There's a great post on plotting over at Lisa's blog. It started me thinking as these things do but it was the comment from Shauna Roberts Shauna Roberts who said:
"One technique I use for both my fiction and nonfiction is the List of Twenty. You set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and then jot down as fast as you can at least 20 things that could happen next (or 20 titles or 20 mishaps that could befall someone on a pilgrimage or whatever your sticking point is). The time limit forces you to write, not think.
The first few items on the List of Twenty are always predictable and boring. Then you get desperate and start putting down surprising things. Most are junk, as you'd expect, but usually your subconscious dredges up something interesting."
Now this an idea I think I could get on with and it might just end up there with my set a timer for twenty minutes and just write.......
12 comments:
That's a great idea. Timed writing really squeezes out some surprising stuff:-)
x
Good call.
I use random prompts myself.
Good idea, thanks for the link Liz.
JJx
That sounds a great exercise - would probably also throw up ideas for other stories too!
That's excellent. I use a similar technique for coming up for themed short story competitions. The first few ideas are the ideas the majority of the entrants will have but the last few - which are always quite bizarre - are the most unique.
Must try this technique when planning my new children's book.
Great trick - I will try it (just as soon as mil and dil have gone and I can think again!).
I love the timed list of twenty and plan to try it later on today. Thanks for the link Liz!
Wow, i couldn't get to my blog all day and there were lots of comments on this. I plan to try went I start the proper planning process on the book for the new year. I'll be interested to know how you all get on.
Rachel what are random prompts?
Lisa thanks for your brilliant post :-)
That sounds like a great trick for coming up with ideas and twenty is a big enough number that at least one idea will be a good one. Must try that the next time I get into a rut.
I like this - sounds like it could be fun and productive. Will let you know!
Love the list of 20 idea ~ I shall be stealing it myself (about time the kitchen timer got used for something more than pizzas!)
Kate K
Oh God. Plotting! I think my novel is plotless!
Some really useful stuff there though! Thank you
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