The Magic Box 2.o
Some doors are better left unopened, but I wasn’t smart enough to keep this one closed.
This is where I pay the check for my earlier article amply
named “HOW TO PREVENT WRITER’S BLOCK!”
The Magic Box (originally called the Shoebox Method) isn’t something
that is new to those who know me, have attended the same writer’s classes with
me where we had to come up with a way to make our lives as writers easier, or
have kept up with this blog. I believe (and still do) the Magic Box is a great
place to start and have on hand when you wish to go for a ride on the crazy
train (Thank you Ozzy Osbourne) all those who makes the conscious choice to sit
down with a pin and paper or the electronic device of your choice. The important thing to know about the magic
box is that ideas are organic. In other words the best ideas flow unnoticed and
uninhibited until you and others realize the happy surprise that had come from
you. Some doors are better left unopened, but I wasn’t smart enough to keep this one closed.
No one knows what the next great novel will be or who will write it. Oh, you can go with the crowd of what is currently popular, but for something that is epic and stands alone as an achievement, no one can or have predicted the small spark that ignites something grander than what your imagination could possibly hold. However, what the Magic Box can do is give you a great place to start, get you over those dry patches where nothing comes to mind in moving your story forward, and allowing you to see the full picture before you talk yourself out of a wonderful experience. First, let’s begin with what the hell is The Magic Box?
What
The Hell is The Magic Box?
The explanation is in the title itself. The Magic Box is a box or container that holds your inklings on a particular book you has an idea about writing. What you place inside isn’t a complete thoughts or events that occurs in your story (you can if you wish), but strips of papers or other items (none messy) you can jot down your thoughts that will open up the complete idea. I’ve always liked carrying a little pocket size notebook or writing pad with me for when inspiration smacks me on the back of my head. I’ve also used paper napkins, the backs of receipts, an even strip of brown paper bags, envelops, and restroom’s paper hand towels. Think of these pieces of papers as keys to unlock your imagination or your treasure chest full of golden ideas. You may ask why you would ever do this when you have the complete thought in mind and could write it down in detail. Once again, you can if that is what you wish, but there are moments that do not allow ample time to do that.
When those moments of inspiration come and you barely have time to fill half a page with your ideas, a few lines can do wonders on both your time management during your busy day and curb the frustration of forgetting that wonderfully perfect idea you had a few hours ago. The frustration of forgetting something you knew was important is a form of writer’s block. It can also cause you to lose several hours of prime writing time, even if you have other ideas in mind or written down. Just the thought of you moving on to the next event, section, or chapter, is nearly impossible for you to do. It’s because you believe deep down that once you do, you will lose that perfect idea you are having trouble remembering forever. It is that single realization that will stop you dead in your tracks. Yes, we’ve all been there, and add an even more strength to the use of The Magic Box. You’ll be surprised how much information your mind retains that can be opened with only a sentence or two to bring back a complete idea, and in some cases even more information than you originally had.
There was this game show that was called Name that Tune. Contestants would name a song after a few notes are played. There is another game show called Wheel of Fortune that demonstrates this idea just as well. Contestants finish a sentence as little hints (letters) are revealed. Think of these little scraps of papers as cliff notes for your mind. The best written or visual description of this phenomenon was from J. K. Rowling. In her Harry Potter series, Professor Dumbledore used his wand to pluck strands of memories from his mind so they can be viewed in their entirety at a later date. Well, none of us has a wand to do that sort of thing so we will have to settle for the use of small scraps of paper and place those in a container and not some enchanted bowl of liquid magic we can place our face in. However, the one thing we all so have to take into account is the old adage of you get out of it what you put in.
The effectiveness of The Magic Box isn’t something that is done in a few hours, a week, or even a month. Normally, if you give yourself about three months’ time and really consider what your book is going to be about, there should be enough to begin. Oh, but keep in mind that writing is organic and ideas will continue to flow as you write and those ideas can be put into The Magic Box and taken out during your book review. This will allow you to add those small touches that elevate your writing to heights you’ve never imagined possible.
