I have so far used the 'shoot from the hip' method, because I have not completed anything other than short stories. However, most of the short stories I've written really aren't, or could not be: they could very well be the first chapter or two of something much bigger. My beginnings are easy: the characters (central characters), the place, the environment, the mood, the words, all flow out. Much the same as writing a poem: it is the moment of inspiration.

However, where I stick is with plot. I have several things that I have written, where this image, this world, these people have plonked themselves into me (and I have had to plonk all that onto paper quickly, because it is an over-riding demand on me). They appear unasked, unlooked for.

And then - what? some of these are years old. But I still think about them, still know them, and in fact am still working on them. The stories are emerging, gradually, gradually... and I know damn well that to make them come to fruition, I actually will have to sit down, concentrate and make myself write that plot down. I don't believe any outline I do will ever be chapter by chapter - that is part of the flow of the writing. And I certainly reserve the right to allow my plot to change as I go! but I know that I will need the tool to help me cristalise and clarify my ideas, and to understand whether I actually have a story that works.

Additionally, I have never written down my characters; but, I know this is because I always start with my principle characters, and they live in me, or I am them, when I write. There are some exceptions - generally, stories I have written as a specific exercise in writing, rather than ones that have arrived from the muse. In fact, only one story I started from inspiration has characters in that I really don't understand and need to study and consider in order to create them. I do recognise, however, that if I ever get my act together to work on one of the novels, then I will have to introduce various other characters, who I will have to create specifically. These people, I will actually need to make up a description and personality for, I know.

I read, re-read, re-type, read on screen and on paper (the printed word very often has a life of its own that just does not come out on screen. I make a lot of changes when I have the physical paper in my hands). I agonise. I put it away in a drawer...

I find writing from photographs an immense challenge. That is mainly because the photographs - at least, the ones given here - all seem to be the end of the story. How to get from the end back to the beginning, well! I would find it extremely difficult, but probably also very salutory, to have to do that. After all, it would make me actually create a complete story, rather than just having an idea and some words and throwing them at people.

Rhabbi, Anonymouse, very pleased to join you here.