

It's not just okay to skip ahead, it's far better to do that when you're hung up at some point than to let scenes fester in your head while you try to work sequentially. That's about the best way to lose a good scene that I can think of. It's always far better to get things down on paper (or, obviously, in the word-processor) than to leave them in your brain.

Especially if your brain works anything like mine.

caw.

[herdon]

I wouldn't say it is far better to skip ahead, I would reiterate what Forbidden Snowflake said: Whatever works for you.

Personally, I always stick to chronological order. If I am having a problem getting a lot of ideas for the chapter I am on I just trudge through it knowing I can fix it during one of the editing passes.

Others are able to skip around perfectly fine.

If you haven't tried it before then by all means try it out and see how it works for you. Remember: There is no one right way to write.

[gwendy85]

Thanks guys!

Well, I was getting kind of worried about letting the ideas *decompose* in my head because there was one time when I totally forgot what my ideas were...

But at least, now I know people DO try this method of skipping ahead. I think I'll go try that tonight. Thanks!

[Garpy]

For my money's worth....if you're struggling to feel motivated to write the scenes leading up to these exciting scenes...then it may be you shouldn't write them.

Bottom line, if it's boring for you to write those chapters, then it'll be twice as boring to read. Maybe the really exciting story you want to tell starts with the events that occur in those exciting chapters?

Seriously...I've found if I can't get the juices flowing for a chapter, it's because there's something wrong with it...ie: it's dull.

[gwendy85]

For my money's worth....if you're struggling to feel motivated to write the scenes leading up to these exciting scenes...then it may be you shouldn't write them.

Bottom line, if it's boring for you to write those chapters, then it'll be twice as boring to read. Maybe the really exciting story you want to tell starts with the events that occur in those exciting chapters?

Seriously...I've found if I can't get the juices flowing for a chapter, it's because there's something wrong with it...ie: it's dull.

well, I really wouldn't call it dull. I just don't know what to write at that point because well...

okay, I haven't explained my situation much. You see, I'm heading on to the final parts of the story but when I took time to re-read, I found inconsistencies in one dramatic chapter that HAD to be changed and it affects a lot of the later parts. I'm trying to fix it, but can't seem to find a way. But while I'm waiting, that's when I remembered the tip about writing ahead. Hmm...but if I write ahead, it's like I opened the gifts before christmas eve or something. AH! I'm so confused...

Thanks for the advice guys! I'll work on this somehow. Tips/advice still welcome :)

[Writing Jedi]

Some writers write just random scenes that they have in their heads, knowing what will happen there, then jump to another scene and then in the end start putting everything together, writing the inbetweens.


I find this works for me.

[RJLeahy]

Often I find if I skip ahead in the book, just writing the narrative and dialogue will give me the burst of insight I need to "connect" the two sections. I agree with the rest, write what you can, when you can.

[blackbird]

For my money's worth....if you're struggling to feel motivated to write the scenes leading up to these exciting scenes...then it may be you shouldn't write them.

Bottom line, if it's boring for you to write those chapters, then it'll be twice as boring to read. Maybe the really exciting story you want to tell starts with the events that occur in those exciting chapters?

Seriously...I've found if I can't get the juices flowing for a chapter, it's because there's something wrong with it...ie: it's dull.

I think Garpy is right but sometimes it isn't always simply that the scene in question is dull. I wrote my first novel chronologically, and often when I got hung up this way it was whenever I came to what was supposed to be a really big, important scene in the novel (okay, they're ALL supposed to be important, but you know what I mean--the scenes that were considered the big pivotal ones for the story, as opposed to the small ones that simply work as filler or to reveal character). Often I would just freeze up because the scene was so important I became blocked. I was so afraid of not getting it right that I couldn't write anything at all. In other words, it is possible to become intimidated by a scene, and that's what happened to me. And I think this may be the case more often than not when a certain scene is freezing you up every time you attempt it.

