The Complexities of Writing a Story! Yikes!

 I have watched So Many YouTube tutorials about writing a story its ridiculous. And have learned a great deal, but have just scratched the surface so far. Some of the tutorials have a different take on how to start writing a book, but most suggest writing an outline, and it is sometimes determined by the question, "Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?" For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, a Plotter wants an outline and to have everything figured out before she sits down to write; where as, a Pantser just wants to write and just throw everything on the page. So what are you? What am I? 

Me? A Pantser, of course, as that is how I write this blog,too. To me this feels more real and it is how I communicate.  Even now, if I had to sit here and write an outline on this blog post, I would find writing an outline first would stifle spontaneity. But I do realize that Plotters have perhaps the same sort of beliefs about their writing. It is just whatever works for you is the right way. After watching 4 or 5 tutorials on how to start writing a story, I realized that most of them wanted me to do some kind of an outline. Sometimes when you are starting something for the first time, its good to get advice, but not always wise to follow it. Follow your gut and do you. 

Good news! My sketching ability has started to improve which is encouraging because I still have a long way to go. For example: here are two drawings that I did within a few minutes of each other. 

 The drawing (#1)on the left was a portal covered in vines, but I noticed it had no real structure. Then I started the drawing (#2) on the right and it felt like I was going in the right direction. The portal is going to be through a small stand of trees and into the side of the mountain. So, there will probably be several more drawings before I have an illustration for the book. 

I have had some college classes on writing, but they were several years ago and they were mostly on Poetry. I do know that I am a good student and will use all the tools that I am given to write a colorful and (hopefully) engaging story for my grandson. Fingers crossed!

Time to get back to work. Bye y'all