New Writing Goals

Today, clicking side links through a variety of writing articles, I came across this one:
How I Plot A Novel in 5 Steps. It has some basic ideas that I really want to try out! In the writing world, they talk about pantsers and plotters--people who just figure out their stories as they go, and people who plan everything out ahead of time. I've always been more of a pantser, but all to often I write myself into corners, or draft what I think is a great opening... but have no idea what to do next. That's pretty much where I am at the moment, actually. :)

This author likes to start her plot with two things in mind, the beginning, and the end. I usually have a beginning, a great idea of the relationship complexities of the characters, a more iffy idea of the plot... but right now, at least, I don't have a clear goal for the ending. If I don't know where I'm going, then how can I expect to figure out the rest?!?

So, first goal: begin with the end in mind. How do I want things to end?

Second goal: (dang it, this isn't in the blog post I linked to, and I can't seem to retrace my steps to find the right post)--write out a list of all the scenes that I already have in my head, things I really want to have in the novel. Just fling them out, in no particular order... yet. Then, once I have my list, take a look at my beginning and my end, and sort the scenes into an order that makes scene. Watch for unexpected connections between scenes.

Third goal: Start filling in the blanks! Take the approach of, so what happens next? And then? And then? Just draft it all out in a loose outline, so I have an idea where I am headed, until hopefully, I've got a coherent structure.

Fourth goal: Write this puppy out! Let's achieve that lifelong goal of writing a book. It doesn't have to be particularly brilliant, and it doesn't even have to get published (although of course, that would be the ultimate dream). Let's just start by getting one written!!!