Well, there's two modes of thought on this and both have worked for me in the past. One is to continue working chronologically, no matter how much it pains you. This creates a "something to look forward to" momentum and also keeps you adhered to the fact that you are moving through your story exactly as a reader would, with no shortcuts. This method keeps you focused on what is important to the story IN THIS MOMENT, and by forcing myself to tackle those dreaded scenes head-on, I usually managed to put all that sweat and effort to good use on the page.

However, I did write my second novel out of sequence, although largely because its structure made such a process easier than it would have been for the first one. This time, I did allow myself the luxury of skipping ahead or going back, writing randomly whatever chapters or scenes I wanted at any given time. True, this became a stalling tactic for many scenes, but the interim also enabled me to stew on those scenes longer and sometimes there would be something that came out in the writing of those later scenes that gave me better insight into how the earlier ones should be shaped.

Another method that works is to list or sketch out all of the big scenes in advance (and you can still do this even if you're already into the actual writing). This enables you to get a feel for the bigger picture and you can then break it down, deciding which scenes you can tackle now, and which may require more thought, research, etc.

Either practice, chronologically or out of sequence, can work and it really boils down to what works best for you and your story. There's no right or wrong method. However, Garpy's advice is well worth adhering to. If the scenes are simply dull--or coming out so because you can't dredge the enthusiasm in the writing--they probably need to go.

[earthshoes]

I think sometimes it's the "swampy middle" thing--we want to get to the "good bits" and don't want to have to do the work to get there. Unfortunately we have to.

I've written "stand alone" scenes--like the MC's flashbacks, and a couple of dreams (the MC was dreaming segments from a dead person's life) out of order and that worked well. I put them aside in a separate file and edited them in later. Suffice it to say I wrote a lot of back story and dream sequences that never made it into the book. I even wrote letters from the ghosts that I decided didn't belong. It was a big help and really helped me flesh characters the out (the MC and the ghosts in Witness Tree) as well as focus the plot. I chose the strongest material that applied and carefully placed it in the story.

But when I tried to write anything else out of sequence it didn't work. While my plot was mapped out, my every word was not, so scenes sometimes arrived on the page a little differently than I expected and sometimes changed the course of the next scene.

[Kharisma]

Working on my first novel and I completely throw out the beginning two chapters but continued on from there. Problem I have now is I don't feel like going back and writing the beginning so I am just continuing onward. It seems to work for me but I do feel a bit guilty that I haven't gone back. I also feel bad for my CP who has only read from scene 3 on lol.

good luck and happy writing
sherry

[MidnightMuse]

Whatever works is the rule for everyone. But personally, I can't write out of sequence.

If I skip ahead to the "good parts" as we like to call them, then I feel like the story is done. All the filler is there in my head already, and if I let myself jump ahead, it feels to me as though I'm done, and it's finished - - only it's not down on paper. Once I've reached "the end" my brain moves on to other things.

So in order to write a full story, I have to do it in order. But that's just how things work for me. Thankfully we all have different styles and there's no right or wrong !

[KTC]

It's okay to skip ahead. Sometimes I hate myself for writing out of chronological order...because you have to remember that you have to put it all together in the end. But I jump all over the place...just like in real life!

If you want to go in order and you have a hard time moving forward...sometimes it helps to know more about your characters. I write diary entries involving their backstories and even their future stories...outside the parameters of the story you are writing. This may trigger something in the story. Works for me anyway. I find that if I fully understand my characters' childhoods, I can write them better...even if I don't use any of the backstory I create. So...if you get in a lurch, explore your characters deeper. But certainly, going outside the chronological order is doable.

[gwendy85]

Thank you so much guys! All these advices are really great! There's so many, I couldn't take the time to quote.

Yes, there are both advantages and disadvantages of writing chronologically and skipping ahead. I've started writing just a single paragraph of a future scene, staring at it for a while before staring a long while at the previous scene I just left. I've been stewing for several hours over this but when it comes right down to it, I think blackbird was right. I WAS intimidated by the scene and scared as hell that I wouldn't get it right. It's especially hard since one of my protagonist has a culture and mindset far different from my own (especially since he's a guy, and he's going through this weird phase that even I'm getting confused with!)

Then, I tried the advice of "talking" to my characters and I think they're speaking now. I think I'm pulling out of this block. Thanks guys! I really owe you one!

