No character, no plot, no story .
Interesting psychological profiles .
And how they came into being .
Childhood flashbacks, Insightful interactions .
I think although most writers may deny it, their best characters are most often based on real people .
A relaxed attitude, and a keen and non judgemental mind often penetrates the most ardent defenses .
Use whatever is best - but modify if necessary to mantain anonymity .
Direction with aim towards a conclusion . And pace the changes in mood and atmosphere .
Initially, during planning, keep the details out . Toss them - the moods/atmospheres - around till you feel you feel you're ready (ie when the knots in your head release) . Then research like mad .
Often about this time, a preternatural calm descends . You're ready to write . Don't force it . Let it flow, let the story tell itself as you calmly knit your tapestry in words .

I try to do this when I program on my pc .
This is a site for code writers too isn't it ? :>

Message edited on: 09/20/2004 14:17