Plotting for the Future

Elizabeth Spann Craig While I was at the beach this weekend for a house party with friends, I got a great idea for a book. I could see the whole book—murderer, victims, clues, red herrings, and the role the setting would play in the novel. It would be a house party gone horribly wrong.

The only problem? I can’t write that book right now.

My next Myrtle Clover book is due in early November. My next Memphis Barbeque book is due April 1.

There’s no way I can work a beach party into my Memphis book. It would be geographically challenging. :)

After the April due date, I have a November one for Penguin and have the plot for that book set already.

Soooo….I’m thinking I can’t write this book for about a year.

My memory? It’s awful.

Usually I just create a new Word file, sketch out my idea, name it, and save it out to another location (usually I’ll email myself the file….lazy, but I can always locate it.)

This time, though, there’s a lot of data that I need to capture and I don’t think I have time right now to write out a full synopsis. Plus the fact that I don’t like writing to outlines.

Today I’m going to try something new and see how it works. I’ve got a voice recorder and I’m going to talk out the plot and characters. I’m hoping that it’s going to get all of my thoughts and ideas down, but won’t be as “official” as an outline or synopsis. I might see how far I can talk it out.

It’s the saving of the voice recording that I’m not sure of. I’ll need to make sure it’s someplace I can find it again.

I’m hoping that when I listen to it again, the excitement in my voice will ignite the creative process again and make it a quick write.

Does anyone else use a voice recorder? How does it work for you?

Elizabeth Spann Craig

View posts by Elizabeth Spann Craig
Elizabeth writes the Memphis Barbeque series (as Riley Adams) and the Southern Quilting mysteries for Penguin and writes the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink and independently. She also has a blog, which was named by Writer’s Digest as one of the 101 Best Websites for Writers. There she posts on the writing craft, finding inspiration in everyday life, and fitting writing into a busy schedule.

33 Comments

  1. Journaling WomanOctober 19, 2009

    I have used a voice recorder. Once in a while I will use one on my walks. I am not sure I like to hear my own voice, though. My plans were to use a VR to interview my sample population on my research project (which I put on hold). Hearing the voices and inflections of those I would interview, I felt would help me remember my focus.

    You might email yourself the location of the recording. I love email.

    Great post.

  2. Ingrid KingOctober 19, 2009

    I use a voice recorder for middle of the night to do’s – I keep it on my nightstand. Bonus is that after recording whatever came to mind, I can actually go back to sleep rather than tossing and turning, worrying that I’ll forget, or having to wake up all the way to get up, turn on the light, and write it down.

    Please keep us posted on how this approach works for you – I find the idea of using voice recorders as part of the creative process very intriguing.

  3. Alan OrloffOctober 19, 2009

    I’ve thought about using a voice recorder, but I’m not very good processing auditory information (see my blog post today about that very subject).

    As for saving your recording, you could save it as an MP3 file and email to yourself, just like a regular document.

  4. Margot KinbergOctober 19, 2009

    Elizabeth – I’ve never used a voice recorder, but that is such a great idea! I’ve often been in the situation where I had an idea for a plot, a character, etc., and wasn’t able to do anything about it at the moment. There are a lot of small, easily portable models out there, too. I’ll definitely have to think about using one!

    As for getting it later, I like Alan’s idea of Emailing the recording to yourself, so you can save it in any file you like on your hard drive. I’ll be really interested to hear how this works for you.

  5. Terry OdellOctober 19, 2009

    I hate hearing my own voice – I’ve never even considered recording my ideas. I’m lucky to remember to write them down, although I’m going to have to be more organized. I’ve been out of town and trying to deal with final edits on one book, which meant I couldn’t work on the WIP. When I finally went back to it, I’d written a scene where the cop says he’s missing something about the case, it’s in the back of his mind somewhere, but he can’t pull it forward.

    Only now I can’t remember what clue that was referring to! I trust that the comment made by the cop’s partner, “It’ll come back to you when you’re thinking about something else” will hold true for me, too!

    (And Quebec City was great — I’ve posted bits about being a tourist AND working on edits on my blog all last week)

  6. N A SharpeOctober 19, 2009

    Oh Elizabeth, don’t you love it when the story just falls into place like that? It’s new and fresh and exciting! Yes, I have used a voice recorder – it’s great for getting the thoughts and details down before they fade, especialy if it is going to be a while before you can work on the project (ummm, what a problem to have, I feel your pain, lol) I just came from a writer’s conference where one of the writers keeps seven works in progress rotating to keep on her publishing schedules…don’t think I could do that, but kudos to busy writers that can!

    Nancy, from Realms of Thought…

  7. Kristen Torres-ToroOctober 19, 2009

    That’s a great idea! I never tried it but I know it will work better than the tried and failed “oh, it’s so good I’ll definitely remember it” trap I always fall into!