I think once I'm done with this scene, I'll try skipping to a few chapters and see what happens...

[Aubiefan]

I skip ahead quite a bit, I write scenes as I get ideas for them, and then go back to stitch them together and fill in the gaps later. It's easier for me to develop foreshadowing like that, and also to keep the plot moving towards a defined goal. I always write the first and last scenes first, then develop the major events/scenes from that framework.

[NiamhEliza]

Sometimes I get all excited about a particular scene; I see it all in my mind and it's almost bursting out of my head. If you feel like that, then you should write it; if you leave it until you hit the right place, the piece will never be as good.

You can always go back and edit it later, which is better than struggling for the inspiration you didn't take advantage of!

In the end: go with whatever sparks you

[gwendy85]

Sometimes I get all excited about a particular scene; I see it all in my mind and it's almost bursting out of my head. If you feel like that, then you should write it; if you leave it until you hit the right place, the piece will never be as good.

You can always go back and edit it later, which is better than struggling for the inspiration you didn't take advantage of!


This is really good advice! Thanks! That's also one of the things that worries me...that if I don't write what's bursting inside, it won't be as good. Also, for my own reasons, I've set a deadline for myself so I really want to finish as soon as possible (calculating up to March 2007, so I guess I still have several months to go).

[Carrie in PA]

I can't skip ahead. I've tried. I just can't do it. I have to gnaw on whatever's troubling me and work through it.

BUT if I get ideas for upcoming scenes, I do take the time to make notes on index cards for future reference.

[Sassenach]

Well, I've been going through a long duration of writer's block but I do have future scenes in mind.

I read some writers skip to these scenes (eg writing them ahead) and filling in the gaps later but I'm afraid if I do this, I'll get confused or that I won't be as exhilirated when I reach those *future scenes*. On the other hand, it saves time while I'm waiting for inspiration to strike.

Can anyone give me advice? Is it okay to skip ahead or should I just write in chronological order? I already have the sequence of events and the ending in mind but I'm struggling with what's in the middle...

Thanks!

You can do whatever you want. FWIW, Diana Gabaldon writes her novels out of sequence.

IMO, depending on either "inspiration to strike" or depending on being "exhilirated" will sink you every time.

[SeanDSchaffer]

Well, I've been going through a long duration of writer's block but I do have future scenes in mind.

I read some writers skip to these scenes (eg writing them ahead) and filling in the gaps later but I'm afraid if I do this, I'll get confused or that I won't be as exhilirated when I reach those *future scenes*. On the other hand, it saves time while I'm waiting for inspiration to strike.

Can anyone give me advice? Is it okay to skip ahead or should I just write in chronological order? I already have the sequence of events and the ending in mind but I'm struggling with what's in the middle...

Thanks!


I've done that a few times myself, and it seems to work pretty well. Basically, the only problem I have with this method is page numbering, which I have a habit of doing as I write the pages. My way around that is to write each scene (or chapter, in my case) with page numbers starting at 1; then I staple the scene together and put it into a file of other like scenes, finally deciding what order they should go in when I am finished with the work.

Now, I admit I have not done this in a long time, but I do know that it does work. I know I will go back to it if I find myself stumped on a part of my work I do not wish to deal with immediately.


I hope this helps.

:)

[MMWyrm]

I think the manner in which people write is a very personal thing. Some people are obviously able to skip around writing scenes as chunks of story and then stacking them back together again.
I can't. I can only start at the beginning and keep going until it is the end, whether I am dashing through a first draft or editting.

[mkcbunny]

This is really good advice! Thanks! That's also one of the things that worries me...that if I don't write what's bursting inside, it won't be as good. Also, for my own reasons, I've set a deadline for myself so I really want to finish as soon as possible (calculating up to March 2007, so I guess I still have several months to go).
I am also of the opinion that if something is calling to be written, then write it. No harm is going to come of getting your pressing thoughts out on paper. Maybe it won't fit in later, maybe it will. In my case, writing later scenes gives me information that I can use in earlier scenes. I know what the overall structure is, and at certain late-editing stages, I try to really focus on writing chronologically. But in general practice, I write the scene that comes to mind. [And sometimes, that's a few chapters in a row.]

