How far do YOU go when planning a plot?
Do you just get a basic outline, without really getting into too much detail about the background?
For people who write in realistic settings, they don't really need to go into too much detail about a setting that many people are already somewhat familiar with.
But what about fantasy writers?
*cough* mkay, not too many medieval fantasy writers here anyways, amiright?
But say you do come up with a plot set in a different world, at a different time. How far do you go? Do you create ecology? Biology? Certain terms, places, types of people, animals, phrases?
Is it all 'too much' "unnecessary" work to you, or is it something that is a lot of work, but usually worth it in the end?
The reason I bring this up is pretty much just because I want to tell the world that I've successfully created my own language for a book I've been planning for a while now. I'm still planning it, but this is a big leap for me that I'd like to share. Why? Because it takes a long time to do something like this - so much goes into creating "extra" things for a lengthy story and every once in a while you have to try an congratulate yourself after some milestones.
So, here it is, my first song in the Arlithionian language I've created for my book.
I'm not even going to make an excuse for why I can't sing. I just wanted to show that I can do eeet. x)
So, anyways. Opinions on the first topic? How far do you go when creating a backplot for your story and is it even worth it?
~CI
----
PS The Arlithionian language was created for the Dreakoni tribes - a race I also created - and is important to both the elements of my plot because of its significance to the deities involved, and to the Dreakoni cultures~
For people who write in realistic settings, they don't really need to go into too much detail about a setting that many people are already somewhat familiar with.
But what about fantasy writers?
*cough* mkay, not too many medieval fantasy writers here anyways, amiright?
But say you do come up with a plot set in a different world, at a different time. How far do you go? Do you create ecology? Biology? Certain terms, places, types of people, animals, phrases?
Is it all 'too much' "unnecessary" work to you, or is it something that is a lot of work, but usually worth it in the end?
The reason I bring this up is pretty much just because I want to tell the world that I've successfully created my own language for a book I've been planning for a while now. I'm still planning it, but this is a big leap for me that I'd like to share. Why? Because it takes a long time to do something like this - so much goes into creating "extra" things for a lengthy story and every once in a while you have to try an congratulate yourself after some milestones.
So, here it is, my first song in the Arlithionian language I've created for my book.
I'm not even going to make an excuse for why I can't sing. I just wanted to show that I can do eeet. x)
So, anyways. Opinions on the first topic? How far do you go when creating a backplot for your story and is it even worth it?
~CI
----
PS The Arlithionian language was created for the Dreakoni tribes - a race I also created - and is important to both the elements of my plot because of its significance to the deities involved, and to the Dreakoni cultures~
Posted on October 12th, 2009 at 04:04am
Fantasy stories are incredibly difficult.
I once started one and over a year I had it planned out
and for the next four years I continuously wrote it
again and again, but in the end I never could get it
just right. I'm planning on dragging out again sooner or
later but as of now, it's out of sight...
Rainla, October 31st, 2009 at 01:24:33am
I just write a first sentence and create a few main characters. Basically I never plan unless I'm told to. :)
Dak12, October 12th, 2009 at 09:40:29pm
Thanks, I hope yours goes well also.
That's a long time. Mine is a combination of three other fantasy ideas I had, so that's why its taken so long to plan out. Fantasy stories take a long time to plan since you have to plan out every detail and what not.
KeepOn-Dreaming, October 12th, 2009 at 05:19:50am
Cool. :)
I hope it goes well.
I've only been planning mine for two years as of this month. ^^;
Cryptic Ink, October 12th, 2009 at 05:15:44am
Currently I'm attempting to write out my fantasy novel that I've been planning for over four years. =)
KeepOn-Dreaming, October 12th, 2009 at 05:11:28am
A lot of the creatures J.K Rowling uses, she didn't actually make up. (:
~
True, but I'm referring to her idea of quidditch and some other aspects of the books. :)
"When I try to plan it, I never actually write it.
But without planning it, I don't finish it. "
---
Then how do you ever get a story done? o.o;
Cryptic Ink, October 12th, 2009 at 04:49:31am
A lot of the creatures J.K Rowling uses, she didn't actually make up. (:
I just plow into the story.
When I try to plan it, I never actually write it.
But without planning it, I don't finish it.
Catch 22.
in vogue., October 12th, 2009 at 04:27:02am
I watch TV and use the information from all the different TV shows combined and think of something really weird as a plot. Then, when I should be sleeping, I'll take all of my life situations that can relate to my characters and mash it in. Then I'll plan the sequel, even though I haven't even though of what's going to happen in the next chapter. Then, I get all confused about everything in my story and cancel it. That's pretty much how I do it.
Tell Me Lies, October 12th, 2009 at 04:16:03am
woo~
Yes, I always consider of JK Rowling and Tolkein when I think of this topic.
Both are my inspiration~
At least I'm not the only one who thinks it worthwhile, then. ^^
Cryptic Ink, October 12th, 2009 at 04:15:27am
I think it's better to go into detail, creating your own language is amazing. Look at J.K. Rowling. All her spells, creautures. Or George Lucas (big time Star Wars nerd), he created all these different species and languages to go with them. It's crazy.
oh mariah., October 12th, 2009 at 04:10:03am
I haven't written it yet, but I've been planning a fantasy story. It's set in a different world. I made a map of the different countries and their basic landscape, and wrote down some ideas for the creatures that our world doesn't have. Some of my characters aren't of this world either, but all their info goes in their character bio - I make one for all my characters. Human and non. I do that with any story, the bio thing.
Even in my stories that take place in a real place, I map out where the majority of it will take place. I take not of stores in the area and the basic layout of streets and stuff.
I don't really think it's unnecessary work. I can't write without having that all worked out first.
Spaztastic, October 12th, 2009 at 04:09:43am
Electric Goat; I've tried that a few times, but oftentimes I always end up with a cliche', bland, or otherwise unfinished cutout that really has no goal in the end.
I guess I'm the type that has to pan excessively to do something right.
If I don't, I end up feeling pretty aimless. ^^;
Cryptic Ink, October 12th, 2009 at 04:08:29am
I rarely plan my plots out at all. I just start writing with a few characters in mind, and see where it goes.
Electric Goat, October 12th, 2009 at 04:05:53am