For several days I hung out on Randy Ingermanson's Advanced Fiction Writer's Blog where Susan Meissner chatted about her accelerated pace. She usually starts and completes her novels in 6-10 weeks. I also attended Susan's session at the ACFW conference last September where she spoke on the same subject and "sat in" on her ACFW online course. I'm fascinated by those who can write fast.
Back in 2002 award winning author Susan Mallery spoke at the RWA conference on Writing More While Writing Better. I have the tape and have devoured every word Susan spoke. In fact, I've practically memorized her spiel. Susan's energy flows into me and by the end of her talk, I know I can write fast too.
I noticed today that Susan May Warren is also talking about writing fast. She goes into great detail, explaining just how many minutes it will take to create a scene or a page, provided the scene is about 1500 words. This boggles my mind.
What it all boils down to--as each of these wonderful authors point out--is pre-writing, thoroughly planning your story so you know your characters, your plot, the conflict and the ending.
Pre-writing. A lot of work before the work.
At my age I'm not nearly as fast as I used to be. I don't move fast, think fast or eat fast. I certainly don't write fast. So I'm wondering. . . what if I just change my name to Susan? :)
Ohhhhhhh, yes. How I love shortcuts.
7 comments:
oh man, do you think that would work? If so, I anticipate a banquet hall FULL of Susan's at the next ACFW conference.
Thanks for the link to Susan Warren's site. I'll have to go check it out.
Gostei muito desse post e seu blog é muito interessante, vou passar por aqui sempre =) Depois dá uma passada lá no meu site, que é sobre o CresceNet, espero que goste. O endereço dele é http://www.provedorcrescenet.com . Um abraço.
LOL, Jess, I mean Susan. :)
Cute post. Thanks for the links! I agree about the planning. I've found that helps me move better, too.
Missy
I don't write like a Susan either. I'm just starting to flesh out a new story, so I'm working on the prewriting thing like never before. I agree with you that that's the key.
I'm feeling the same pull to learn this tactic. I have way too much on my plate to sit back and do it at my leisure. I don't know what leisure is, lol.
Angie
LOVE the new header. You go, girl! I'm officially back!
:-) Cute!
I am a slow as Christmas when it comes to writing...Maybe I will try to plan it out, too. I mean...I am SLOW.
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