Monday 7 December 2009

What's the shape of your novel?

I got this idea from Nik's Blog a couple of weeks ago. He was thinking what the shape of one of his stories would be, and he shared his vision of the story shape on his blog. It got me thinking what shape my novel-in-very-early-embryonic-progress* is.

I've recently bought a plain unruled notebook to scrawl in, just for doodles and sketches and free wheeling thoughts written in pencil. (This is a new thing for me, this writing in pencil thing. Thanks to Tania for the pencil I'm pencilling with - it was part of my pay-it-forward gift.)

Anyway, here's the shape of my *NIVEEP




At least right now, that's the shape of it. It will no doubt change, I might post its changing shape.

Anyone else want to share their shapes, if working on a novel? I know you can't post images in the comments, but you could put it on your blog and leave a link to it in the comments here, maybe, or over on Nik's blog. (Is it even okay to tell people to leave comments on a blog that's not yours??? I realise maybe not, but as it was Nik's blog where the idea started I don't want to hijack it. Hijacking his blog with comments is better..?)


I've also started keeping a note of how much time I spend writing each day. This, I hope, will keep my head in perspective when I think I'm not doing enough, and give me a kick up the bum when I'm actually not doing enough. And it'll help me see how I'm dividing my time between shorts, the novel, research, subbing and the blog, and I can make improvements if I need to.



*COMING SOON*
A series of guest blogs on the way writers write - but in particular what they write with. (Don't say hands.)

12 comments:

Nik Perring said...

Teresa, I utterly and absolutely LOVE this! Your drawing is just brilliant and has made me grin. Ace. Brilliant. And hijack away.

We should exchange email addresses. And if you want me, not that I'm being presumptuous or anything, to be a part of the COMING SOON thing then do let me know.

Nik

Miriam said...

Lovely idea! I posted my shape here. (Hope that link works.)

Teresa Stenson said...

Hi Nik - ha, well, your name is actaully on my list of writers to invite. You can get my email address from my profile page - so send me one and I'll reply with the info. Glad you like the drawing and don't feel hijacked.

Miriam - that's great, the red line is interesting, like an exclamation mark, a big event perhaps, or a difficult chapter, or just where you've got up to... Thanks for doing and linking!

Nik Perring said...

Brill!

essygie said...

good idea about noting how much time you spend on writing each day, I might try that!

Teresa Stenson said...

I'm thinking of another list for how much time I spend online, not doing useful things. Not sure if I have the courage...

Andy said...

An excellent idea, my shape for my novel in progress, Deception is here.

Best
Andy

Andy said...

Cheers Teresa for your thoughts on mine. I've left further explanation within the comments on mine.

Cheers Andy

Unknown said...

This is fascinating Treeface, I myself can't make any plans without drawing boxes, either for writing or for production, outcomes etc.

It's important for me to visualise what's otherwise just words, and I don't mean in filmmakery terms because obviously that ends up visual; I need to literally visualise something in order to envision it. Clumsy, but you get me, right.

Ah, the creative brain, eh? Love you!

x

Unknown said...

Oh and I commented as 'Miley' because I was signed into my personal account instead of my film one, oops! ;-)

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