Then I got a different idea - a new way of looking at the story. I did this with one of my other books and it worked well for me. I took my main character and am writing her diary. Not necessarily a daily diary, but one that shows me what she did and when. And I'm doing it a different way. I have a little electronic keyboard called a "Dana" that has a small screen on it. It's a great little writer's tool. Well, I picked up my Dana, sat down, closed my eyes and started typing (yes, I am a touch typist). I just let my thoughts go where they wanted with the story - and the most amazing thing is happening. The story is starting to flow. Not in details - there is no dialog, no settings or any of the other "stuff" that fleshes out a story. There's just the story. What happened to her and when. I'm hoping to do more of this tonight - I've got sixteen pages so far and am only at the beginning of the novel.
But I know where the story is going and why. I got into my character's head and know her background and history. Yes, I had that with the character sketch, but now I have more reasons as to why she is the way she is.
Okay, I know this sounds weird. I guess it's something another author would understand, but I really need to know my characters before I can write their story - and now I do.
If you're stuck in your own story, try stopping and writing some of the diary of your main character. Or do an interview with them. Try it and see what happens for you.
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Last night's progress - 6 1/2 pages
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Birthdays: Lauir Nordqvist, Mari Evans, Anita Brookner, Reinaldo Arenas
Tips and Teasers: Begin a writing jar into which you toss your loose change. When it’s full, treat yourself to a writing treat – a fancy pen, pretty journal, new book, massage, etc.
Thought for the day: "In this game, part of the responsibility for your success or failure rests squarely on your shoulders, so be prepared to take the heat when you don’t follow good advice." – Mary Ellen Donahue
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