writing a novel, in no particular order

[Bearsmomma]

Does anyone else write completely out of order? Perhaps its the dyslexia, I dont know, but my novel is currently saved in no particular order. Its driving my husband crazy. I'll work on the begining, the end. Most of the middle is in two seperate journals. haha But as long as I know how its supposed to be in the end, does it really matter? Ive found writing what I want, when I want, rather than being ridgid and doing it in order, is making for a more interesting novel. My characters are well developed now, because I figured out thier ends before their beginings. Anyone else, or does my brian just work different?

[midnightwriter]

Not only I write out of order, I also read other novels out of order. DH thinks I'm totally nuts. I recently read The Birth House out of order, several times, and it was the most enjoyable experience.

[Bearsmomma]

I'm so glad I'm not alone. I read like that too!! I have to know the end before I waste my time reading the middle. haha I want to make sure its worth it. I think I was tramatized after watching Gone With the Wind for four hours only to not have the ending I wanted. haha

[midnightwriter]

Originally Posted by Bearsmomma

I'm so glad I'm not alone. I read like that too!! I have to know the end before I waste my time reading the middle. haha I want to make sure its worth it. I think I was tramatized after watching Gone With the Wind for four hours only to not have the ending I wanted. haha

Oh, this is funny! I only started to be this way after having kids--maybe a side effect? I read the first chapter or two, then i read close to the end (not the actual ending) and if I like it, I go back, but not to where I stopped reading, a bit further, and then again close to the end, and at one point--the ending. Novels that i like, I end up reading about twice, as I keep rereading the same parts. Those that I don't like don't stand much chance.

[marsupial*mama]

Me too!

I've been writing a memoir your way for the past two years and I have only just finished compiling a chapter summary that will result in a synopsis that will help me to refine and rewrite all the notes that I've made. It's messy, but its a process and I suppose I've had to do it this way in order to filter the BS and buff the highlights of my own story.

It's nice to meet other mamas who write here. I suppose I should introduce myself properly before I jump in and assault you with details about my project.

[eastkygal]

I am all over the place with my novel work too. Beginning and close to the end are written... some of the middle. It's crazy, but I don't think I could do it any other way. I don't know what will happen in the other spots yet.

Reading out of order... I don't, but it could be a good writing exercise I'd think. To examine how each chapter could stand alone.

[midnightwriter]

Originally Posted by eastkygal

I am all over the place with my novel work too. Beginning and close to the end are written... some of the middle. It's crazy, but I don't think I could do it any other way. I don't know what will happen in the other spots yet.

Reading out of order... I don't, but it could be a good writing exercise I'd think. To examine how each chapter could stand alone.

oh, i don't even finish chapters (okay, i'm officially weird)

[allgirls]

I'm all over the place but I haven't ended mine..in fact..it's looking more and more like it might become a series which really excites me!

So I've written 27 chapters...in order...now I'm rewriting and suddenly I've done chapter 1, 2 and 6 and now back to three etc..it's crazy...but it's coming together a lot in my mind so that's good.

I do however, read the ends of books first!

[cdmaze]

I only have the attention span to write what I want...so I often start with the "good parts" first. And then have to force myself to write the rest later. Either way- you're writing and thats good!