[jpserra]

Well, I've been going through a long duration of writer's block but I do have future scenes in mind.

I read some writers skip to these scenes...

I have one novel on the shelf that began with a scene I developed (on a Commodore 64), completely out of sequence. I backfilled and finished the story. This and several other chapters were in the middle of the story, but events that needed inclusion. Some day I'll rewrite/edit it and put it up for sale again.

If I have an idea, I draft a paragraph or sometimes write the whole chapter to preserve it. Just remember, once you begin writing, you may need to redraft it to match your pace and style.

I tend to keep all of my original development files. You never know when they might come in handy.

Keep good files.

[Kentuk]

Writing chronologically all the way through a project is only possible for saints and super pros. Sooner or latter you have to go back, jump forward, rewrite an earlier section because you rewrote a latter. So hang on to your sanity for as long as you can. good luck

[blacbird]

An experience: In the best of my unpublishable novels, I got hung up on a particular scene/sequence, even though I knew exactly what I wanted to happen in it. And it was important, it set up a variety of things I needed for what followed. But for some Freudian or Buddhist reason, I just could not write it. After agonizing over it for some weeks, I said scrooit, and went ahead to write what was supposed to follow. I went a long way ahead, in fact. Some while later (I don't recall exactly how much), I sat down with a glass of Talisker and aimed to gut my way through the scene, no matter how pedestrian it would be. It just had to be done.

It got done. So did the Talisker. I never rewrote it, except for some very minor, almost cosmetic, editing. A few weeks later I finished the manuscript, and permitted a (published) novelist friend to read the thing, telling him the story of the difficulty I'd had with the scene, and asking the specific question, Can you spot where I had trouble?

He couldn't. He had a variety of useful critical comments, but none that identified the difficult scene as a problem. In fact, he had no objection to anything in it.

I've left it alone, untouched, while I've molested numerous other portions of the manuscript. Now, it seems to me to be pretty good.

caw.

[gp101]

Skipping ahead may be fine, however...

What if you skip over a nasty section giving you trouble and instead produce several chapters that occur later in the book. You then come back to that nasty section and finally tackle it properly and come up with the best way it should be written. There's a chance that this newly conquered nasty section might leave those other three new chaps you wrote irrelevant. That is, everything that led from the beginning of the novel to that nasty section may require you to write that section in such a way that you have to go in a different direction from those last three chaps you wrote.

Most likely, especially if you've outlined ahead of time, you'll find a way to write that nasty section that bridges the gap naturally, and your last three chaps are safe. But there may be times where your muze says otherwise, or where you haven't thought everything out ahead of time and that nasty section goes in an unexpected direction that will not lead logically into those latest three chaps. Now you're stuck with three chaps you can't use for your current WHIP and you've lost all that time writing them.

You can get away with temporarily skipping a section... you can get away with almost anything. Just make sure you have a good idea what that section will look like before you move ahead.

[ChaosTitan]

An experience: In the best of my unpublishable novels, I got hung up on a particular scene/sequence, even though I knew exactly what I wanted to happen in it.

This happened to me yesterday. I had a large block of seven hours to write, spread out over the afternoon and evening. It took me the entire time to write a five page scene (which is a super slow pace for me). I knew what I had to say, and what the characters had to do, but I just couldn't fine the right words.

I should have skipped it and come back, but I didn't. I slogged through. I'll reread it later before continuing with the story. Hopefully it isn't awful.

Although awful can be fixed. You can't fix what you don't write down in the first place.

[WerenCole]

I am not much of a skipper ahead type of person, but I have done it. My advice is too try all types of organization styles and see what fits you best and run with it. You don't know until you try.

[wordmonkey]

I am often transcribing and recording what my characters do. The have an uncanny knack of finding their way through and often in ways I didn't foresee. So in a way I am locked into following the story from start to finish.

That said, often what they do meas I have to jump back and change something earlier so that it is set up for them. So I suppose I do both.

Didn't help me, eh?