Okay, y’all know I don’t usually post a video. But this one, if you’re a writer, will put a smile on your face if you have the time (1:58 length) :
The video features an editor trying to get a writer to change his manuscript—and coming up with confusing and bizarre storylines for the author to develop. The hapless writer is trying to make connections between his plot and the outlandish ideas the editor is dreaming up.
I’ve never had an editor act this way, of course—they’re always super-professional and give helpful suggestions. But I frequently go through a similar process myself (although it doesn’t usually involve sharks, pebbles, or killing my protagonist in the first chapter.)
I do go through a “what-if” process of story development. I think most writers do, actually. Because our stories can take dramatically different turns with each scenario we’re considering.
I’ll usually think about it on the go—while running errands, or getting ready for the day. “What if Jenna were the victim and not Paul? Then that would mean that Clarice has more of a motive and opportunity. And Clarice is a stronger character than Jenna…Jenna is a better dead body. And then what if…?”
Even relatively minor shifts—maybe the protagonist’s occupation—can have a big impact on the story.
When you’re going through the what-if process, how do you decide which direction to go in? Do you write all the options down and weigh them? Do you let your characters determine story direction? Do you look at what sounds like the most fun to write?
Elizabeth – Oh, that video is *great!* Your main point – about developing story lines – is well-taken, too. The reality is that plots sometimes take on lives of their own. Or maybe that’s just me. Sometimes being open to those new developments helps make the story stronger, though. I know I’ve had times like that when “What if” questions (and I ask them, too!) really lead to a stronger story.
I love love love this video. And when I do the “what if” for my stories, guess what? I’m like the editor in the video. Poor me.
Great video clip!
I recently installed a “Wheel O’ Plot Devices” next to my desk. I give it a spin once in a while and off I go!
I love the whole series of Mitchell and Webb – though I think my all time favourite sketch is probably their version of ‘Rebecca’.
Although Rob Webb’s ideas are completely impossible and wild, I think you’re right that it does illustrate something useful – though of course it should be the writer who does this crazy off the wall thinking right back at the start of the process. I still feel guilty about NOT killing one of my favourite characters when the idea came into my head, as I think it would have led me to write a much better novel. Maybe one day I will become ruthless enough…
Elizabeth, that video is so funny. Seriously, I was laughing out loud.
Characters usually dictate my plots. I mostly know what’s going to happen, but they sometimes surprise me.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Ahahaaa! Nice one! I shall now use that line with all my writer-friends. They will have no clue what I’m talking about, but I’ll be amusing myself, and that’s all I’m ever really looking for anyway, right? :)
“Now what if… and don’t do this, but what if…?”
*snort*
Elizabeth, that video is so funny! I’m still laughing about after watching it twice. SO now, I should write my mystery… or not… or yes, including sharks, pebbles, and a policeman. But not, but yes, or none or all. I get what you’re saying, Elizabeth, or do I? Yes, I do. I will get started on it today, unless I don’t… but, I will. Or not…
ann
OMG I’m like in the library causing a scene cuz I keep blurting out in loud guffaws. That clip is TOO funny! Glad you broke your usual style and put it up. I stored the embed code for a future use myself (wink)
Me, I use all kinds of different ways – well not ways, not that, but you know what I mean – or not, to get my plot – well, not my plot, but sort of, you know what I mean, and characters to – you know, to be or not to be, and of course not that, somebody already wrote that, but then again …
Marvin D Wilson
I cannot watch the video right now as my family is watching TV, but I think this idea is hilarious:
“Jenna is a better dead body.”
I do have problems with one of my protagonists. What if she is a better dead body? LOL (I could kill her in the second chapter and let her narrate the story as a zombie or something).
Oh my GOODNESS! That was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m sitting in my office, laughing my out loud Cackle of a laugh, and my kiddos, plus birthday guests, are downstairs with Cheerios and a Scooby Doo movie, wondering at the crazy lady upstairs laughing.
I need to What if MORE, and write it down like brainstorming. That’ll punch up the story.
Many thanks!!!
My characters tend to wrest control of the plot from me right from the beginning. I can nudge, but never outright shove :)
I don’t consider big changes, but a million little different scenarios run through my mind as I write. And sometimes, I select one of those instead.
That was good! Sarah and the squid… If Henry dies in the first chapter, I could see that happening!
Too funny, Elizabeth.
Margot–‘What if’ always makes it better, doesn’t it?
Shelia–Okay, I’m going to have to look up the “Rebecca” video, now! I can’t imagine what they’ve done to it, but I’m guessing it has something funny to do with the housekeeper. :)
I think I’ve gotten completely ruthless in my books–have killed 8 people already…working on ten bodies. But then, I do write murder mysteries! 2 bodies a book and I’m working on the 5th book.
Helen–I have a low-tolerance threshold for videos, but that one did crack me up. And I think I thought it was funny because I identified more with the crazy editor.
Simon–It’s all about entertaining ourselves! Or not…
Ann–And be sure to kill your protagonist at the end of chapter one! Not that, of course…unless it’s THAT.
Marvin–Not ways! Not that…but yeah, *maybe*! Or…not!
Mary–I’m starting to wonder if a voice recorder might be a good way to do some of this kind of brainstorming. And maybe if I didn’t automatically reject 85% of the ideas I come up with, but be as wacky as I wanted, then sift through it later.
Teresa–That’s what I thought, too! I think most writers identify with the crazy editor in the clip.
Alan–I like that! I might have to have a plot device dartboard with sharks, pebbles, policemen, and squids on it.
Diane–And sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest impacts on a story.
Alex–If she doesn’t get eaten by the giant shark!
Terrific video. Sounds exactly like my “internal editor,” who sits on my shoulder and shoots out insane ideas.
Occasionally they make sense to me and head me in the right direction…or into a dangerous alley.
I had not seen these two…loved it!
Dorte–I’m thinking it’s a good idea. :) Might be a good way to threaten our protagonists to behave: “Okay, if you DON’T start doing something interesting, I’m going to make YOU the dead body and turn the current vicimt into the sleuth!”
Jemi–They don’t seem to know their place, do they?
Kathy–And sometimes it’s the ones that seem the wackiest that end up working! So odd…
Thank you for explaining the context of the video. It helps when you’re deaf.
I actually had a similiar experience happen to me recently (not with an editor). I’m at the beginning (4 chapters in) to a new WIP and it’s already taken on an entirely different twist to what was originally planned.
The thing is I like the newer version. Trying to keep it in the realm of possibilities is the hard part. You know how us writers like to think outside the box. (Hugs)Indigo
Indigo–That’s really the challenge, isn’t it? Keeping it realistic instead of just going with the most creative, exciting storyline. :)
My husband and I brainstorm what-ifs all the time, especially when a difficult section is coming up or something is missing in the first read through. I scribble everything down, but eventually one idea sparkles on the paage and makes the whole story knit together better. I live for those eureka moments.