The explanation is in the title itself. The Magic Box is a box or container that holds your inklings on a particular book you has an idea about writing. What you place inside isn’t a complete thoughts or events that occurs in your story (you can if you wish), but strips of papers or other items (none messy) you can jot down your thoughts that will open up the complete idea. I’ve always liked carrying a little pocket size notebook or writing pad with me for when inspiration smacks me on the back of my head. I’ve also used paper napkins, the backs of receipts, an even strip of brown paper bags, envelops, and restroom’s paper hand towels. Think of these pieces of papers as keys to unlock your imagination or your treasure chest full of golden ideas. You may ask why you would ever do this when you have the complete thought in mind and could write it down in detail. Once again, you can if that is what you wish, but there are moments that do not allow ample time to do that.
When those moments of inspiration come and you barely have time to fill half a page with your ideas, a few lines can do wonders on both your time management during your busy day and curb the frustration of forgetting that wonderfully perfect idea you had a few hours ago. The frustration of forgetting something you knew was important is a form of writer’s block. It can also cause you to lose several hours of prime writing time, even if you have other ideas in mind or written down. Just the thought of you moving on to the next event, section, or chapter, is nearly impossible for you to do. It’s because you believe deep down that once you do, you will lose that perfect idea you are having trouble remembering forever. It is that single realization that will stop you dead in your tracks. Yes, we’ve all been there, and add an even more strength to the use of The Magic Box. You’ll be surprised how much information your mind retains that can be opened with only a sentence or two to bring back a complete idea, and in some cases even more information than you originally had.
There was this game show that was called Name that Tune. Contestants would name a song after a few notes are played. There is another game show called Wheel of Fortune that demonstrates this idea just as well. Contestants finish a sentence as little hints (letters) are revealed. Think of these little scraps of papers as cliff notes for your mind. The best written or visual description of this phenomenon was from J. K. Rowling. In her Harry Potter series, Professor Dumbledore used his wand to pluck strands of memories from his mind so they can be viewed in their entirety at a later date. Well, none of us has a wand to do that sort of thing so we will have to settle for the use of small scraps of paper and place those in a container and not some enchanted bowl of liquid magic we can place our face in. However, the one thing we all so have to take into account is the old adage of you get out of it what you put in.
The effectiveness of The Magic Box isn’t something that is done in a few hours, a week, or even a month. Normally, if you give yourself about three months’ time and really consider what your book is going to be about, there should be enough to begin. Oh, but keep in mind that writing is organic and ideas will continue to flow as you write and those ideas can be put into The Magic Box and taken out during your book review. This will allow you to add those small touches that elevate your writing to heights you’ve never imagined possible.
The
Starting Line
Would you believe me if I said that you don’t necessarily need a beginning of your story at the start? Actually, knowing where it ends is somewhat more important than how it ends. Let me explain. There are times when the use of The Magic Box can be more than what is needful (if you are lucky). I’ve said numerous times that it is easier to reduce the size of a story than it is to expand it. There has been more than one case (including myself) where you have more material than a standard novel can or should be. In these cases, in place of a vast reduction I look towards a second instalment (or even a third to end a series). Now you understand why I said where and not how a story ends. Once you get an idea of the totality of what you are about to undertake after you crack the seal of your Magic Box, you can begin to dream of character development you will need to start your story, how much you need to recap at the beginning of the second story, and how you put everything all together to end your trilogy. But you might want to take a look at word count standards before you set out on this extended ride on the Crazy Train.
According to an article by Chuck Sambuchino for writersdigest.com these are the standards word court of different types of stories (not all categories are listed).
Would you believe me if I said that you don’t necessarily need a beginning of your story at the start? Actually, knowing where it ends is somewhat more important than how it ends. Let me explain. There are times when the use of The Magic Box can be more than what is needful (if you are lucky). I’ve said numerous times that it is easier to reduce the size of a story than it is to expand it. There has been more than one case (including myself) where you have more material than a standard novel can or should be. In these cases, in place of a vast reduction I look towards a second instalment (or even a third to end a series). Now you understand why I said where and not how a story ends. Once you get an idea of the totality of what you are about to undertake after you crack the seal of your Magic Box, you can begin to dream of character development you will need to start your story, how much you need to recap at the beginning of the second story, and how you put everything all together to end your trilogy. But you might want to take a look at word count standards before you set out on this extended ride on the Crazy Train.
