Comments on: Predator Novel Process http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/ Jeff VanderMeer Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:25:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Vanderlust « adamantine http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/comment-page-1/#comment-13060 Vanderlust « adamantine Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:25:53 +0000 http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/#comment-13060 [...] VanderMeer interview in which, among other things, he lists his favourite books! Jeff VanderMeer on novel outlines! Jeff VanderMeer’s own definition of the New [...] [...] VanderMeer interview in which, among other things, he lists his favourite books! Jeff VanderMeer on novel outlines! Jeff VanderMeer’s own definition of the New [...]

]]> By: Ty http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/comment-page-1/#comment-3087 Ty Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:21:50 +0000 http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/#comment-3087 I'm glad to hear this more fluid talk, and experimentation, about outlining (or the lack of). As a wannabe author (I've written a trilogy, no publisher yet), all you hear is outlining, outlining, outlining. I have nothing against outlining, and have learned that as a beginner it can be very important. But it's good to see I might someday reach a skill level where I can fudge around a bit. I’m glad to hear this more fluid talk, and experimentation, about outlining (or the lack of). As a wannabe author (I’ve written a trilogy, no publisher yet), all you hear is outlining, outlining, outlining.

I have nothing against outlining, and have learned that as a beginner it can be very important. But it’s good to see I might someday reach a skill level where I can fudge around a bit.

]]> By: Jeff VanderMeer http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/comment-page-1/#comment-3081 Jeff VanderMeer Sun, 14 Oct 2007 11:58:48 +0000 http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/#comment-3081 Yeah--I'd imagine I'll abandon the outline at some point, too, even if just for a chapter. It's interesting that this neither negates the value of using the outline nor indicates that using one becomes a straitjacket. Anyway, it's fun to find another way to jolt the imagination. Glad the discussion's useful! I feel the same way: each project is different, requiring its own approaches, protocols, style(s), and tools. Jeff Yeah–I’d imagine I’ll abandon the outline at some point, too, even if just for a chapter. It’s interesting that this neither negates the value of using the outline nor indicates that using one becomes a straitjacket. Anyway, it’s fun to find another way to jolt the imagination. Glad the discussion’s useful!

I feel the same way: each project is different, requiring its own approaches, protocols, style(s), and tools.

Jeff

]]> By: Jim Van Pelt http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/comment-page-1/#comment-3077 Jim Van Pelt Sun, 14 Oct 2007 05:02:33 +0000 http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/10/12/predator-novel-process/#comment-3077 Hi, Jeff. I find this discussion paired with Jay's to be fascinating. My one foray into novel writing was using the feel-my-way-in-the-dark technique, which is how I write short stories, but I've become reluctantly interested in a little pre-planning lately. Oddly enough, I was just reading H.P. Lovecraft's description of his process. Evidently he was an outliner, but he was quick to add that at every step along the way if more interesting paths opened up, he'd abandon the outline and go in the new direction. Mostly what is fun about reading your stuff here and Jay's thoughts is that both of you are experimenting with process, which is much more relieving to me (and honest, I think), than the numerous folks who claim some sort of secret to producing work. To me, the whole affair of writing feels like an experiment, with all the variable changing from one project to the next. Admitting that there are different ways for the same individual to get to the end of a piece is positively refreshing. Hi, Jeff. I find this discussion paired with Jay’s to be fascinating. My one foray into novel writing was using the feel-my-way-in-the-dark technique, which is how I write short stories, but I’ve become reluctantly interested in a little pre-planning lately. Oddly enough, I was just reading H.P. Lovecraft’s description of his process. Evidently he was an outliner, but he was quick to add that at every step along the way if more interesting paths opened up, he’d abandon the outline and go in the new direction.

Mostly what is fun about reading your stuff here and Jay’s thoughts is that both of you are experimenting with process, which is much more relieving to me (and honest, I think), than the numerous folks who claim some sort of secret to producing work. To me, the whole affair of writing feels like an experiment, with all the variable changing from one project to the next. Admitting that there are different ways for the same individual to get to the end of a piece is positively refreshing.

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