So, yeah. I’m writing a new book. It’s still in the early stages. I’m simultaneously doing pre-write planning and roughing out scenes. Plot points zip around at warp speed. Lines of dialogue float like music. Depending on the success of my writing day, narrative clomps or skips or lies down in the middle of the road.
I sit here every day fiddling with both Word and Scrivener because I’m comfortable with the first and trying to learn to use the second. I add a bit on a character sheet, note a fact to research, insert a new plot point into the timeline. I’m waiting.
Eventually, I see some action, I hear the conversation, and I start sketching a scene. He says, she says, he does, she does … oh wait! Before this scene, he would have to do this or that. Okay. So, that scene would go like this: He reads the letter and sinks down at the table, numb. She says, he says, he does, she does …
Ooo, ooo, this is good, she’s suspicious now. And at some point she’s going to confront the other woman and … new scene. She’ll say this, then the other woman will say that, then … wait!
Oh wow this is great! When she finds out about the other woman, she’s going to freak, she’ll punish him by … yes yes yes! So that scene would go like this … oh shoot! I forgot about that. Okay, sooooo …
I’ll write a scene where he does this and then … oh oh oh I forgot to tell you this part … okay so first they went here and then … and then … and then …
Yeah, just like a 4-year-old telling you a story that goes on and on and jumps back and forth and then … and then … and then …
I’m excited about writing. How about you?
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Linda Cassidy Lewis 
This is the BEST way to write, and probably the only TRUE way, in my opinion. You must have that excitement, or something about your book will be dead. Trust your subconscious to thread it all together. Let your experience guide you, and let the excitement do the writing. I wish I could get back to that point on my current WIP. I’m trying, and I will get there, but it sure can be a hard place to reach. I envy you! So keep going! This is what writing is all about. 🙂
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I agree, Michelle. It was hard to get back to this excitement after Brevity came out. Actually, I feared I might never find it again. I know you’re also having a hard time finding it again, but you will. You’re too good a writer not to. I wish you a speedy rediscovery. 🙂
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Yes, Yes, Yes! Those pre-planning, unscheduled, and unscripted early stages are the best. When I find myself in the writing duldroms I abandon my novel(s) and I try to break free by starting a new short story or a poem. The freewrite process truly is freeing. Often times I find that it invigorates me to return to my WIP(s) with a renewed energy.
You’re always an inspiration and I’m thrilled to hear that you are having a little fun with your new WIP. I can see you shining from all the way over here. 😀
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You know me, T.A., I work best in this helter skelter manner. 😉 Somehow, I wrangle it into shape by the middle, which is not a stage I particularly love, but it’s necessary before I can polish it up. Now, that’s the stage I really get excited about!
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Yeah, that’s the way I write as well and those are the best times. The more difficult part is getting those bursts of creativity into some kind of order. I really look forward to your next book!
Christa
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Yes, Christa, the middle stage of writing … the WORK … is not much fun, is it? Good thing it’s followed by the fun of polishing. 🙂
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sounds like fun! how ’bout me? Don’t ask… plodding through a proposal. Your dealio sounds way more fun. Enjoy.
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I’m sorry you’re not having fun with the proposal, Jess, but I’m sure you’re making up for it in other ways. 🙂
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Nothing better then being excited about writing a new book AND being in the “Zone” at the same time 🙂
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I think you’re right, Taurean! 🙂
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