When the story leads, should I follow?

[Dual_Triode]

I've heard it said that a story exists independently of the author, just waiting for a channel to express itself. I have just experienced this, but now I am afraid.

I've just returned from a twenty-one day business trip to China. During my stay, I found I had time to think about the next chapters of a series I'm writing. On the excruciating plane ride home, I quickly typed an outline and synopsis of the next two chapters. It came to me quickly, and I found myself hanging on for dear life. Later, when I looked over my notes, I was apprehensive about writing this tale.

I'm not sure what I'm fearful of, exactly. Maybe it's that the story seems to require a level of writing skill I don't yet have, or at least I don't think I have. Maybe it's that the story went in a unexpected direction, one I had not planned for the protagonists. Either way, I'm left with a dilemma: this story is calling to be written, but am I the right author?

How do you experienced authors deal with a story that bursts out of your comfort zone?

Working up some courage,
~Dual

 

[glynndah]

I'm not the one to answer this question. I have a story that's been floating in my head for a few years. I know the plot, the characters, etc., but I also know I don't have the style to pull it off successfully so it lingers in the back of my mind.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Write it! How will you ever know you're good enough if you don't?

(of course that's easy to say, but just as hard for me to do as for any of us)

 

[oggbashan]

The short answer is Yes.

When you have finished, then stand back from it and see whether you could have written it better - then edit.

Og

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Lotsa things we imagine are beyond our means to perform. And, as Clint Eastwood sez, A MAN'S GOTTA KNOW HIS LIMITS. So maybe your story is more than you can chew...for now. Or you can conspire with a better skilled partner to get the story written. George & Ira Gershwin were marvelous together.

 

[nerk]

You have to write it now.
Otherwise I will call you a 'fraidy-cat.

Also, because there is nothing to lose. If you write it and it isn't good enough, you rewrite it. By writing it, you become a better writer, and hopefully become the writer that the piece needs. Even if the piece always remains beyond your ability, what is at risk by attempting it? You'll spend some time on it, a little sweat, and thought. Even if it never succeeds, it will only strengthen you.

If you do not challenge yourself as a writer, if you do not reach beyond your limits, you will not improve. Trust me, I've been not improving as a writer my whole life.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I disagree.

Whats the rush? Make a few notes about the story and forget it for a while.

A watched pot never boils.

 

[nerk]

I disagree.

Whats the rush? Make a few notes about the story and forget it for a while.

A watched pot never boils.

That totally neglects the central point of my argument, which is that I will call him (or her) a 'fraidy-cat if he (or she) doesn't write it.

Why wait for a typical pot-boiler, anyway, when they might want to sizzle instead?

 

[TxRad]

Who wants a pot of oatmeal anyway.

Write the story and forget about what you think you can or can't do. If the characters are strong enough and the action good enough, it will carry itself. As for comfort zones, a better name for them is limits and you should always push them as far and as hard as you can. That's the only way to learn.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

TEX usually learns by stepping in it.

 

[TxRad]

TEX usually learns by stepping in it.

Yeah, but I do learn, which is more than a lot can say.

Maybe you should learn to encourage people more.

 

[Dual_Triode]

You have to write it now.
Otherwise I will call you a 'fraidy-cat.

Well then, that's all the reason I need.

Of course I intend to continue writing the tale, even if it is a bit uncomfortable right now. I was looking for a few encouraging words, which is exactly what I received. Thanks to all.

Cheers,
~Dual

 

[sr71plt]

Either way. Write what you have now and work your way from there in any direction that seems appropriate--or let it germinate until you are compelled to write it.

As you get into your rhythm as a writer, you'll learn which gets best results for you. Just don't hyperventilate over it. Worrying over it won't get you anywhere and will become a barrier to getting it done.