Typo, it sounds like you should probably write the story as you envision it, and then see what you have when you're done. It's hard to anticipate everything that will happen in the process of writing, but trying to work this stuff superficially isn't usually a good idea.
Jennifer Crusie writes what she calls the "Don't Look Down" Draft, which is essentially writing out the story without a lot of stopping or self-editing. Then you read it and see what book it is that you've written, which is often not exactly the book set out to write. At that point it's easier to see what your characters have gone through, and what you need to do to make the story work well.
Makes sense to put off that question until after the first draft. I am, as Kress suggests going to finish my scene list before I start the draft. I tried "just putting it down" before and got stuck at 12,000 words cause I did not know what happened next. But even after I do the scene list I will expect the first draft to need major rewrite, not just editing.
I'd say finish the first draft so you know the story and the characters, then try to figure out what the physical plot and emotional plot need to be. Everybody is different, but for me the first draft is more a guideline than what's going to be the final manuscript after some edits.
On kind of a hot streak with something new(Which...yay,) Except for, trying to make those scene changer things like "***", I got a big dark line that is now following me through all my pages. Argh!
Use different characters, or just hit backspace right away and it should remove the line.
So I got some great feedback on the songwriting contest I enter every year. This year I entered two pieces, a completed song and one that was just lyrics. I scored worse on both pieces, but I got really good written critique. Here's the lyrics one:
COMMENTS: This piece is full of intriguing poetics and clever wordplay. However what and who these lines are referring to is never made clear. Keep in mind that publishers favor themes that have a focused premise and emotional impact. So try to paint a more vivid picture of whom and what the words are about (while not assuming that the listener already knows). There is talent here so keep writing and learning the craft!
Lots of good, specific stuff I can work from. And I rated better in some categories than I have in the past, things I was specifically working, so I feel like I'm getting better. I really like this contest.
Good for you, Liese. Good comments are key!
It's always great to get constructive feedback. Very nice, Liese!
