Comments on: Narrative Cartography: Mapping My Way to the End http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/ More than you ever wanted to hear from Bestselling Author Jenny Crusie. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:49:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: rssasrb http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-559 rssasrb Fri, 22 Dec 2006 15:26:33 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-559 It is absolutely fascinating to hear how you find your way through the forest (or swamp) of the story. Thank you for giving us a glimpse. I'm with gloria. Making the collage sounds like fun but that's because I'm procrastinating doing my rewrites. Maybe if I got a white board... Can't wait to read Agnes It is absolutely fascinating to hear how you find your way through the forest (or swamp) of the story.

Thank you for giving us a glimpse.

I’m with gloria. Making the collage sounds like fun but that’s because I’m procrastinating doing my rewrites. Maybe if I got a white board…

Can’t wait to read Agnes

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]]> By: Gloria Glo http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-558 Gloria Glo Sun, 17 Dec 2006 15:26:01 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-558 Okay. I'd never even pretend to be a real writer - but this looks like the most fun you could possibly have with a whiteboard and year-old magazines. I may pretend to be a writer just for the thrill of the exercise. Okay. I’d never even pretend to be a real writer – but this looks like the most fun you could possibly have with a whiteboard and year-old magazines. I may pretend to be a writer just for the thrill of the exercise.

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]]> By: Jen-t http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-557 Jen-t Thu, 14 Dec 2006 15:25:22 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-557 Okay, after like a year of listening to this, checking out your collages, white boards I finally broke down and bought a one and I did a mini collage. I have to admit, it was fun and I found a motif I wasn't even aware of. Once again, Thank you Jenny! Now can I map my way to the end? Okay, after like a year of listening to this, checking out your collages, white boards I finally broke down and bought a one and I did a mini collage. I have to admit, it was fun and I found a motif I wasn’t even aware of. Once again, Thank you Jenny! Now can I map my way to the end?

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]]> By: Alyssa Goodnight http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-556 Alyssa Goodnight Thu, 14 Dec 2006 15:24:45 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-556 Looks beautiful and sounds brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing! Looks beautiful and sounds brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing!

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]]> By: Caryn http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-555 Caryn Wed, 13 Dec 2006 15:24:06 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-555 This was absolutely fascinating! I love hearing how you work, even though we both have vastly different approaches. This was absolutely fascinating! I love hearing how you work, even though we both have vastly different approaches.

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]]> By: Allison Brennan http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-554 Allison Brennan Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:23:31 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-554 I have a 48 hour countdown in my April book. I ended up taking it out because it was confusing even me! Especially during the last 12 hours. But using hour headings would have been smart. Duh, duh, duh. Maybe I can add them back in since I'm about to start revisions . . . Seriously, though, your white board is giving me palpatations. I remember I took an online class with Suzanne Brockmann before I sold, in 2003, and I had similar sweats when she shared her color-coded, multi-book character arcs. And a few months ago we had the fabulous Susan Wiggs as a guest on Fog City Divas who shared her plotting board, and before that Cherry Adair shared her love of post-its . . . You all amaze me. Sometimes I wish I were more organized, like when I start beating my head against my desk, but then I realize that you do it too, and that makes me feel much better :) I have a 48 hour countdown in my April book. I ended up taking it out because it was confusing even me! Especially during the last 12 hours. But using hour headings would have been smart. Duh, duh, duh. Maybe I can add them back in since I’m about to start revisions . . .

Seriously, though, your white board is giving me palpatations. I remember I took an online class with Suzanne Brockmann before I sold, in 2003, and I had similar sweats when she shared her color-coded, multi-book character arcs. And a few months ago we had the fabulous Susan Wiggs as a guest on Fog City Divas who shared her plotting board, and before that Cherry Adair shared her love of post-its . . .

You all amaze me. Sometimes I wish I were more organized, like when I start beating my head against my desk, but then I realize that you do it too, and that makes me feel much better :)

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]]> By: Zette http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-553 Zette Sat, 09 Dec 2006 15:22:58 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-553 This is fascinating. I'm not a 'visual' person when it comes to writing, so the idea of putting together a collage seems amazing! This is fascinating. I’m not a ‘visual’ person when it comes to writing, so the idea of putting together a collage seems amazing!

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]]> By: Bethany http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-552 Bethany Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:22:20 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-552 I'm not the only one that gets lost while writing my books? Whew! I was beginning to worry. I’m not the only one that gets lost while writing my books?

Whew! I was beginning to worry.

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]]> By: caracal lynx http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-551 caracal lynx Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:21:47 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-551 I laughed when I saw that white board--I'm in the middle of rough drafting my first novel and it is definitely strange country. Just your description of your journey makes me feel immensely better about the process I'm going through, and revisions/rewrites. The collage idea--inspired! Thanks! I laughed when I saw that white board–I’m in the middle of rough drafting my first novel and it is definitely strange country.

Just your description of your journey makes me feel immensely better about the process I’m going through, and revisions/rewrites.

The collage idea–inspired!
Thanks!

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]]> By: Lily http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-550 Lily Sat, 02 Dec 2006 15:21:15 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-550 Jenny, Thanks for the map metaphor, especially the North Star. Jenny,

Thanks for the map metaphor, especially the North Star.

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]]> By: Sheri http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-549 Sheri Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:20:37 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-549 Charity--"boys in the basement"--*snort* Thanks for the laugh--I needed that today!! Jenny--the collage thing is really strating to speak to me with this new WIP I am involved with. It is so huge--I just realized yesterday that each character has to have her own story and then I have to draw them all together in the end. I think a collage and a whiteboard are going to be very necessary so that I can find my way through this maze. And by the way--I DO have an actual map. Since the WIP is a fantasy, obviously I have to create a land and all that goes with it. I have mountains and rivers and cities, oh my! This writing thing is complicated... Thanks for the tips! Charity–”boys in the basement”–*snort* Thanks for the laugh–I needed that today!!

