Archive for the ‘Writing Process’ Category
The plays in my head.
Right now, I’m struggling through getting the first four books from my series functional and out to those who will enjoy them. When it becomes overwhelming, I stop and let my brain play in the uncharted water of new writing, namely the next book in the series and the next script idea.
I understand the reason for the big picture stuff that drives the plot and sets the stage for the action and suspense. But left to its own devices, my brain likes to frolic in the micro-nuances of the the character interactions. That’s the fun part for me.
I like to zone in on those subtle gestures that are habitual, telling, reenforcing a character’s personality at any given time or place. I concentrate on the dialogue between characters, the reciprocation of affection or antipathy. I focus in on the inner monologue that can almost reveal more about upcoming actions than outright explanation sometimes can (though obviously NOT in a script).
The little scenes in my head can be both a blessing and a curse. While it’s nice to know I have an acceptable outlet for my active imagination, I’m often stymied by how observant I am of the details that present themselves for my stories, while I’m totally missing the obvious in reality due to constant distraction. How does one live in the present when their mind is somewhere else? Yoga’s just about impossible for me. It’s really hard to focus when my brain is busy watching two people in an alternate universe having sex, or fighting, or struggling to live.
Thank God breathing is involuntary.
The Christmas Hangover
I honestly don’t know how people with kids do it. All I have is a husband, three cats, and a handful of relatives that I am beholding to on any holiday, and my ass is draggin’. I’m not kidding. I fell asleep at 8:30 last night, and all I had to do yesterday was show up at my parent’s house with a bag of dinner rolls, and that was left over from dinner with the hubby’s parents the night before.
Last year I hosted Christmas for both families. It was mentioned to me that such an occurrence was pleasant enough to bear repeating. I may need a couple more Christmases in between first.
Meanwhile, there’s that pesky fourth book I was suppose to have done by now. In a wasted effort to make a few special presents to pass around, the paperback is done. If you really have to have it, you can get it here:
Meanwhile, I’m revamping the other three books with discounts and more ebook options through smashwords. If you want to see those, go here:
The ebook of Book 4 will be ready before the end of the year, along with updates on Facebook, as well as this blog. I also hope to do a book trailer for the series on Youtube, probably next summer after Blonde in the Backwaters, Dairyland Murders Book 5 is done. Also throwing around another screenplay idea for Larry and the folks at TVWriter.com to take a possible gander at. Something about Tesla…
Sheesh. That does sound like a lot doesn’t it? Maybe that’s why I’m really tired, and Christmas is just a convenient excuse. Hmm.