 |
| Notes to write by |
I am now working on my second book in the Students of Jump series, No-Time Like the Present. Though I am editing, I have found that there is much yet to be developed in the story line, so I find myself in create mode far more often then clearing up errors. My last edit first lost me 150 words than gained me another 400.
So I am leaving notes for the next day at the end of my day’s work. Every writer has his or her own way of keeping the writing going. For me, I try to follow a few simple practices. I stop when I still have more to say, I leave a note in all caps reminding me where my characters are headed or what complication or connections need to be made in the next set of writing, and frequently, I’ll leave a piece of dialogue that I think will help get my muse back on track. Here’s what I left yesterday for example.
“Misty, have pity on an old time traveler.” He turned over on his stomach, visibly comforted by the change in position.
“Old, you haven’t even been born yet.”
He crushed a pillow and shoved it under his head. “Sure feels like I have.”
Misty grabbed a hand that gripped the pillow beneath his head. “Let’s go; we’ll just walk about town.” Pulling Quixote off the couch, she coaxed him out the door.
NOTE THINGS ABOUT THE WALK DOWN, MEET A COUPLE OF NEIGHBORS. WAVE TO A TRUCK AS THEY STEP ONTO MAIN STREET. HERE AGAIN QUI HESITATES. HE DOES NOT FEEL PREPARED – MISTY FEELS HE IS QUITE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE TIME, BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT HE MEANS. HE IS NOT PREPARED TO PROTECT MISTY OR IF THERE IS NOTHING TO PROTECT HER FROM THAN MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION CONCERNING HER. HERE MISTY GETS ANGRY. SHE NEEDS TO KNOW WHY BRENT LEFT AND DID NOT COME BACK. QUI HAS NO ANSWER. SHE STARTS TO HEAD DOWN MAIN STREET AND QUI CALLS HER BACK. ARGUMENT: QUI SAYS “HE IS MY BEST FRIEND.” MISTY STATES HE WAS HER UNCLE’S BEST FRIEND ALSO. THIS SENDS HER INTO AN ANGRY RANT ABOUT HOW BROKEN HEARTED MICK WAS WHEN BRENT DID NOT COME BACK. (SET UP FOR LATER DECISION TO CONFRONT BRENT.)
Basically, I tell myself in my notes and show it in my book. Of course, I never follow it precisely. I always tend to deviate as the story and characters will change the course of my plans though they always ultimately get to the goal. So what do you do to ready yourself for the next day’s writing?