According to an article by Chuck Sambuchino for writersdigest.com these are the standards word court of different types of stories (not all categories are listed).
ADULT NOVELS
These novels are considered literary, mainstream, women’s, romance, mystery, suspense, thriller and horror. Their word count is as follows. Below 70,000 is too short, 70,000 – 79,999 may be too short, 80,000 – 89,999 is cool, 90,000 – 99,999 is safe, 100,000 – 109,999 may be too long, and 110,000 or above is too long.
These novels are considered literary, mainstream, women’s, romance, mystery, suspense, thriller and horror. Their word count is as follows. Below 70,000 is too short, 70,000 – 79,999 may be too short, 80,000 – 89,999 is cool, 90,000 – 99,999 is safe, 100,000 – 109,999 may be too long, and 110,000 or above is too long.
SCI-FI AND FANTASY
Their word count is as follows. 90,000 - 99,999 are safe, 100,000 – 114,999 is excellent, and 115,000 - 124,000 is acceptable, above 124,001 is too long.
Their word count is as follows. 90,000 - 99,999 are safe, 100,000 – 114,999 is excellent, and 115,000 - 124,000 is acceptable, above 124,001 is too long.
MIDDLE GRADE
depending on the subject matter and age range Middle grade is from 20,000 – 55,000, and upper middle grade, you can aim for 40,000 – 55,000.
depending on the subject matter and age range Middle grade is from 20,000 – 55,000, and upper middle grade, you can aim for 40,000 – 55,000.
YOUNG ADULT
More than any other this category is very flexible. 55,000 – 69,999 is a great range, but can top out at 80,000
More than any other this category is very flexible. 55,000 – 69,999 is a great range, but can top out at 80,000
According to wikipedia.org
the other standard are; Novella 17,500 to 40,000 words, Novelette 7,500 to
17,500 words, and Short story are under 7,500 words.
Although, these
are some of the standards, they are not the only standards that are out there.
In most cases, it is best to look at these numbers as suggestions at best and
possibilities at worst. I’ve read literary novels that were well pass the rage
of a Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels. I’m sure you’ve heard of Leo Tolstoy’s War and
Peace, Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, or Alexander Dumas’s The Count of Monte
Cristo just to name a few. Even by Sci-Fi and Fantasy standards L. Ron
Hubbard’s Mission Earth shatters the mold by it being a single 1.2 million word
novel. In these cases, you might need several Magic Boxes if not a Magic Trunk
to place all your ideas. What should be one of the greatest benefits of The
Magic Box is when you are stuck and have hit the Brick Wall.
The
Brick Wall
The most disheartening aspect of writing that no one wish to think about is writer’s block. Now there are just as many cures for writer’s block as the types of writer’s block authors have. One of the benefits I’ve written about dealing with writer's block is the use of the Magic Box as a well of ideas that are at your fingertips. Although, when you lay out all your ideas, not all of them will fit your story as you had thought about them, but never fear because those are the ones that will break down that brick wall that's blocking your way, or at the least start begin the process of chipping it away.
Writers block in it of itself is being stuck and unable to write. By the use of The Magic Box you see most of your story played out in front of you, and can leave the section that is giving you trouble and move onto the next section that you can begin its expansion. Remember, The Magic Box consist of small keys that unlocks larger treasures. Another brick wall that’s not actually considered writer’s block is where to end your story or the actual stories’ end.
Unlike the beginning of your work where a character has a singular starting point, the conclusion of your story may have several endings. This is another benefit of The Magic Box. If you have enough material for a complete series, then you can use these multiple endings to conclude with secondary storylines or slightly modified to be used as a cliff hanger or hype for the next installment. There are multiple uses for The Magic Box, but the most important thing is that you have created something to knock down those brick walls when they pop up and get in your way. The key to it all is seeing the complete picture or at least the direction you are heading. No matter what you want to call it, it’s hard to get lost when you layout your dream where your eyes can see. It makes for a perfect picture.
