Outline.

[snitchnipped]

Intimidation Central

I've sat and roughly sketched out an outline for this Fuel to Fire piece that I'm writing, which is the sequel to the NFE fic I wrote, Dichotomy.

Considering I don't have much experience to fall back on, save for maybe one or two small bits from a former fandom that aren't even readily available anywhere. And a couple of pieces that I wrote which was fanfic of fanfic of a beautiful series that I beta/researched for that never got finished and is no longer available online (which is a real shame, it was fantastic, and I lost contact with that writer/friend). And those fanfic fanfics are long gone (another shame, I actually liked those).

But but but... this latest piece is just going to be so different. Whereas the first one was such a character study, set in complete real time, where it took me 9,000 words to describe a not even 30 minute conversation. To go from that to a piece that spans an arc of about 6 weeks, with an actual plot, multiple scenes, 2 different points of view, and (gasp!) action sequences... well, it's a one-way ticket to Intimidation Central.

I just cannot let myself get too into Edmund and Susan's heads and rely on a crap-ton of exposition this time around. Which is fine and dandy for Edmund, since we've already Been There, but with Susan and her subplot... it's tough. If I went that far, this fic would be neverending, but I couldn't even bare to edit down Dichotomy from where it is... Right now, my most complete scene has zero context to overall the story (for now), but I love it and could never part with it.

If the Big Bang comes in to fruition and I can piggy-back this beast on to it, then that would help immensely, simultaneously pushing me and keeping me in check, because I obviously need it. And it'd be a long enough time to write but still have a deadline, which I desperately need. I've never been good with free time projects -- there's a stack of them that are in my closet right now that won't see the light of day any time soon.

I just need to find the correct balance. It's going to be tricky. Especially since this piece is looking to be, at least, a 60K-er. At least.

Oh, what have I done...

Comments

[h-dash-h.livejournal.com]

I understand your consternation a little bit. This whole "explain the last battle where everyone survives" thing is overwhelming me a little. I doubt it's on the 60K scale, but it definitely involves more scenes, characters and points of view than I've yet tackled.

[snitchnipped.livejournal.com]

Yeah, my whole thing is "People like to have actual plots?!" It's been so long since I've tackled anything with, I don't know... driving action. And yes, more characters, more scenes, and just a longer span of time.

[metonomia.livejournal.com]

I'm so excited for this sequel!

And I would say - though I really don't produce much fic at all, and I'm terribly slow when I do - with something like this, especially if you're looking at the mini-bigbang as an avenue for it, then for now you could just go with those scenes that don't necessarily move the plot forward but which you love and which feel right. Just to get into the flow of writing the characters/story, and then you can sharpen it up later.

Good luck!! I'm really looking forward to more of your Susan. (And Edmund) (But SUSAN)

[snitchnipped.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I have to remember that there is currently no pressure to put anything out there and to just enjoy it. Granted, one of the first scenes I fleshed out (and enjoyed writing) is now completely scrapped -- I realized it takes place years from the story I'm writing. Ooops.

And yes, lots of Susan... which is what scares me, 'cause as much as I'd like to give her the internal treatment that Edmund had, I can't! I have a plot and conflict to resolve!