Friday, June 15, 2012

Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers.

*squee!

I had a great time on Wednesday. Wait, I mean, Stormy had a great time on Wednesday. He just loved reading all the wonderful and witty comments from everyone. He's a lucky gnome. 

If you didn't get to read the Stormy interview with the amazing and talented Alex J. Cavanaugh then please click here!

*** 

Two out of three reviews have come back from my 'editor' peeps regarding Maguire's Corner. 

Both were favorable with room for improvement! Yeah!

I haven't heard back from the third and I'm starting to think that she has some bad news she doesn't want to share. :)

But, that's okay. It's all constructive criticism, right?

I have thicker skin now. I can take it.

I haven't started on any edits from the first two yet. I only have a little to work with at the moment and I'm still contemplating.

Here's the thing.

One of you guys mentioned 'layering' in the comments the other day. I didn't think anything of it until one of my peeps mentioned 'layering' too. 

Layering. 

I hadn't really thought of writing in those terms. I don't see it...dimensional.

In fact, I don't really see it before I write it at all. I have no clear path. I just write.

It's certainly something to think about and try to figure out a 'Heather' way to come up with a solution. Whether it's layering or polishing or re-writing or fixing or whatever.

So, here I sit, like an ogre, with my layers.



What do you guys think? Do you write in layers? Is your writing dimensional?

18 comments:

  1. Stormy rocked the A to Z Blog this week!
    I plan some layers before writing (as I can't function without a detailed outline) but many emerge as I write. (Which is happening right now as I work on my third book.)
    Glad you got some positive feedback and good suggestions from your critique partners!

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  2. Layers are so important. Sometimes I add too many layers and it leaves the readers confused but they are so important.

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  3. There are all different kinds of layering. Character details - physical, mental, emotional, memory, etc. Plot details and twists and turns layered into subplots and little side treks. I'm still learning about many of these.

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  4. Character layers I plan out and I try to plan plot layers but they most often happen during the writing (or revising, usually revising lol) process. They're essential!

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  5. I think layering is a necessary evil in writing. It's like security blankets for the reader. I think The Avengers movie did a great job of layering. I find that with each draft, I layer on a little bit more, hopefully, making my story and nice comfy read.

    Congratulations on the positive feedback. Outside the blogposphere, positive feedback is a rare bird to catch.

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  6. Congrats on the positive returns. I learning to worry less when someone is taking a long time to get back to me because I usually find it's more about their schedule than my manuscript. I know I add layers at different times, but I don't usually think about it in those terms.

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  7. Good question Heather.

    I usually think of it as fleshing out. Bringing more to the scene, character, or situation. I guess "layering" is that. Feeling the prose wrap around you like a warm blanket on a cold night.

    Have a great weekend.

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  8. i like to think of layers like donkey, sweet sections of cake with yummy fristing in between =)

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  9. Alex – That was completely awesome. Thanks so much! I guess I just never thought of it as layers before.

    Clarissa – I need to figure out what the word ‘layers’ means to me! Thanks.

    Carol – That terminology was helpful. Thank you!

    Tara – Really great info. Thank you!

    Jenn - Thanks. I’m glad I brought this topic up today!

    Michael – It’s probably exactly that, their schedule not mine. I think that’s what I’m having trouble with. The word.

    Michael – Ha! Well said, sir.

    Tara – I love fristing and frooooosting! -- he he he – and PARFAITS!!!

    Thanks everyone! HMG

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  10. I include layers when I write, but the thing is I don't see them until I'm re-reading for my first round of revisions. I'll see what I have done and go..."huh...that's so cool that I did that". But I don't plan it or realize it when I'm laying down the initial track. The same might be true for you as well. :)

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  11. I don't think of layers until later either. I just see the basic storyline as I'm writing.

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  12. Layering opens the doors for internal conflict, which opens the door for external conflict. I love developing individual and group dynamics, then throwing a wrench into the mechanic and watching the sparks fly.

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  13. Hi Heather,
    First of all, a delight to come and visit you. I personally never really think about 'layers' as such with any of my rather varied and dare I say, disjointed musings. I just go with the flow, without pressure and see what happens.
    I wish you the very best in your ongoing writing endeavours and may your dream become a wondrous reality.
    And the Alex J. interviewing Stormy was absolutely wonderful. You really must get in touch with 'Better Gnomes and Gardens'! :)
    Enchanting, magical wishes, your way and thank you so much for linking in and commenting on one of my postings.
    Gary

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  14. I think layering helps deeper the story - I try to build them into my stories for both my characters and the plot.

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  15. DL - You could be right. I do love going back to read parts of the story and saying, That's cool, I don't remember writing that!

    L. Diane - I'm glad to hear that except that we both have to go back and write layers! Thank you!

    Stephen - I wish I would think about my story in those terms. I don't even know what the story will be about until I start to write it.

    klahanie - Thank you for such nice comments. I write more in your style. Wherever the words take me. Thanks for coming!

    tfwalsh - I guess my characters could use a little more depth!

    Thanks for the help and advice everyone!
    Heather

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  16. First drafts are mostly for the basic stuff. But during multiple revisions, pile on the detail & history in rich, but thin layers. Think of this way: you learn about your friends over time, not all at once. Characters & story lines work much the same way.

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  17. Nancy - Great example. Thank you! I could use all the help I can get.
    Heather

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