Video: Using a Computer to Plot a Crime Novel

Maybe this works for you, but I don't see it coming out on top in my book. The ol' Think in the Shower Method gets the job done for me.

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Comment by B.R.Stateham on April 21, 2011 at 4:33am
To each his/her own method of writing.  I'm with Ben; I couldn't possible stand outlining a novel.  That, for me, is like throwing a bucket of cold water on me after I come out of a hot shower.  But I can see where others may do it.  And succeed at it.
Comment by Benjamin Sobieck on April 21, 2011 at 2:32am

I really liked "The Shield," but can't get into "Chicago Code." It's a separate discussion, I'll post my comments over there.

Comment by John McFetridge on April 21, 2011 at 2:10am

On Wednesdays I blog on a crime fiction site called Do Some Damage and today my post is about, "The Myth of Caring" in cop shows. It's sort of about the formulaic aspects of cop shows:

http://dosomedamage.blogspot.com/

 

Comment by Benjamin Sobieck on April 21, 2011 at 1:59am

Walking is great for getting blood to the brain. I do jumping jacks and push-ups when confronted with writer's block.

 

John, there was a bit of a formula he used, but it didn't go beyond "Protagonist, antagonist and victim."

 

I just don't like rigidity, and I think outlines enforce them. Why hamper yourself? Let your imagination do the plotting. This seems so sterile.

Comment by John McFetridge on April 21, 2011 at 12:44am

Well, it usually takes me about a year to write a novel and a couple of days to read one so I don't feel too bad that I might have some trouble keeping some things straight that the reader has an easier time with.

I do think it's odd that the more mystery novels that get written the more codified and structured they become. I didn't watch the whole video, but was there any talk of theme or of anything other than the novel as puzzle?

Comment by I. J. Parker on April 21, 2011 at 12:28am
I walk.
Comment by Benjamin Sobieck on April 20, 2011 at 11:20pm
If the author needs a computer program to keep the plot straight, what's the reader suppose to do?

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