As a fellow writer, it pains me to hear about The Blurt. When I do nonfiction books, I outline everything and break it down into sub-sections and sub-sub-sections. Even my fiction books have a basic chapter breakdown. And I don't consider myself a plotter.
But to just — *shudder* — jot shit down at random? For one thing, I'd be worried I'd forget something. For another, I'm lazy enough to not want to handwrite 500 items on paper. I haven't done that since grad school.
Tommy, thanks for sending me down the rabbit hole of PMJ. Had not heard of them before this. My god, so many amazing arrangements. The pairings with Hailey Reinhart are especially great.
I appreciate The Blurt. When I write (for myself), I am always overcome by outlining and I’m decent at it. This is more comfortable with the way my brain works.
As a (nonfiction) writer, I have to lean toward Erik's description of my writing style (outlines! on computer!), vs. the blurt. But writing is a very personal task, based on your personality, your way of thinking, etc. Having to write on computers for years means I definitely can't just write things down on paper anymore (and my arthritis-ridden hands don't help). But I could definitely see doing a "blurt" onto index cards (to hark back to high school) or something more of our time, like Evernote. And you actually are doing an outline, eventually, as the stuff comes into shape in your mind. I think a lot of us writers do that; mull things over until it makes sense to us and becomes the writing itself. I have definitely taken walks and by the end of the walk written (in my head) the chapter I need to do for work. There are as many ways to write as there are writers! It's always interesting to share. I'll be interested to read more of the comments.
I blurt, but require a keyboard. At home I just pull out the laptop, but at work I’ve got a cheap Bluetooth keyboard I keep on the desk; so if inspiration hits, I pull up a Google Doc on my phone, connect the keyboard, and write it all down. Then I passively try to think of an outline for it later. Easy to name the Google Doc so I can find it later (be it hours or months later) with a search, grab the blurt, and organize it.
Again, key to this whole process is “blurt” is a funny word.
Anyone who liked Post Modern Jukebox, Haley Reinhardt is playing Charlotte TONIGHT at the Neighborhood Theatre (which is NOT going away, but the building will have new owners, is all). It's a fun venue, and she will fit in there perfectly.
As a fellow writer, it pains me to hear about The Blurt. When I do nonfiction books, I outline everything and break it down into sub-sections and sub-sub-sections. Even my fiction books have a basic chapter breakdown. And I don't consider myself a plotter.
But to just — *shudder* — jot shit down at random? For one thing, I'd be worried I'd forget something. For another, I'm lazy enough to not want to handwrite 500 items on paper. I haven't done that since grad school.
Still, you do you, Tommy! If it works, it works.
Tommy, thanks for sending me down the rabbit hole of PMJ. Had not heard of them before this. My god, so many amazing arrangements. The pairings with Hailey Reinhart are especially great.
I appreciate The Blurt. When I write (for myself), I am always overcome by outlining and I’m decent at it. This is more comfortable with the way my brain works.
As a (nonfiction) writer, I have to lean toward Erik's description of my writing style (outlines! on computer!), vs. the blurt. But writing is a very personal task, based on your personality, your way of thinking, etc. Having to write on computers for years means I definitely can't just write things down on paper anymore (and my arthritis-ridden hands don't help). But I could definitely see doing a "blurt" onto index cards (to hark back to high school) or something more of our time, like Evernote. And you actually are doing an outline, eventually, as the stuff comes into shape in your mind. I think a lot of us writers do that; mull things over until it makes sense to us and becomes the writing itself. I have definitely taken walks and by the end of the walk written (in my head) the chapter I need to do for work. There are as many ways to write as there are writers! It's always interesting to share. I'll be interested to read more of the comments.
I blurt, but require a keyboard. At home I just pull out the laptop, but at work I’ve got a cheap Bluetooth keyboard I keep on the desk; so if inspiration hits, I pull up a Google Doc on my phone, connect the keyboard, and write it all down. Then I passively try to think of an outline for it later. Easy to name the Google Doc so I can find it later (be it hours or months later) with a search, grab the blurt, and organize it.
Again, key to this whole process is “blurt” is a funny word.
Anyone who liked Post Modern Jukebox, Haley Reinhardt is playing Charlotte TONIGHT at the Neighborhood Theatre (which is NOT going away, but the building will have new owners, is all). It's a fun venue, and she will fit in there perfectly.
What's the best way to share with you a story / topic idea?
Postmodern Jukebox is playing Charlotte's Knight Theater on April 4. Just sayin'.