  8. Stacy PostOctober 19, 2009

    I love it when a new story unfolds! It’s exciting and energizing, but I understand your frustration. I’d probably dedicate an afternoon to the story just to get as much down on paper as possible. I’ve never used a voice recorder for writing…I’ll be curious to see if that works. From the other posts, it sounds like a great tool. Best of luck! I’m waiting eagerly for Myrtle’s next adventure too. :)

  9. Jan MorrisonOctober 19, 2009

    I don’t use a voice recorder or not for that anyway. I just have lots of plots going on in my computer so that if I hit a wall I go to another file. I meant to write next about Chester but after I visited Annapolis Royal I knew I had to put my next one there. I can go to Chester easily and I lived there for years so the mood of it won’t slip away but AR – it’s far.

  10. JuleeOctober 19, 2009

    I’ve never used one, but I’d sure like to. I get ideas in the car – sometimes sparked by some of the scenery around here – and it’s when I’m on my commute to and from work. Not a real good idea to be pulling over and searching my purse for the small notebook I keep handy. I also get ideas lying in bed at night and I’m too lazy to turn on the light and search for the other small (empty) notebook I keep on the nightstand. I always tell myself I’ll write it down in the morning, and I never do. Long forgotten by then. I really think I should invest in a recorder.

  11. Elspeth AntonelliOctober 19, 2009

    I’ve never used a voice recorder. My method is to jot down notes using (hopefully) words that will bring all the plot’s nuances back to mind. I also will put down character descriptions but I use terms like “evil dog-hater neighbour” and “always takes the last piece of pie boy”.

    I know it’s odd, but it works for me!

    Elspeth

  12. Watery TartOctober 19, 2009

    Oh, you lucky girl! What a problem to have! I think the voice recording is a GREAT idea. I have a folder of my story starts and tend to just write pages and pages of notes (also hate my voice–am I really that whiny sounding?) but the recording seems a good idea. Your laptop probably has a recording device–you could both save it and email it to yourself! (that way you’d only need to learn one new trick)

  13. Elizabeth Spann CraigOctober 19, 2009

    Journaling Woman–Hmm. No, I don’t like my own voice either. I’d have to probably listen to the recording a couple of times to get over that. I used a VR for interviews, too, when I was in journalism. Rotten memory, and I was always afraid I’d run something and the interviewee would complain, “I did NOT say that!” So it was all taped.

    Nancy–Seven! Gosh, I’d go completely around the bend if I had seven series. I’m bad enough with 2.

    Ingrid–I’ll let you know. I may not have a verdict on it for a while for this project, but I may try it a little for my April deadline, too. See how it works.

    Jan–You sound like one of those people with good memories! I’m jealous. I could never keep track of different projects at once.

    Alan–Ohhhh. So I should get a new VR. Because mine is from my journalism days…pre-computer. :) I’ll check some new voice recorders out. That makes sense.

    Margot–Looks like I’ll be shopping today! I’m going to find one that’s easy to figure out because I’m time crunched. I like the idea of using one on the go, too…I have a hard time finding my little bits of paper sometimes, from when I’m out doing errands.

    Terry–Ha! I’ve done that, too. I’ve even looked at little random bits in my book that I’d meant to be important and couldn’t remember if they were supposed to be clues or red herrings. I’ve got to adopt a better system with the WIPs multiplying the way they are.

    Quebec is gorgeous. Haven’t been there for 20 years, but loved their Winter Carnival there. They had SNOW! :)

  14. Elizabeth Spann CraigOctober 19, 2009

    Hart—OH! Does it? This is a new laptop, so I haven’t really explored all its extras. I’m definitely checking that out today…thank you!!! I definitely don’t want to have to learn a lot of new stuff right now…

  15. L. Diane WolfeOctober 19, 2009

    I was just going to suggest a voice recorder! You could outline so much in a very short period of time.

  16. Jane Kennedy SuttonOctober 19, 2009

    I used a recorder a years ago but didn’t like dealing with the rewinds to find my place and so on. I have a feeling recorders are much more sophisticated now so I may think about using one again because it is the quickest way to save ideas.

  17. Galen Kindley--AuthorOctober 19, 2009

    I’ve used one for research trips and liked it. There’s so much to see and remember. Writing notes takes too long and is really impractical if you’re in a car driving about. A voice recorder does a pretty good job of dealing with that limitation. Combined with photos, it makes a nice way to capture the flavor and feel of a place.

    You know, maybe this could be new business for you, dreaming up plotlines and selling them over your web site!

    Best Regards, Galen

    Imagineering Fiction Blog

  18. Marybeth PoppinsOctober 19, 2009

    I think that’s a wonderful idea. I myself have issues with listening to my own voice. So I’m not sure how that would go. LOL

  19. Alexis GrantOctober 19, 2009

    I don’t use a voice recorder. But I know what it’s like to feel inspired about a story (usually it’s something shorter for me) and want to sit down and write it right then and there. SO frustrating when you don’t have the time to do it!

    I think you’ve got the right idea. Get down all your thoughts, ideas, motivation. Try to capture it all. Then see if you can see feel it a year from now when you have time to return to this project. Maybe by then you’ll have an even more exciting book idea.

  20. Crystal Clear ProofingOctober 19, 2009

    I just love reading your blog, Elizabeth. I’ve said this before, but it is so INTERESTING and ENLIGHTENING seeing the “world of words” from your viewpoint – that of a writer.

