Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Discoveries

Monday was a bust writing-wise. But not in figuring out how to finish the sucker. Got lots of notes written of the scenes that remain, so hopefully when I get back to it (tonight, I hope), I won't struggle with what to write.

This book has opened my eyes to my writing process. I don't outline (tried that and failed miserably), I'm a pantser, but I apparently need to have an idea of what the next scene is about if I want the writing to flow. So as I'm writing one scene, I'm thinking about the next and taking notes (or if I'm at work, e-mailing the notes). I'm amazed at how well that's working, too. No more staring at a blank page. Now, I sometimes stare at the written page, but that's another issue.

I also determined during my vacation how much I value brainstorming. The person you brainstorm with doesn't necessarily have to be a writer. They just have to listen and suggest. Or maybe be an expert in whatever it is you're trying to figure out (like I was with my husband – he knows about electricity and stuff like that and helped me figure out a way to create a scene that was realistic).

My husband hasn't been interested in reading my vampire stories, but he said he would read my ghost story when it was done. I don't know if it's because it's NOT vampires, or if the story has really interested him, but I'll take what I can get.

Eleven days till 2012. I better get crackin' if I want this book done before then.

4 comments:

The Happy Whisk said...

I agree about the brainstorming. It can be with anyone. Here's hoping you hit your goal.

Have a Scary Christmas and an Oogie Boogie New Year.

Jemi Fraser said...

I've never brainstormed with a person in real life - but I have done it online. My hubby isn't a reader & there's no way he'd read my romance stories! :)

The Happy Whisk said...

Stacy: She's knocked out, cold.

Stacy McKitrick said...

Thanks, Whisk. I'm looking forward to the long weekend (four days off for me).

Jemi, face to face brainstorming really is so much better. And I don't brainstorm romance stuff with my husband, he just wouldn't give a care, then. It's the non-romance stuff he's willing to help with.

Thanks for stopping by & Merry Christmas!!