Jenny–the collage thing is really strating to speak to me with this new WIP I am involved with. It is so huge–I just realized yesterday that each character has to have her own story and then I have to draw them all together in the end. I think a collage and a whiteboard are going to be very necessary so that I can find my way through this maze.

And by the way–I DO have an actual map. Since the WIP is a fantasy, obviously I have to create a land and all that goes with it. I have mountains and rivers and cities, oh my! This writing thing is complicated… Thanks for the tips!

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]]> By: Trée http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-548 Trée Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:19:59 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-548 Oh how I loved this post. I used to teach Mindmapping and when I saw your whiteboard I just had to smile. Oh how I loved this post. I used to teach Mindmapping and when I saw your whiteboard I just had to smile.

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]]> By: Wendy Roberts http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-547 Wendy Roberts Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:19:27 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-547 I love the idea of dividing the book into days instead of chapters. Wow. It really causes me to look at my ms differently. Can't wait to read Agnes! I love the idea of dividing the book into days instead of chapters. Wow. It really causes me to look at my ms differently.

Can’t wait to read Agnes!

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]]> By: Brooke http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-546 Brooke Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:18:44 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-546 Honestly, you have terrific timing. I was about to post a question on the forums about what people's processes are when they go from DLD draft to Draft 2. For me it's all about arc, since that's usually where I fall down. Honestly, you have terrific timing. I was about to post a question on the forums about what people’s processes are when they go from DLD draft to Draft 2. For me it’s all about arc, since that’s usually where I fall down.

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]]> By: McB http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-545 McB Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:18:13 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-545 Oh my. Clearly AATHM is going to be jam packed with goodies. Just looking at the white board and the collage I can tell this one will be a joy to re-read. To use your analogy, Jenny, the first time through I'm just following the route marked on the map. The 2nd time through I let my eyes roam the landscape. Eventually I get brave enough to pull over and do some sight seeing. But I know with every trip I'll discover something new. Oh my. Clearly AATHM is going to be jam packed with goodies. Just looking at the white board and the collage I can tell this one will be a joy to re-read. To use your analogy, Jenny, the first time through I’m just following the route marked on the map. The 2nd time through I let my eyes roam the landscape. Eventually I get brave enough to pull over and do some sight seeing. But I know with every trip I’ll discover something new.

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]]> By: Michelle http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-544 Michelle Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:17:36 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-544 I LOVE this aspect of writing. I try to fit the four act frame and collages are always fun for us visual folk. I like to do one for each of my main characters before I get started, but I never thought about doing one for the story itself. Taking a couple of days off to clear my head, but reading this makes me giddy just thinking about revisions. It's like a big puzzle. I know, I'm sick. :) I LOVE this aspect of writing. I try to fit the four act frame and collages are always fun for us visual folk. I like to do one for each of my main characters before I get started, but I never thought about doing one for the story itself.

Taking a couple of days off to clear my head, but reading this makes me giddy just thinking about revisions. It’s like a big puzzle.

I know, I’m sick. :)

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]]> By: Arkansas Cyndi http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-543 Arkansas Cyndi Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:16:40 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-543 Rosie - I was glad to see your comment. I was EXHAUSED when I finished reading. Jenny - you are one hard worker! And don't think we aren't appreciative of your work, but I bet it drives you NUTS when we read your two years of work in a day or two! You are a fabulous teacher. Thanks Rosie – I was glad to see your comment. I was EXHAUSED when I finished reading.

Jenny – you are one hard worker! And don’t think we aren’t appreciative of your work, but I bet it drives you NUTS when we read your two years of work in a day or two!

You are a fabulous teacher. Thanks

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]]> By: Cherry Tea http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-542 Cherry Tea Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:16:02 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-542 This is where I screw up. I start with every intention of finishing the DLD draft, but I get a mere 2,000 or so words in and decide I want my damn map, NOW. Then I just get stuck. I can't go any further. I think it's the girls. They don't want a map, they don't believe in asking directions. I think I may have boys in the basement. This is where I screw up. I start with every intention of finishing the DLD draft, but I get a mere 2,000 or so words in and decide I want my damn map, NOW. Then I just get stuck. I can’t go any further. I think it’s the girls. They don’t want a map, they don’t believe in asking directions. I think I may have boys in the basement.

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]]> By: Bibliophile http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-541 Bibliophile Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:15:27 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-541 Thank you for giving us an insight into the way you plan and plot your books. I'm looking forward to reading this one. Thank you for giving us an insight into the way you plan and plot your books. I’m looking forward to reading this one.

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]]> By: orangehands http://www.arghink.com/2006/11/29/narrative-cartography-mapping-my-way-to-the-end/#comment-540 orangehands Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:14:43 +0000 http://www.arghink.com/?p=6#comment-540 this is great (though for future reference, can you take a picture of the board closer up? even when i magnify it i have trouble reading it. thanks...yeah, i didn't think that would really work, but had to ask) collages were interesting- seeing the differences and stuff. i know there is amazingly good stuff in this post, but i think i missed most of it. too busy laughing at the same line cherry red pointed out. yep, you rock, Jenny. this is great (though for future reference, can you take a picture of the board closer up? even when i magnify it i have trouble reading it. thanks…yeah, i didn’t think that would really work, but had to ask)

collages were interesting- seeing the differences and stuff. i know there is amazingly good stuff in this post, but i think i missed most of it. too busy laughing at the same line cherry red pointed out.

yep, you rock, Jenny.

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