The Plot That Didn’t
We have learned about plotting, planning, and the creation of stories. You build your characters from the toes to the nose, the scenes, and the idea of where their story will go, but…there it is, the but. But sometimes your characters decide your plan doesn’t work for them.
No, I haven’t lost my mind, er, I think. What I am saying is when you have created amazing story lines for your characters, they may take it in a different direction. Based on what I have read, you have two options. Run with it or simply return to the original idea.
“How would you know?” Well, it happened in O-B*tch-uary. The relationship between two characters imploded while I watched. I mean the plan was not that but, man, it turned out amazing. Clearly, I ran with it, and it was beneficial.
If you decide the original plotline is what you want to work with, may I suggest you not ‘delete’ what doesn’t fit. Set it aside in a file to possibly use later. Maybe there is a storyline in there you could chase at another time. I am a fan of removal not deletion. Some time down the road, if you never used it, then let it go but don’t be quick to throw away your work.
Keep in mind you are creating strong characters and maybe the plot or arc you initially built isn’t strong enough. As you write you can see a different journey based on the goal of your character(s). Like I said before- it might or might not work. That is up to you to determine later. I was reading online and found something that might break it down a bit more for you. Check it out: Do Your Characters Take on a Life of Their Own? | Jami Gold, Paranormal Author
The next problem I want to talk about isn’t a smooth transition from above, but it needs to be discussed.
Definition from dictionary.com:
plagiarism
[ pley-juh-riz-uhm, -jee-uh-riz- ]
noun
- an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author’s work as one’s own, as by not crediting the original author:It is said that he plagiarized Thoreau’s plagiarism of a line written by Montaigne.
- a piece of writing or other work reflecting such unauthorized use or imitation:“These two manuscripts are clearly plagiarisms,” the editor said, tossing them angrily on the floor.
This is something I have experienced firsthand. The anger and hurt that followed ate me up. Someone stole, yes, stole a piece of poetry from me altered it by only two words and had it published under their name. I had proof it was mine but felt the battle to be pointless. Everyone in my circle knew it was mine and shunned the person who did the dirty deed. But still. My work, my words were stolen for another’s benefit.
Don’t do it! Ever! It is skeevy and just a nasty thing to do. If you are motivated by the work of someone else, then lean toward fanfiction. Embrace the idea of their work but build your own story. Create a new idea around the story that intrigued you. 
The work we put into a story, the literal blood, sweat, and tears we lay on the page is not yours to take. It is yours to read. It is yours to feel and embrace but never yours to take. If I catch you doing this, I will hunt you down myself and shake the crud out of you.
Do you know how hard it is not to use spicy language when I am deep in my feelings? Grrr!
Do not steal. Anything. Ever.
I think I am gonna go get a fresh cuppa and remind myself that what is, is what is. I can’t change the past, but I can be aware in the future. Meditation, the fur babies, and a cuppa will help?
Until next time friends…
Polish your sparkle and keep twirling.
Find joy. Be joy. Enjoy.
I’m always looking for new friends!
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