Letters of Questioning: Lost in Plot

This week’s post shifts directions after we were lost on an adventure with our characters, then it begs to be thought, what about plot?  How does it work?  What brings it all together…

Hey Dreamland’s Insurgents,

I think you may be onto something with one character being more comfortable to tell the tale, or maybe just wants to take control? I am pretty sure I am forever changed by my characters, but then… who isn’t? Are they not just a reflection of ourselves and how we see the world? I think that I never truly find my way back. To what purpose? I am just going to embark on another tale.
Which brings me to something else I have read… I beseech you, what do you think upon reading the words of Laura who was interviewed over on El Space about being neither a plotter or a pantser, but an evolutionist?!?!? I must say I was intrigued by this new idea in writing. What say you? Personally I would have to say it works! But then I fly by the seat of my pants and thought of myself as a pantser, but after reading those words, I must say I found it heartening that another idea could be born.
But I must ask, if new ideas of this caliber can be raised, what then are we missing in life?!? How many other ideas are we losing by staying with the status quo of what is already created? What other writing styles would that then open?

Lost in Plot,
Random

 

Catch his reply here:

Sup Random,
From your perspective it sounds like the journey is never-ending. That’s dedication! But there’s got to be a rest point, a time for reflection and gathering ye rosebuds — or at least contemplating your navel, Admiral! (Then again, I personally waffle more than a Danish prince….)
Laura’s guest post on El Space was, now that you mention it, one such instance where I stopped and paused. I’ve thought for a long time that too much planning was stifling, but also found that not enough of it left me adrift — the opposite of a purposeful journey. Not that I haven’t found a lot of great material roamin’ around, but I rarely find anything I feel I can actually call a narrative, you see? I think a dynamic blend is just what the tailor ordered — plus it’ll keep us from wearing out the seat of our breeches.
Put the calipers down, I beseech you — you might be striking before the iron’s hot, here. Whenever you start throwing the door open on the status quo, you start to invite the Vandals into Rome. Innovation is one thing, but asking what’s missing in life? Dreaming of untapped ideas? That sounds rather like insurrection, or at the very least infection — bringing back weird ideas from off the map might invite more change than people can cope with!

Sewing You a Pirate Flag,
Dreamland’s Insurgents

 

What are your thoughts on this subject?  Have you read the post over on El Space?   If not, I beseech you too, to head that way and tell me what you think!  Join in our endeavor!  Also, don’t forget to take a moment to check out Laura’s blog!  Remember we LOVE to hear your thoughts, or even read YOUR letters…

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