The problem is, I have a bunch of stories I NEED to write first.
And, the thing is, I really, really want to write them, too.
So what's a writer to do?! I sat down and made a list of all the books that are fully plotted in my head and waiting their turn in line to be written. I stopped at 30. No shit. I'm serious.
And yet, I sit here paralyzed and unable to start the next book. Aha. I think I realized why when I wrote the list. So I'm going to put on my big girl panties and deal with it and start writing as soon as I post this blog.
You all must go and see L.B. Gregg's free fiction. She did a very short piece for Kris 'n' Good Books. The blog readers over there gave her a laundry list of things they wanted to see in a m/m story, and she wrote an unforgettable and completely hilarious short story. I'm in awe. Here's her list:
- A naked cowboy
- Conflict about a pineapple
- My Little Pony tat
- First meeting
- Conference
When I read it and analyzed it, I had another aha moment about my own writing. Well, that moment may have actually come after I had my story idea in the car yesterday. I start with characters. A lot of writers start with plot and work from there. What if I had two people, and A happened, and then B happened, and they ended up C? I start out with characters. I have character A, and he's a *, and he likes *, and he's quirky because *. And then I have character B, and she's *, and she hates *, but * happened to her. How can I get these two people together?
So, two questions. For writers, what's your trigger? How do your stories begin? And for readers, can you tell the difference when you're reading a book? Can you tell which writers start with plot, and which ones start with character?
And, in a completely unrelated matter, am I the only one who buys the physically challenged pumpkins at the pumpkin patch? All the pumpkins I bought yesterday were misshapen, or weird colors, or bumpy. My kids think I'm crazy. But I love those darn orphan pumpkins. I find them far more interesting than those boring old perfectly round ones. Maybe it isn't unrelated at all. I like pumpkins with CHARACTER.
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4 comments:
I have a dual personality in this case. With the paranormals, I need to start with plot, with the contemporaries, I start with the heroin's character.
My pumpkins are usually the weird ones too. They make for more interesting Jack-o-lanterns.
I did start Play It Again, Sam with a very vague plot idea. That was because the theme of the series had already been established.
I actually have a hard time remembering how I came up with the original ideas for books after they're written. I only remember the end product. People always ask expecting a story about a flash of insight and piecing the plot and characters together etc. And instead they get a shrug and a look of consternation.
OMG. I love you.
Listen--it took me three months to write that piece and BigGirl figured out the pineapple conflict (although NOTHING about the WaterBug of Arcadia). We were watching So You Think You Can Dance and she said--oh it should be about a trophy.
I mean jeepers. Out of the mouths of babes. No she has NOT read the piece.
I start with a single moment and one character. I build from there.
Thank you. I am done blathering now.
::points:: GO WRITE.
PS I like smoothy pumpkins. I'm shallow.
lb ~ you're welcome! I meant every word. Kudos to Big Girl. Btw, Mr. Kane liked it, too.
You are not shallow. I confess that I buy the smoothies for carving. The misshapen, bumpy, weird ones don't have to be carved. That's part of their charm. Less work. :-)
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