Tuesday 8 February 2011

Found the Plot

For the past few weeks I have been in a wilderness with my WIP. Several plot red-herrings and cul-de-sac writing have left me not knowing where to turn. This morning I finally cracked it!

Last night I printed out everything I have written for this book and combined it with handwritten notes that haven't been typed up yet. I asked myself some searching questions about what the book was actually about and went to sleep.

This morning I went to "The Office" aka Sainsbury's cafe, ordered myself a large latte (skinny of course) and a bottle of water, then I sat on a double table with some index cards and a huge piece of paper and finally wrestled the plot into submission. It means discarding some of the things I have already written, but I think the plot is now stronger than it was before and has a logical flow.

Cue good mood after doldrums. Even my current skin allergy, which means my face is covered in swollen red blotches, can't damped my spirits today. There is a long way to go but at least the road is now clear. Just need to keep at bay those doubt gremlins and believe I can follow through and a book will be born!

6 comments:

  1. That sounds wonderful news Morton. So sorry to hear about your skin allergy, but having a book on the way will keep you going!

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  2. Yes, just keep writing, Morton. A first draft is a first draft, and you can always tweak again with editing. And don't delete what you have written, who knows, it might be able to return, or be used in another book.

    Good luck!

    But I do understand the self-doubt, as I'm like it all the time with stuff I write.

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  3. Well done on a good morning's work - and I hope the allergy clears up soon!

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  4. well done. keep writing!

    What's in cafes that inspires artists for centuries?
    ;-)

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  5. Hi Girls,
    Skin much better. My road map is working and manuscript back on track. I find writing in cafes helps me to detach from housework and paperwork back home. It also provides snippets of conversation that may be useful. This week Sainsbury's car park was being repaired and the cafe had several interesting characters in neon jackets whose characteristics were noted down too! Mx

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  6. I am so going to use that as a good excuse to go up to my Sainsbury's café more often (they do a great cappuccino at good price too) - I like the idea it being the Office. Is it not disruptive though? I'd worry I'd be paranoid or something. Don't think I can really find the time to use my 'office' until September and both boys are at school, then I'll schedule a day in ;-)

    But you're right, probably more productive being at home... oh, I'll just unload the dishwasher, hang out the washing, oh this needs doing, and that... Yeah, I'm liking the café idea!

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