by Nate80 » August 24th, 2013, 9:13 pm
Ok, first, my browser crashed twice on me, but hopefully I've got it all this time - and it all makes sense.
The below should hopefully make writing more manageable.
Let's see, in no order:
Write because you want to (ok, if you're a Slave, you should also accept you write because your Master wants / tells you to), don't worry if no one else reads it or likes it (ok, Master's approval is probably a good idea :P).
Don't try to write it all in order, from the first page to the last page. You'll go mad. Write what you can, when you can. Get stuck? Move on and come back to it.
Similarly, don't worry about it being perfect the first time, or even in the first draft. (That's right, you'll do more than one before it's ready for public consumption)
The finished version will be monolithic, in order, that doesn't mean the prep work has to be.
I use a little trick of [ and ] to make comments / block out sections that need work. Useful for [really badly worded sentence / paragraph here] and [later that day] ("[" can be searched for on read throughs / reviewing)
If you find yourself rewriting something for the 3rd time, or staring at a screen for 10mins, [ ] it and move on
Similarly, if using a word processor like word or Libre Office, you can colour highlight to distinguish different reasons for the [ ] (e.g. badly worded, expression needs work or even "under construction")
[ ] is also useful for placeholders:
Lots of amazing text
[writer's block'd transition]
more amazing text
[placeholder for her introduction to her new Mistress. Possibly at a bar]
[More amazing text, but not quite worded right]
If you are prepared to grab some code versioning software (git can be made to work with odf files), this too can aid experimenting with sections (also, good for backing up work). Just remember to commit your work periodically and before / after large sections of work.
Don't be afraid to delete (or remove to another file) a whole chapter or day's work. Sometimes something just doesn't work out or fit. Or it won't work, but it's too good to lose. Maybe you can find a use for it later...
If your work is getting complicated (characters or plot arcs) break it out into multiple files covering each plot arc.
Consider writing bio's for the main characters (if only to keep their details / actions consistent), add to them as you go (but make a note of development vs starting characteristics)
Look up fiction writing sites, covert hypnosis and ericksonian hypnosis -
fiction writing: should be obvious, key story writing points like structure, character, dialogue etc
covert hypnosis : you want to invoke emotional responses and capture the reader's interests, without worrying about the formal induction ;)
ericksonian hypnosis: artfully vague, give them an idea and let them fill in the details:
"she shivered. The stone floor beneath her feet was uncomfortable to stand on. But not as uncomfortable as the leather harness her Mistress had made her wear"
We don't tell the reader what the floor looks like, or what the harness looks like, but the reader has enough to build the mental image
That said, setting the scene is acceptable, as is getting your Characters to do the description work for you -
"Would you look at the ass on him! And those muscles! Woof!"
Or
The sight sent a shiver up her spine, the dungeon furniture was mostly wood and leather. Her eyes wandered around the room. Toys and implements, whips and paddles, were neatly arranged on shelves and tables. Above the drain hole in the centre of the concrete floor hung a pair of manacles, suspended from the ceiling by heavy metal chains.
A feeling of dread started to creep up her back as she felt her Mistress's firm hand on her shoulder.
Use your imagination and then say what you see
Structure wise, identify your key plot / character points and then build out from there, adding a mix of smaller sub plots and diversions as you go*. Don't see these as absolute though, ideas change and evolve, so will your writing, so be open and flexible to changing or adapting ideas. As mentioned above, you can always move something out for use in another story.
*writing composition does not have to be linear, so you can always get the main story line written and then fill in the smaller details later.
Cheat wholesale:
Ask your Master to load you up on creativity, inspiration, expression, motivation, enjoying writing and writing skill suggestions. After all, WMM has a sister site geared more for personal development ;)
If you have a tist Master, the motivation thing should be a bit of a no brainer :P
Hope this helps.