So… I loaded up my software late this morning and stared at it. Then stared at it some more. Realized I still have a bit of plotting to do, but instead got up and grabbed lunch. Returned to eat while staring. Wished for more food, especially since I spent the morning reading Brooke Taylor’s Undone while on my treadmill and lost track of time. Actually fast-walked two miles further than planned. The book is FANTASTIC!
But, as I sat eating my poor excuse for a meal (Yes, I’m trying to kick the ten or so pounds I put on after surgery before my friend Kathy Moad does my author shots in October. )and staring at my cold-sweat-inducing-blinking-cursor, it hit me.
In the seven books I’ve written, I’ve always had issues around chapter four. It’s my freeze zone, my Achilles’ Heel.
I inevitably work past the issue, but I’ve learned that sometimes, if I move ahead, the going back is much easier. And since I know what scene goes there, just not exactly how I want it done, I decided to skip and go back.
Sure enough, I opened the next chapter, placed my hands on the keyboard and went to town. So with my late start, I still had a decent run. And the best thing happened. The characters snatched the scene from me and did their own thing. Didn’t have that part planned for quite this early, but they had other ideas. And it worked. I was grinning like an idiot while my fingers flew. Found a cool, little something I can use a couple more times in later scenes. I’m hitting that point of the story where I’m getting a better feel for my characters.
I have to fold it up here fast tonight and do a few things around the house before heading out to a football scrimmage. How much you wanna bet I’ll be watching the scenes playing out in my head more than the ones on the field?