I WANT TO VISIT THIS BOOKSTORE! (and stay for while)

Yesterday I visited an archive. So today I'm newly inspired to put words on the page. Enjoy the following while I write.

And no, I did not visit this. But I can dream...

WRITING WEDNESDAY: My POV Character

For more than a year, I've researched my work-in-progress. And occasionally, I would actually write in it! Especially when a grant application required it. (The possibility of money can motivate even me to outline!)

So I researched. I outlined (excruciating process!) I wrote 9 chapters as well as various letters and diary entries. I was moving along quite well. But there were nagging problems related to the age of my character and historical authenticity.

When friends asked me what I was writing, I usually told them about the historical events behind my story. But I had trouble articulating who my character was and how I was going to get this story out to a YA audience.

At one point I blogged about how I found my character's voice. And I wasn't entirely mistaken about that. But, truth be told, I still had issues. I just didn't realize it yet.

Months passed in which I researched, stayed busy with author events, learned to tweet, picked at hangnails, and contemplated my point-of-view character.

And now, finally, I'm catching on! There will be several POVs. This is not a writing device that I love to read because I think it's hard to do well. But I am up for the challenge!

I love both of my POVs. I have lots to learn about the newer one. But meeting people is fun. Especially when I'm at home alone!

THE MUSES PLAY HIDE & SEEK

So there I was riding up the road on Writing Wednesday, thinking that I would do some composing in my head. But wouldn’t you know - I left the Muses at home. Truthfully, I don’t blame the Muses for not getting in the car – I mean really it was a little early for getting out and about.

So anyway, I did not come up with any clever dialogue or character ideas or situations at all.

When I returned, I spent an hour at home, trying to find myself (didn’t even think about looking for the Muses) and then went on over to the hospital.

And guess who was there? If you guessed the Muses, well bingo for you! After sitting in this climate-controlled building for a week with nothing much going on in the way of inspiration, suddenly I found two characters for my work-in-progress. Or maybe one character and one situation – we’ll see.

4 of the grands came up to see BopBop – they are so sweet and curious about this hospital experience. I gave them a little tour – all around 3rd floor about 4 times, identifying the linen closet, the ice machine, the conference room, nurses station etc. We rode down the elevators to the cafeteria where we bought ice-cream and sat down to enjoy.

Somewhere in the midst of it all, I encountered two fascinating patients. And voila! I’m ready to put words on the page!

Yeesh! If the Muses wanted to go to the hospital, they could have hopped in the car before now. It’s been coming over here every day for a solid week!

WRITING WEDNESDAY: It's All In My Head!

I’m supposed to be writing on Wednesdays but today I’ll be driving into the mountains of North Carolina for a speaking event.

But not to worry! I can write and drive at the same time. As a matter of fact, I remember writing the prologue for Blue while driving down I-81.

My computer was packed away, of course. And I didn’t have pen and paper in hand but that didn’t stop me. For some reason, the prologue presented itself with such clarity that I simply talked it out while I drove. Then, when I got home, I typed it into the computer.

Sometimes the computer stifles my writing. When I’m most determined to stay at my desk and put words on the screen my brain often slips into pause mode and I really don’t accomplish much. If I’m smart, I’ll get up and start moving. Some of my best dialogue is created while I mow the grass!

I assume most writers do, at least some writing, when they’re away from the computer. How else do you think we entertain ourselves during boring public speeches? Or survive long road trips?

I’ve got four hours of driving ahead of me today. Can’t wait to hear what my characters have to say to each other!

WRITING WEDNESDAY

The house is quiet this morning. Only me and a few billion dust mites hanging about. And they're apparently sleeping. Which means I can write!

In November I wrote over 40,000 words for NaNoWriMo. (National Novel Writing Month)
Then in January I took the story apart so I could turn it into an outline. You know I'm frustrated when I take a scissors to my story!

I did not love the November or January processes. It's much more fun to discover my story as I go - researching, writing, living and then repeating.

But both were good for me. Should have done them in reverse order (of course!) but NaNo was a last minute decision so I didn't have time to outline ahead.

I wouldn't have outlined at all except that I was applying for a grant.

I'm glad I did because it really does help. Today I begin tweaking the outline and sample chapters so I can send a proposal to my editor.

Fingers crossed, it goes out next week.