The most disheartening aspect of writing that no one wish to think about is writer’s block. Now there are just as many cures for writer’s block as the types of writer’s block authors have. One of the benefits I’ve written about dealing with writer's block is the use of the Magic Box as a well of ideas that are at your fingertips. Although, when you lay out all your ideas, not all of them will fit your story as you had thought about them, but never fear because those are the ones that will break down that brick wall that's blocking your way, or at the least start begin the process of chipping it away.
Writers block in it of itself is being stuck and unable to write. By the use of The Magic Box you see most of your story played out in front of you, and can leave the section that is giving you trouble and move onto the next section that you can begin its expansion. Remember, The Magic Box consist of small keys that unlocks larger treasures. Another brick wall that’s not actually considered writer’s block is where to end your story or the actual stories’ end.
Unlike the beginning of your work where a character has a singular starting point, the conclusion of your story may have several endings. This is another benefit of The Magic Box. If you have enough material for a complete series, then you can use these multiple endings to conclude with secondary storylines or slightly modified to be used as a cliff hanger or hype for the next installment. There are multiple uses for The Magic Box, but the most important thing is that you have created something to knock down those brick walls when they pop up and get in your way. The key to it all is seeing the complete picture or at least the direction you are heading. No matter what you want to call it, it’s hard to get lost when you layout your dream where your eyes can see. It makes for a perfect picture.
Picture
Perfect
No idea is picture perfect, but it is possible to make the perfect picture. Think of this as baking a cake. First you lay out all the ingredients you are going to need. You measure each of these Ingredients according to your recipe. Next comes the fun part, mixing each measured Ingredient in a systematic order. Some may say that it doesn’t matter what order you mix each item, but why take the chance to make a mistake or overlook something for expediency instead of consistency. Any way you look at it, once you have everything mixed according to a predetermined plan, then it is time to bake and end with placing the icing on your cake. Now that you have The Magic Box works for you, you first step is to do as you have done with baking your cake. Get your recipe out.
Your recipe will consist of an outline of your book. Once again, it isn’t important how it starts, but you should have some ideas on how it ends. Of course it would be nice to have at least two or three endings just in case. Trust me, your story is a living thing and is subject to change without you being aware. Keep several strips of paper nearby, you’re going to need them, trust me. Now that you have some overall idea, get out your ingredients (all those strips of paper) from The Magic Box and lay them out. Some of these ideas will fit perfectly according to your outline. Those ideas that do not fit for the moment place them to the side for now. Don’t be surprised that you may start seeing a clearer picture and come up with additional ideas (thus the reason for the extra strips of paper). So far you are finished with the gathering ingredients stage. Next you are going to mix.
With everything you’ve already placed according to your story outline, now comes the time when you began placing the pieces that you wish to have in your story and yet it doesn’t fit your initial outline. This is also the time when you start filling holes. You can think of this as a form of storyboarding. Actually this is the same as storyboarding. Storyboard and you now have a roadmap with all the twist, turns, tears, and smiles right before you start writing down another happy ending. One thing you should remember is when it comes time to mix it all together, never think of absolutes, but the possibilities and the progression from the past to the present, and ending with the future. I know this doesn’t seem clear, but maybe this example will clear things up a bit better. We have a main character named James.
On the day he was born, not too long ago, his named him James. When James started kindergarten, he was called Little Jimmy. This was changed to Jimmy in grade school. It was changed again to James in high school. This of course was changed to Jim in college. Finally, his name was changed to big Jim because he had a son and everyone calls him little Jim now or Jimmy Jr. and the start of the cycle begins all over again.
The one word that can be and should be removed is finally because this march from the past to the future has no end to it. Now that you have mixed all your ingredients together (from The Magic Box) next come checking for consistency, grammar, editing. Before you get to the baking stage, make sure you don’t have too much batter. If you’ve mixed enough for two or three cakes, than make two or three cakes before you start baking. The one step that doesn’t work with this analogy is test readers. If anything, it would be nice to make a few cupcakes to see if anyone likes it before we bake the entire cake, but we are talking about putting a hassle free book after all. Once your cake is baked, next comes the icing.
