I think I'm gonna write my first FMA chapter fic...

[sonjajade]

I haven't written anything longer than a one shot in a very long time.  I've got a great idea for a longer Braeda/Chris fic, I'm just nervous about getting it all done.  I don't want to get halfway through it and then quit.  So I guess I need to sit down and do an outline, and then do my best to stick to it.

I also guess I need to hire a beta for this project.  And I might try to do manips for the chapters as well.  Maybe.  If I didn't have a baby I could probably manage that lol.

So, outlining.  Anyone have any tips for me?  I'm terrible about using them and I really want to get into the habit of using them.  I miss writing long fics. 

Comments

[bay115.livejournal.com]

Oh, good luck with your first FMA chaptered fic! :D

As for outlining, I first break the outline up into sections by chapter. For each chapter I then type up a quick summary of the scenes I plan to put in there. Sometimes a scene will be a bit long/have a lot going on, so I then type up some major points going on with that scene.

There is one outline I have been working for my upcoming fic I plan to use for the next fmabigbang that I can email to you if you want an example. However, for that story I only got at least through the beginning of the second chapter. x_x There are some scenes/arcs I already thought of for my chaptered fic (written those in a notebook), but I'm just figuring out when those scenes/arcs can be introduced.

To tell the truth, half the time I don't stick to my outlines. XD; Whether I'm doing stories with original or canon characters, they're the ones calling the shots over the plot usually, LOL. So yeah, I wouldn't worry too much about sticking to the outline all the way through if Breda and Chris want the plot go different.

[catw00man.livejournal.com]

Hey there! I was just roaming around of LJ for once and saw your post. First off, awesome that you want to do a longer fic and with something less common too! Serious kudos there. :-) Anyway, I just really wanted to offer my encouragement because I adore long fics and have *too many* rolling around in my head. Honestly I need to write challenges to manage anything short at all!

As for organization. I'm not so much one for outlines. I usually have an idea where I want to go and make my way there one way or another, usually with more going on then I intended. However, my biggest issue, like you mentioned, is finishing. That just takes dedication and is what I'm trying to accomplish with that big FMA saga zippitgood and I are working on. If you are looking for someone to whine to about getting a huge thing done, I'm right there with you!

Now as for help, have you ever tried scrivener? It is this amazing writing program that used to only be for the mac platform, but right now the PC version is in beta and it's the most AMAZING thing I've ever used. You have a corkboard and it's so easy to jot random scenes or ideas and keep track of them! That's my other bit of advice. You get a clear idea of something for later in the fic, write it! you can always change it later when you get to it if it needs adjusting, but don't lose that golden moment of clarity because you aren't there yet.

Anyway, more words than I intended to comment with but that's pretty usual for me. LOL If you're interested in looking a scrivener you can find the windows beta here. When the official version FINALLY comes out you can get a $20 discount if you completed/complete nano to!

Hope my rambling help a little! lol Later