Thursday, April 5, 2007

A Picture's Worth How Many Words?

If I didn't have so much time on my hands, I'd be more productive. When I worked an eight to five job, I churned out more articles, short stories, poems and completed novels than I have during the past ten years. One of those novels was written with a toddler under foot and three relocations because of my husband's work. So what's wrong with this picture?

I'm getting ready to meet a friend for lunch. As I blow my hair dry, wonder what I'm going to wear, mentally peruse the menu at the cafe we frequent, an idea for an article pops into my head. It has to do with something I experienced a long time ago and I have to wonder--why now? Why is it coming to mind now when I can't sit down and do anything about it.

Answer: When I'm physically active, my mind is active. And that makes me wonder how reclusive authors create stories when they never leave the house? Interaction with life is so important to a writer. It sure affects my writing.

Now we know what's wrong with the picture; we've identified my problem (okay, at least one of them) so what am I going to do about it?

**** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****

I'm almost ready to move on to chapter 8 of my novel. Seems like I've made a lot of progress in the past few days, but keep in mind how I write: mostly dialogue. There's no emotion and very little description. I'm getting the story down and only adding body language or showing the setting when it spews naturally from fingertips pounding keys. This is how I wrote the book that sold - got it down, then went back and layered and layered and layered. I write faster this way, and the editing and fleshing out seems easier too. There's something to be said for spontaneity. Amazing that even fast, sparse writing contains an element of emotion. Odd thing, this pulling together a novel.

I still have some research to do regarding the court system. Thankfully, one of my crit partners is an attorney so she'll be helpful. I should make notes so I can pick her brain during our next meeting.

I have three goals to accomplish tomorrow:
1) Get into chapter 8
2) Empty and dispose of three boxes in my office.
3) Wash clothes
Three very simple goals. We'll see if I accomplish them.

Husband will be home from Scotland mid-May. Life will change.

2 comments:

Christa Allan said...

So, are you ready for Chapter 9?

Terrie Farley Moran said...

Hi Jess,
I think that the simpler goals in life are harder to meet. Sometimes we need to write them down and cross them off as if they were huge goals finally conquered. Good luck with your goals. Terrie