I’ve written about book design and book covers (and may revisit each one day in the future) so I really don’t have to stress the importance of making your cover desirable for people to want to see what is inside. We’ve all picked up the books with the pretty, pretty, shiny, shiny and some of these books are good and some are not. However, how many of us picked up the book with the below average cover? It goes without saying that you can have the best tasting cake the world would ever experience, but if the icing doesn’t have mouths watering, no one is going to give it a try.
No idea is picture perfect, but it is possible to make the perfect picture. Think of this as baking a cake. First you lay out all the ingredients you are going to need. You measure each of these Ingredients according to your recipe. Next comes the fun part, mixing each measured Ingredient in a systematic order. Some may say that it doesn’t matter what order you mix each item, but why take the chance to make a mistake or overlook something for expediency instead of consistency. Any way you look at it, once you have everything mixed according to a predetermined plan, then it is time to bake and end with placing the icing on your cake. Now that you have The Magic Box works for you, you first step is to do as you have done with baking your cake. Get your recipe out.
Your recipe will consist of an outline of your book. Once again, it isn’t important how it starts, but you should have some ideas on how it ends. Of course it would be nice to have at least two or three endings just in case. Trust me, your story is a living thing and is subject to change without you being aware. Keep several strips of paper nearby, you’re going to need them, trust me. Now that you have some overall idea, get out your ingredients (all those strips of paper) from The Magic Box and lay them out. Some of these ideas will fit perfectly according to your outline. Those ideas that do not fit for the moment place them to the side for now. Don’t be surprised that you may start seeing a clearer picture and come up with additional ideas (thus the reason for the extra strips of paper). So far you are finished with the gathering ingredients stage. Next you are going to mix.
With everything you’ve already placed according to your story outline, now comes the time when you began placing the pieces that you wish to have in your story and yet it doesn’t fit your initial outline. This is also the time when you start filling holes. You can think of this as a form of storyboarding. Actually this is the same as storyboarding. Storyboard and you now have a roadmap with all the twist, turns, tears, and smiles right before you start writing down another happy ending. One thing you should remember is when it comes time to mix it all together, never think of absolutes, but the possibilities and the progression from the past to the present, and ending with the future. I know this doesn’t seem clear, but maybe this example will clear things up a bit better. We have a main character named James.
On the day he was born, not too long ago, his named him James. When James started kindergarten, he was called Little Jimmy. This was changed to Jimmy in grade school. It was changed again to James in high school. This of course was changed to Jim in college. Finally, his name was changed to big Jim because he had a son and everyone calls him little Jim now or Jimmy Jr. and the start of the cycle begins all over again.
The one word that can be and should be removed is finally because this march from the past to the future has no end to it. Now that you have mixed all your ingredients together (from The Magic Box) next come checking for consistency, grammar, editing. Before you get to the baking stage, make sure you don’t have too much batter. If you’ve mixed enough for two or three cakes, than make two or three cakes before you start baking. The one step that doesn’t work with this analogy is test readers. If anything, it would be nice to make a few cupcakes to see if anyone likes it before we bake the entire cake, but we are talking about putting a hassle free book after all. Once your cake is baked, next comes the icing.
I’ve written about book design and book covers (and may revisit each one day in the future) so I really don’t have to stress the importance of making your cover desirable for people to want to see what is inside. We’ve all picked up the books with the pretty, pretty, shiny, shiny and some of these books are good and some are not. However, how many of us picked up the book with the below average cover? It goes without saying that you can have the best tasting cake the world would ever experience, but if the icing doesn’t have mouths watering, no one is going to give it a try.
The Magic Box is
just a writing tool that anyone can use to help them have fun and wonderful experience
writing. There are as many different ways of writing a book as there are stars
in the sky. What is important is that you find what is right for you and to
keep looking for anything that will help you become a good writer, move forward
to become a better writer, and be recognized as a great author. SD Tracy Harper
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