Write a scene in 11 steps

[Razz]

Found this today. It really helped me out and might help some writers here too:

[Nisa-chan666]

Interesting method there. Not sure what it's referring to when it says to write a scribble version Is this common lingo that I've just not picked up on?

[Razz]

Interesting method there. Not sure what it's referring to when it says to write a scribble version Is this common lingo that I've just not picked up on?

Here's the full description of it:

http://johnaugust.com/2007/write-scene
A “scribble version” is essentially a cheat sheet so you’ll remember the great scene you just saw in your head. Don’t write sentences; don’t write full dialogue. It shouldn’t take more than five minutes. Just get the bare minimum down so that you won’t forget the scene in the next hour as you’re writing it.

I generally hand-write a scribble version in tiny print — sometimes literally on the back of an envelope — but you can also type. This is what a scribble version consists of for me:

DUNCAN waiting edge of seat
ITO
I was one of the doctors who worked on your wife
accident
injuries severe, trauma team, sorry, couldn’t save her
(sits, reflex)
nature of injuries, concern fetus wouldn’t survive in utero. paramedic able deliver caesarian boy healthy
(nodding not hearing)
nurse can take you to see him, know a lot to handle
what
a lot to handle
take me to see him?
yes
see who?
your son. paramedic was able to
(grabs clipboard)
I know this may seem
My wife wasn’t pregnant
Your wife didn’t tell you…
My wife has never been pregnant. been trying three years. fertility clinic last week
I examined the baby myself. nearly at term.
I don’t know whose baby, not hers.

It’s kind of a mess, and really wouldn’t make sense to anyone but me — and only shortly after I wrote it. But that doesn’t matter. The scribble version is only there so you don’t get lost or confused while writing the full version of the scene.

[Nisa-chan666]

Ah Thanks, that makes a lot of sense actually