Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Nightmare 101: The Blank Page

Okay, I'm back. I finished my book, and I think it turned out okay (will wonders never cease?). And then my brain completely fell into a puddle of mush and I lost the inability to think, function or even look at the computer for ten days.

But now I am crawling my way back into the breathing, living and somewhat functioning world...which means it's time to start working on my next project.

I was planning to take a month off. Took a week instead. Ah, the life of an addict. I just can't stay away.

So, my proposal for book #4 in my Warner paranormal series (boy, does this series need a name! Any suggestions?) isn't due until 8/15, so I'm going to try to come up with a proposal for a different series in the interim.

Which means a blank page. Not just a blank page, but a blank folder on my computer. Not a single document exists on this new project. Not a name. Not a whisper of a character. Not a location. Not a plot (hah!). All I know is the genre.

Wow. That is so daunting. Moments like this, I wonder how in the world I'm ever going to get from the state of all-consuming blankness to a full story. But somehow, it happens every time, so I can only assume it'll happen this time. (ahem. fingers crossed).

But man, where do I start? I never start in the some place. Some authors have a set procedure they go thru when they start a new book, but I'm always different. Sometimes I start with a location, or a career, or a character, or a conflict... I just have to take random stabs at all of them until something finally takes root. I wish it was easy... well, I guess I don't. If it were easy, I'd be bored and have moved onto a new career by now. There's just something so satisfying about battling my way through impentrable underbrush and emerging into the light, though I have to admit, I'm still trying to teach myself to enjoy the struggle itself.

So here I go. Off to battle. Wish me luck.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Graduation Congrats!

Here is a huge shout out and congratulations to my one of my loyal readers, Alyssa Olson from Oregon who is graduating from high school this weekend. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

There is no fast lane

Okay, I'm now up to about page 300 of my WIP and I'm stalled out again. But this time, I'm not panicking. I think the problem is that I'm fully involved with my characters. They are driving the story. The story is driving and they are along for the ride, which means they aren't paying as much attention to their personal goals and issues as they really would be. So... you guessed it. I think I have to go back to the start and rework it. Ugh. I can't bear it. I need to be through this first draft!

Monday, June 05, 2006

Reinforced Nylons (aka Why Support is so great)

Today's my day to post on the Warner Women blog. I posted on Reinforced Nylons (aka Why Support is so Great), so zip on over there and check it out.

Plus, I am happy to report that, although I am now up to my twelfth version of HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME HOT, things now seem to be moving along and I'm almost to page 300, so I'm about to round the corner to the homestretch. I have a feeling there will be lots of editing after this first draft, but I now feel like the foundation is relatively stable and won't crumble at the first stiff breeze.

But man, this has been a tough book. Thanks for everyone's support!