writerly weirdness

[rivendellrose]

...I know I just posted, but I'm having a very interesting problem with my novel at the moment.

I got to the climax of a scene where something fairly big is revealed... and suddenly, everything stopped. Can't get either character to tell me what happens next. Had no idea why, for a bit, until suddenly it struck me - this is a chapter break/commercial break. The reason I can't figure out what happens next is that I've been watching the progression in my mind... and now it's gone black.

I'm not sure what this says about my psyche, but it can't possibly be anything good. And yet, I'm vastly amused by the image of myself desperately hitting the "next scene" button on some sort of internal DVD player. I've known for a while that I unconsciously write in a TV type of format (teaser, entrance scene, establishing shot, etc), but this is the first time it's been so... problematic.

Embarassing, too, when I really think about it. *Hides from her crazy brain*

Edit: I just can't get past this fucking scene-break!!! Hello? Is there anything beyond this point? Because I know this isn't where the damned story stops, so there has to be more. Seeing as how that's the case, may I please move on now???

Comments

[shadawyn.livejournal.com]

No, it's not that weird. I do similar. When I start writing, I have this (or a couple) of scenes that have been going and going and going in my brain... and then I might have some scenes that I know about, but haven't thought too much about ("our heroes descend into the cave, and meet bad things"), and then I have some HUGE gaps of transition I keep thinking I'll fill in once I get there. I get a little stuck once I get to those.

I recommend a couple of things. First being my infamous "goal -> obstacle" set-up, and the other to go here: http://hollylisle.com/fm/Workshops/plot-outline.html and http://hollylisle.com/fm/Workshops/notecard_plotting.html and trying these exercises to see if you can find more to work with :) You might also want to browse some of Holly's other articles and see if something dreams up...

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

In the end, I just skipped the conversation that should follow the little revelation at the end of the last 'scene', because I just have no idea what to do with it right now, and moved on to the next point where I felt reasonably confident. Hopefully that won't bite me in the butt anytime soon.

Thanks for the article links, those ought to really help - plotting is always my problem, and even though I know pretty well where I'm going with this story, I could definitely use some more detailed ideas. Besides, I love reading articles on writing. *g*

The only thing that was weird to me was how definitive it was - it was just lalala... and the scene is over. It was like I couldn't see the next page, as though the chapter ended and then there was a blank where the rest of the scene ought to go.... which is not the way I usually am, especially about conversations.

[bloody-bint.livejournal.com]

Lol... it happens to us all... I see the stories in my head as well. just a suggestion.... when I get stuck like that I often jump to "other" characters/goings on in the novel... maybe divert from the main characters for a moment and then jump back. Either way i'm sure you'll get through it Jen. Good luck!

[bluerose16.livejournal.com]

*\o/*

:cheers:

You can do eeeett!

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that would normally be my solution, too, but I've really only got two main characters in this novel, and at this point the other one can't really be doing anything. I figured it out, though, I think. *Hopes* Thanks!

[rivendellrose.livejournal.com]

Wheeeee, thank you! *hugs*

That's such an adorable little emoticon, too!