I’m working on a new novel. To be clear, by “working on” I mostly mean “gazing into space” and “playing computer solitaire”. On occasion, though, I do actual plotting. I’ve even created a few characters and half a premise. (Go, me! Woohoo!) The voice is jelling, the characters jabbering, the setting settling in. It’s starting to feel like a book.
It’s such a relief to let go of the old, to be into something new. I’m half here, half in my writing, lost among possibilities, feeling for the shape of the thing, probing, questioning. Anything is possible, but everything is not. Everything is too much. So when new ideas sprout, I turn them over in my mind, maybe stop the stroller or the car or dinner to jot them down in my little spiral notebook. Some will survive. Some won’t. Only time and writing and revisions will tell.
Soon I’ll feel out the story with a chapter or two and, when I’ve dribbled enough, I’ll make an outline because, yes, I’m one of those people, the ones who prefer minor outlines to major revisions, planning to fumbling, plotting to pantsing. Plus, plans just plain make me happy.
In the meantime, though, I doodle in dialogue, half-formed conversations winding down the page, nameless characters asking me, over and over and over again, “What if?” And my answer is, so often, “Let’s see.” Because it’s a first draft, and anything can happen.
I love this phase.
I couldn’t imagine trying to write a book!! But thanks for sharing your “process” it’s kind of neat to see/read about.
I’m working on a new novel. To be clear, by “working on” I mostly mean “gazing into space” and “playing computer solitaire”.
LOL! Sounds like how I work. 🙂
Oh, there’s just nothing like the pure magic of staring a new novel, is there? The giddy excitement, the limitless possibility, the sense that it can go anywhere and take you along for the ride … it’s just priceless. I’m with you 110%, it truly is an invigorating and inspiring phase. Best of luck to you!!
I love starting a new book too, when you’ve got total freedom and things are new and exciting. I can’t wait to hear more about it, Caryn! Enjoy the process and happy writing!
LoryKC – What a great attitude you have! I’ll have to try to see revisions like that. That might make them seem more creative.
ErikaJean – It’s definitely a process! Glad you liked it. I enjoy reading about how people do things I would never do, too.
Jennifer – Ha! So I’m not the only one…
Shari – Well said! And thanks for the luck. 🙂
Robin – Of course, the best part of you starting a new book is that soon I’ll get to read some of it! Well, I think it’s the best part of you starting a new book at least… 😀
Ooo. I love the phase you’re in. When everything is so exciting, fresh and possible. Enjoy!!!
I love first drafts. Everything is fair game and you can let your imagination go wild.
Thanks, Suzanne!
So true, Marcia! Nice to put that imagination to some good use.
I also love the thrill of starting a new manuscript. I love the thinking part, the developing of new characters and wonder what journey they will make. It’s exciting. 🙂
So many possibilities!
Starting a new project feels so scary to me, like getting ready to jump off a giant cliff or something.
I’m almost to a place where I need to start querying my current project and start a new one. Makes me feel nauseous.
Good luck!
Ooh, good luck with your queries! That’s also exciting and scary at the same time.