so you’ve lost your mind and want to write a novel
TRANSCRIPT
So You’ve Lost Your Mind and Want to
Write a NovelKurt Dinan
Writer-In-Residence The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
Who the heck am I?
Who the heck are you?
You are a
writer!
Writing Ideal vs. Writing Reality
April 6, 2016: Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Novel 101
The Basic EquationForced Inspiration
+ Crazed
Dedication A Novel
IDEA vs. Concept
Ideaa What
If…? Question
Concept A developed idea that
has:1. A protagonist2. A goal3. An obstacle
Name that concept!A small time boxer gets a once in a lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.
Name that concept!An intrepid archaeologist races against time to beat the Nazi’s in discovering the ultimate weapon--the lost Ark of the Covenant.
Name that concept!In a soon-to-
open theme park, a team of scientists must stop cloned dinosaurs who are eating workers and tourists.
Name that concept!In a future where the
government selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, a woman volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match where she not only fights for her life, but to retain her humanity.
Why a concept is so important
Group Concept Building
Partner Concept Building
Idea:
Protagonist:
Goal:
Obstacle:
BrainstormingIdeal Reality
How to Brainstorm
1.Set a number
2.Write everything down
3.Follow the thread
Where to begin
Brainstorming Activity #1List
Favorite books, movies, TV shows
Favorite characters
Favorite plot elements
Favorite plot devices
The Most Important Question
Brainstorming Activity #2 Games to Play:
The What If…? Game
The If Only… Game
The How Would Things Be Different If… Game
The I Wonder… Game
Become and Antenna
• Listen to podcasts• Read non-fiction• Read the news• Watch documentaries• Talk to people who are
smarter than you
• Everything is an opportunity to learn
Write Everything Down!
Brainstorm Activity #3Write down people
you know who are “characters”
Write down interesting jobs
Write down interesting quirks people have
Write down cliché/stock charcters
Brainstorm Activity #4What are you an
expert in?What worlds do
you know?What unique
experiences have you had?
Two Additional TipsGive your characters
theme songsSurf Google Images for
your character
Brainstorming Activity #5List high conflict
settings or situations
Lists settings with a wide variety of people
List “contained settings”
Developing Your Protagonist
What do they love
most?What do they fear
most?
What would friends say is their greatest
strength?What would friends say is their greatest
weakness?
But most importantly…
A B
Now what?
Pantsing vs. Plotting
My recent approach
Dealing with Writer’s Block
The Problem, As I See It
Writing TipsBe willing to
change ANYTHING
Exercise and chew gum
Play What If…?
Steal!
But most importantly…
Remember!
You are a
writer!