The Mind of (Some) Writers

I don't know how you guys formulate your plots, create your characters, and decide on the style of your writing. Each writer has his own unique way of molding his story. But I would like to share mine, and perhaps some of you may find that we share a similar style.

It starts with random scenarios entering my head. They seem random, but only initially because later on I would realize how very much related they actually are to my own experiences. Not exactly as precise but in one way or another.

I'd like to take for example my story Regal Archer. If you've read it, you might have noticed Kana's distinct characteristic of being long-suffering. No matter the discomfort she is in or the vehemence in her heart, she remains loyal to her duties as a soldier. I find that in this trait of hers, I have reflected my own long-suffering inclinations. In all honesty, I can't recall a time that I have ever talked back to my Father, no matter the extent of his tough (and often cruel) discipline. I've entertained furious and rebellious thoughts of course, but not once have I raised them or put them into action. And despite his unreasonable admonition, I can genuinely claim that I am not in the slightest bit bitter, even up to this day. This is just my story, though. Every one has his or her own tale to tell.

And then, as my story line progresses, I make it a point to insert some facts, and of course throw in a twist. Like in Damsel Causing Distress; I actually did do legit and extensive research on the acid phenol. And then you can't even start to imagine how much time I 'wasted' researching and studying and reading about the medieval world for Regal Archer (Haha). And as for the twist, I guess I already have an initial one in the beginning of the story but then it suddenly expands to something more monumental later on. (DCD was supposed to be just less than 20 chapters but, oh well.)

Also, I can say I have a bad habit of swerving 180 degrees away from my original formulated plot. I think of a simple story involving a caterpillar cocooning its way out to become a pretty butterfly, but somewhere along the way, the caterpillar turns out to be a centipede whose cocoon is actually a thick roll of spider webs. And when the centipede actually manages to free itself from its , it then transforms into its original form - a fire-belching dragon. Yes, this is me (Haha).

I am also the type to use lengthy narratives - something my being a bookworm has strongly influenced. So no matter how short I imagine a particular scene to be, it usually stretches to such formidable (but hopefully not dragging) lengths. For each chapter as well, I need it to end in such a way that my readers (and even me as an author) are prodded to go on and keep reading (or writing for me).

Then down to my greatest challenge: the ending. It has always been such a royal pain, concluding a story. And this is exactly why I often seal my stories with a cliff-hanger. I'm not sure with my fanfics (and I still don't have a lot to judge from) but this is definitely the case with all my other non-fanfic stories. I feel like putting a definite ending undermines my readers' capabilities to explore what happens next in their own imaginations.

I'm not saying stories with definite endings are bad. In fact they are very good; they always leave me feeling nostalgic. I even feel envious of authors who are able to end their stories in such a compelling manner. Again, this is just me.

Oh well. In the end, it's all a product of the human brain. This gooey piece of intestine-like organ buzzing beneath our skulls 24/7.

Haha! All right, that's all I've got to say. How about you? How does your mind work as a writer (or even as a reader)? Have a nice day, folks! (:

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ArabianQueen #1 Mar 7, 2014 16:22:47

I must say that characters are usually what starts my imagination engine. But also like you I get scenarios as well and ideas of very random things that could relate to me but some times doesn't.
And like you I tend to gather some info but I honestly don't use much I somehow spin a base for my stories in my head, with whatever I have in there.
Also my characters all have a lot in common with me.
Now about the ending I feel like I don't ever want to do it, because to me that would mean closing off the story and I always want my stories open ended so that I can add as many ideas as I can or fix the existing ones.
Even though I do have a vague idea of what the end would be like.
And lately I am having a really big problem with twists. what are they anyway?? I have been so confused lately. ..

durian2003 #2 Mar 7, 2014 10:26:15

I have my moments where I'm spontaneous and at times I plan extravagantly for an awesome fic. When I do plan, here comes the papers and books. I write down my scenes, what they're going to say to each other. Where they are, why they're doing what they're doing. Explanation after explanation of someone's behavior. I pretty much think of the 5 W's (the Who, What, Where, Why, When) and How. You can just imagine the length of those chapters. I've had to cut them into parts a number of times, fearing that my readers might get bored.

But as of late, I'm trying to be less descriptive. I still describe and elaborate, but simply and shortly. I try to find the perfect words that provide the best way to convey my message and meaning. We're all still evolving and finding our own styles. Mine's still not definite yet.

Also, I get a lot of my inspiration from songs. The same goes for movies, and real life events/experiences. Like you, I tend to picture short scenes, wonder how my characters would react or act when being put in such a situation. It's fun, altering some parts for more flavor and that umph so that the scene would pop and be more special and memorable. At least, to me... that's what I'd do and how I'd do it.

eunmi_18 #3 Mar 7, 2014 10:11:02

as a former writer, i would be immensely inspired by the smallest of things. i remember i used to hurry home to my computer or jot down some points into my diary as soon as i got the idea. but then, as is expected, i would become either lazy or lose inspiration to continue with that particular idea. then one of my close friends shared with me a quote, the gross meaning of which was the greatest idea or inspiration an artist gets isn‘t one where he needs to write it down to remember it but one where he‘ll keep it safe in his mind because it is unforgettable. and i haven‘t once had such an idea. which is also why i stopped writing a long time back.

nowadays, being a reader is a lot more fun tbh. but im tired of stories whose progress i can easily predict and those with mundane storylines and uninteresting characters. sadly, i find that is in abounds here in aff :( but at the same time, it is extremely refreshing to read new authors‘ works like yourself n___n and yeah, your non fanfiction stories.. have you posted them on the internet? if yes, is there anyway i could read them please? c: