What is more common to a writer than a quandary?
With a mere twelve days left until NaNoWriMo 2014, I find myself in what is probably a typical quandary for a writer. Having purchased a set of books and recordings about plot development, and making notes from a dream I documented earlier this year, I think I have at least a start on what I’m going to write this year. Then I read something that refutes the idea of developing a plot ahead of time.
I know that the truth is, what works for one writer doesn’t necessarily work for another, but I do see the merit of knowing, to some degree, where your story is going before you sit down to write. Last year, I went at it blind, and now, my novel is going to require some major rewrites before it comes close to being marketable. So, why not start with something which could be marketable with a couple fewer rewrites?
I feel like maybe I should just go sit in the park or at the local mall and watch people for awhile to get some character ideas. I just don’t know, though. As usual, I’m spending too much time overanalyzing and too little time just getting to the business of either writing, or working on one of the online courses I’ve been working in fits and starts. As I would tell my daughter, just pick a direction and start moving. So why can’t I take my own advice?
The one thing I will not do is ramble on and on about this, so tonight’s post is of the “short and sweet” variety. I get some of my best ideas in dreams, so I think I’m going to sleep on this one, in hopes that the answer comes.
My gratitudes tonight are:
1. I am grateful that there are so many resources and opportunities for writers these days.
2. I am grateful that I’ve learned not to worry things to death, but instead, to let them percolate for a bit, knowing the answer will come.
3. I am grateful for my flexible schedule which allows for regular workout time, time to acquire fresh veggies (my salads this week have been nothing short of amazing!) and shopping while the stores are fairly empty.
4. I am grateful for the return of my energy which is allowing me to sleep less, work out more often, get more of my chores done, and even get some writing related work in.
5. I am grateful for abundance: time, incentive, motivation, health, exercise, learning, harmony, peace and prosperity.
Namaste
I love that inspirational spirit you have, i wish i can find inspiration in my dreams but as you said what works out for one writer does not work on the other. my main inspiration is imagination i love to imagine my self in a place full of ideas and then i can pick any of then out and begin writing or designing
What a great way to find inspiration, Andrew! I wish I could do it that way, but my ADHD brain refuses to stay on task long enough to pick from a mental list of ideas. I do better if I write them down.
I think that watching people in the park is a fantastic idea for character ideas.
I like your grateful list too X
Thank you, Bek. People can be so interesting!!! I love making up stories about them.
Many blessings on the NaNoWriMo 2014. I’ve never tackled that, and at this point, time is not available to do so! Yet I almost did it last year!!!
Kate, last year my schedule was super full, but I just set a task for myself to write between 9 and 10 every night, and I got there in about 27 days. It is a great exercise in staying on task, if nothing else.