Aspiring Young Writers’ Group: Modus Operandi

 

 

 

“What’s a check chain?”

 

Until recently I had no idea such a thing even existed, so when Amy brought it up in our latest writer’s room all I could do was ask.

 

“It’s used to teach dogs trust while being walked,” she responds. “It’s supposed to stop both you and the dog pulling too hard so you’ll both just take a natural pace.”

 

I look it up and immediately it seems familiar. “How did I miss that all this time?”

 

So, why’s this come up? well according to my friends, this is what’s holding back my characters. I’m simply yanking their chains too much.

 

“You’ve just got to let them follow their noses, man,” says Jim. “They won’t work if you feel the need to squeeze them into boxes. Worry about who they are, not how they’ll come across.”

 

I’d probably agree with this assessment even without the prompt. I often feel like I’m trying to capture an impression rather than deliver a statement.

 

Goodness, I sound like some pretentious arts student (oh wait… I am one).

 

Still though, as much as I think intent is important it’s never healthy to obsess too much over what reactions we’ll get. All that’ll do is jam up your creativity.

 

So, Jim and Amy tend to be discovery writers, letting things unfold from what seems natural with an open path ahead. I’m more of a planner, wanting to have an outline down in advance of what the story will do.

 

“I can understand wanting something to fall back on when you get stuck,” Jim’s says. “But I feel if I know my characters well enough they’ll naturally do what the story needs. An outline’s probably great for a complicated story like yours, but don’t be too afraid to deviate from the path.”

 

Again, he’s right, but my typical response is “the plan’s more a guideline than a rule.” Methodology’s often the only thing we will get to disagreeing about, but even then, only mildly. Perhaps though we could benefit from a decent stoush sometime? Just to change things up a bit.

 

“So, ‘Pantsers’ (so named for flying by the seat of their pants) and ‘Plotters’,” I now bring up in reference to our two schools of thought. “You guys have likely heard lots of other writers mention these, yeah?”

 

Jim and Amy agree, us concluding that they’re more the former and I the latter.

 

“Personally, I prefer some lesser known terms, ‘Gardeners’ and ‘Architects’,” I continue.

 

“Yeah,” adds Jim. “Think I like those better too. They sum it up a lot better.”

 

“Like one’ll tend something’s natural growth and the other will design it before putting it up,” says Amy, concise as always.

 

So now coming again to another reading, I introduce my latest offering in typical fashion. “Sorry there ain’t as much as I’d like this week guys.”

 

“Hey that’s understandable,” says Amy. “Things can get busy, and besides I’ll often have big chunks of time where I don’t get anything done.”

 

“Yeah, but whenever we’ve sat down and written together you always smash out way more, way faster than me,” I respond. “wish I could write like that.”

 

“Hey that’s just my style,” she answers. “I’ll go a while without writing and then once in a good while when I’ve got plenty of time and the right space, I’ll get a really big amount done.”

 

“Interesting,” I say. “With me it’s more just taking a small amount of time every day to get something out. It’s often only in small amounts but I make a point of it being a daily exercise.”

 

“Hey, different things work for different people,” adds Jim. “But based on both your offerings each week it seems either strategy works just as well.”

 

Jim will often have some sound advice that’ll renew my confidence, though here I still don’t miss the opportunity to say “Yeah, but I feel I could still be a lot more disciplined. The daily word quota I’ve got is pretty meagre.”

 

“No need to make it seem like a chore, man,” he says. “Sometimes I sense that in your writing. But hey, you’ve also seen the times we’ve found your stuff really fun to read. Whatever you’re doing there, we know you can do it right.”

 

That’s what I love about our dynamic. Helpful criticism and encouraging praise all round, with a healthy dose of critical thinking to always put things back in perspective. Knowing we’ve all got our strong areas that benefit us and are helpful to guide others is invigorating.

 

“Your logic’s always sharp mate, and your prose is pretty damn mint as well,” says Jim. “And Amy, your instincts for character and scene are just as on point.” He sure ain’t wrong there.

 

“Let’s not forget you with dialogue though, man,” I reply. “It shows that yours is good, but your ability helps ours really affirms your talent for it.”

 

However we each chose to get things done, our different techniques are never any hindrance to being able to help each other’s work. Appreciation or suggestion always work well in tandem, regardless of methodology.

 

 

 

Read Ben Kirkby’s Aspiring Writers’ Group columns HERE.

 

 

 

The Tigers Almanac 2019 is out NOW.
Order copies HERE.

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

Do you really enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE
One off financial contribution – CLICK HERE
Regular financial contribution (monthly EFT) – CLICK HERE