    Interesting comments also!

  21. Marvin D WilsonOctober 19, 2009

    Never used one. I keep a note pad and pen on me if I’m not with my laptop and jot notes to jog my memory later.

    The Old Silly

  22. Karen WalkerOctober 19, 2009

    You are a constant source of amazement, Ms. Elizabeth.
    Karen

  23. Helen GingerOctober 19, 2009

    I use a voice recorder, although not for plot ideas. The original is on the recorder, then I save a copy to my hard drive. Then it gets saved to my backup. Emailing the location to yourself is probably a good idea.

    Helen
    Straight From Hel

  24. Patricia StolteyOctober 20, 2009

    I have never done this, Elizabeth, but it sounds like an excellent idea. I might give it a try.

  25. Elizabeth Spann CraigOctober 19, 2009

    Diane–Fast would be key right now.

    Jane–Right! That’s exactly what my old recorder was like. You sound like Minnie Mouse while you’re trying to find your place. :)

    Galen–Oh, I can definitely see how that would be helpful for research. Good point.

    You know, I don’t usually *get* a ton of ideas at once–it’s funny. I think I ordinarily try to force my idea into my current WIP…with varying degrees results.

    Marybeth–I think that part will definitely be distracting to me!

    Alexis–True. Because in a year I may want to put it on the back burner, if I have a stronger idea.

    Crystal–Thanks! And what a nutty world it is!

    Kristen–I *always* tell myself that this time will be different and I’ll remember. Nope!

    Stacy–I think Myrtle is impatiently waiting for her turn! If SHE could commit murder, she’d murder the characters in my Memphis BBQ book. :)

    Marvin–That’s usually my m.o., too. I’m not sure if I can adjust or not, but I like the idea of it.

    Julee–I scribble notes down everywhere, too. Then I have to collect my notes from everywhere. I’m wondering if the voice recorder would make things more organized for me.

    Elspeth–Oh! I do that for when I meet people and know I’ll meet them again later. It’s my own form of a cheat-sheet. I describe the person then put their name down and how I know them. I would DIE if anyone found my cheat sheets!

    Helen–So you actually talk to the recorder then transcribe it later? That’s really interesting. I may have to give that a go.

    Karen–YOU are! Wish I could do other things besides write…you can express yourself through singing, which is amazing to me.

  26. Elizabeth BradleyOctober 19, 2009

    I have a voice recorder that a friend bought me for Christmas, I still haven’t unwrapped it. Maybe I should…

    I like the premise for the story you described.

  27. MerOctober 20, 2009

    I use a voice recorder when I memorize lines for a play. I have to be careful to get the inflection right when I record, though, because I am most likely to go with the delivery that I’m most familiar with.

  28. Elizabeth Spann CraigOctober 19, 2009

    Elizabeth–Thanks! I like those old manor house mysteries that Agatha Christie did and would love to do a variation on that kind of theme.

  29. Blogger GrrlOctober 20, 2009

    I write nonfiction, and recently was taking photos of a tutorial I’m putting in a book. I “wrote” the copy as I was making the thing, with a recorder. I could “jot down” every little thought I had, the moment I had it, and also talked as if I was writing, instead of the other way around. It worked well for me.

    You might be able to sketch out some details in your recording that will jog your memory later. It stinks that you don’t have time to write the book you want to. But being so busy getting paid is an okay problem to have, right? :)

  30. Rayna M. IyerOctober 20, 2009

    Never used a voice recorder myself, but all the best. And I sure hope that when you actually write the book, it comes out as good as it was planned.

  31. Elizabeth Spann CraigOctober 20, 2009

    Blogger Grrl–That’s what I’m hoping. I thought that maybe I could sketch it out enough to get back into the flow of it. But then the other part of me thought that maybe I should just keep going…do dialogue bits and small scenes on the recorder. I don’t know if I’d find that stifling or helpful, later. You’re right, though–not a bad problem to have. Now I just need to transfer my excitement to the projects I *should* be thinking about.

    Mer–Now *that* sounds brilliant. Great way to learn lines. I may have to do that for my daughter, who takes drama. So maybe on my recording, I can get the brainstorming inflection…the excited, too-fast thinking/talking that I do when I get an idea. If I can spark that feeling again in a year, it would be great.

    Natasha–I hope so. Alexis pointed out that I might have something else by then that I’m even more excited about. That would be even better! :)

  32. Dorte HOctober 20, 2009

    Oh, this sounds exciting! I have also tried having a full plot thrown at me – usually late night when I should be sleeping. But I am a writer, not a talker, so I´ll get up in the dead of the night and write the gist of it immediately. If the idea still grabs me in the morning, I write in more details about plot, characters etc.

  33. TimOctober 22, 2009

    I think the recorder is probably a bad idea … well, I like the idea of not having to see what you write in the middle of the night, but apart from that … pen and paper have so many more advantages.

    It’s easier to go back and add something in at the correct point, or to cross it out and substitute something else. You can circle and connect ideas. Also, when it comes to re-reading it you can skim to get the sense of it. All things you’d find difficult with a recorder.

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