Plots, Sub-Plots, &Diagrams

 So I wrote the prologue to Book 3 and started Chapter 1 and then today, I'm very lethargic for feminine reasons, and so I've decided to read. I started reading, then decided I wanted to work on my book but not actually write.

Currently, I'm summarizing the plot of Book 1 right now (have decided to pause for now), and trying to truly discern the plot of Book 1 to make sure it fits into the over-arching meta-plot of my series.

In order to do this, I had to write-out what in the spells (haha, yes, one of my Liren curses) the meta-plot is. So... I think I did? I actually think I really did, but I really want to have a god element in my book, and right now, it's not mentioned in the single-sentence summary of the meta-plot. Can it still be in there? Yes. But even if that element doesn't have to be in the single-sentence, my creative process requires me to write it out... which I'm not doing right now. Because... my head hurts, haha.

I've just started reading the third book of Brandon Sanderson's the Mistborn triology, The Hero of Ages. Good story, good trilogy. My book lengths are probably comparable. Sanderson writes a Forward in each of his books, and in this last one, he discusses how he wanted to write in three books what many authors need ten to write.

I realized I, in a way, also want to do the same. I love this story, and I actually love being in this world of Liren. I DO have some work to do -- I need to make sure each book has its own plot and story diagram (Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Conclusion), to be able to stand alone while all being a part of the meta-plot I think I've just written down in a single sentence. So far, Books 1 & 2 follow the meta-plot, but I need to make sure they can stand alone.

But! In my recent blog post, I mentioned how it may take me another 2-3 books to finish the story. Upon reading Sanderson's Forward this morning, I think I do NOT want to have such a long series. Or if I do, I had BETTER finish it in five books, but honestly, it currently feels like if I do take that long, that it will be too long. The only way I think it will take that long is either if the tension increases to a ridiculous level, OR if I dig deep into side-characters. Of course, actually writing it will dictate that, but conceptually, that seems like it might just be me "carryin' it," which I absolutely do NOT want to do.

That said, with this newfound (or rather, newly acknowledged) desire to also write a shorter series with an epic story, I am now looking to see IF I CAN finish my story in three books as Sanderson did. His Mistborn series has other, accompanying series and books set in the same world (I think...), but his trilogy itself is just that: a trilogy. Maybe I could even do the same? I thought about it, but eh. I don't know. Too much to worry about right now.

I know trilogies are common in fantasy. That or the ten-book thing... I was originally thinking about making it a duology (two books), but that just won't happen. So. I MIGHT could do it in three (there's that southern dialect for ya -- but no twang, y'all :P). It definitely would take some finessing of the first two books, which I am absolutely willing, and actually eager, to do. 

So now, looking at the story that needs still to unfold, I think I actually CAN do it in one more book. Goodness, that brings me a lot of excitement and trepidation. I do admit that I like the idea of doing a random number of books that doesn't fit into a standard expectation (like two -- ain't going to happen -- or four -- not sure if, this revelation acknowledged, that will be needed... it ALL depends on how I'm able to manipulate Books 1 and 2).

So that's it, really. My focus on writing is still there, I will still want to actively write Book 3, but I am beginning to want to finesse and shape the first two so that Book 3 can be written with style and gusto and conviction, and hopefully, quickly. I'd LOVE to follow in Sanderson's footsteps (who wouldn't...) and have the third book drafted before the first goes to print -- assuming I'd be able to get traditionally published... assuming I even WANT to be traditionally published (... er, I do).

Lots of thinking and planning and work to do, but while it can sometimes feel daunting, right now, it feels fitfully exciting.

Just got to figure out if I can weasel the god-thing in there without ruining the plot. I want this to be a true world, and true worlds have some type of religion. So... we'll see. I won't stress on it, and as I go over Books 1 and 2, I'll let my Muse show me where I can stick things, etc.

Okay. I think that's all for now. Sorry I'm so long-winded; that's just me, and likely will always be.

Happy Sunday, y'all, and Merry Christmas!

Ciao,

~J. R. DuBois, author