Dear Folks, this is an encore posting. We have been
challenged lately with the death of one family member, the hospitalization of
another, and additional intrusions that now involve insurance companies. I’m
not complaining, just explaining. So, with your tolerance, I’m posting an
earlier writing from May, but it is as current today as it was then.
Where to Begin?
I’m starting a new book. The last one needs revisions, but I
need a new story. I’m not running away from my dear friend whose words are
almost completely memorized, rather, it’s time to start something fresh. And,
I’ve decided to push myself in different directions.
This has led me to thinking about how one begins a story.
Who are the characters? Where does it take place? What are the journeys each
person has to endure? Why does the story even happen? Oh, the list is long. I’m
in the middle of it all now.
As a self-proclaimed plotter, I’m also trying this book a
little differently. I’ve thought it through, but I haven’t mapped out the
scenes and arcs as I usually do. Nope. I’m writing. I do confess, as said
above, I’m not without a plan, just not the details I dearly hang onto.
So, it’s a crap shoot.
I’d love to start a conversation about what draws you into a
new story. I am taking about writing one, not necessarily reading one. When and
how do you decide “that’s” the book?
I have just returned from a few days of lovely time with my
husband—long overdue. Over dinner our practice is to catch up. Conversations
range from the silly to the serious. This time a fair amount of time was spent
with me as the subject. “Tell me what you are working on.” “I’d love to read
something on……that you could do.” “You know so much about….write it.” Yeah,
okay. I love the support, but the truth is, we don’t want to write all that we
know. We want to write about what draws us into the moment. What captures us.,
the writers as well as the readers.
Today my words on the page are different than the ones I’ve
done before. They are more revealing, more “me.” I don’t know if they will
appeal to the mass market. But, they need to be typed out. I’ll then decide if
I hit the delete button or let them live on.
Chime in. How do you start a new project? How do you pick
and choose among your “children” when each is screaming to be heard?
7 comments:
Cassy, I am sending cyber hugs for all you've been through.
For me, I start with a title and work from there. I am also just starting a new book today, so this post is timely. Good luck with your new story.
Liz: Thanks so much. It has been a bit of a whirl-wind. What's the working title for your new book? I love your puns.
*Hugs and good wishing and prayers*
Cassy, add my hugs and prayers. You've had such a difficult time this year. Hang in there.
I usually start a new story with an idea. Maybe it's the hook or just a scene, and I have a general idea who the characters. This gives me something to build on. The problem for me is that my best ideas come after I've done a lot of writing. So I spend a lot of time adding and revising. Good luck with your writing.
Lindsay: It's always good to hear from you. Thanks for checking in.
Anita: your hugs and prayers are always loved. Thank you. Do you have "usual" sources for your ideas? I know mine seem to come from the ozone.
Awww, Cassy I'm sending you hugs from Florida! Hang in there. I'll be thinking of you.
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