Last night as I struggled to get my little guy to close his eyes, book two of a historical series revealed itself to me. Lucky for me it took a really long time sitting next to him in the dark for him to nod off. I had lots of time to think with little interruption, only me saying, "Close your eyes."
I've been writing at the story without the complete story for book 2 worked out. I know the characters and how their stories interrelate with the other characters' stories in the other books. The series is historical fiction and a multi-generational family saga.
Until last night, I had no idea how I was going to pull it off technically. Specifically, I wasn't sure where the second book would end and the next one would begin. I didn't have the climax worked out for book 2. And I wasn't sure where book 3 would start.
I have it now, and I'm outlining this morning. Maybe all week.
Huzzah.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure what that meant so I looked it up. First Google result: an archaic English interjection of joy or approbation. :) Huzzah back.
DeleteSo cool when it finally hits!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Then I went and told my husband and the coolness fizzled. I did get a lot of it outlined.
DeleteHooray for the unsung beauty of sitting in the dark with your kid waiting for them to fall asleep!
ReplyDeleteI love it when that happens. I had an awesome idea strike last night, too, but it was for a new story. No characters yet, only an idea. Creating characters is my favorite part writing, so I hope I can develop these characters soon!
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted on the outline progress!
I love creating characters too. I don't like writing until I know who the characters are.
DeleteAnd had to come back to tell you I laughed out loud at your comment on my blog! Muppets...
ReplyDeleteMuppets are awesome!
DeleteGlad you got that inspiration but I sure don't miss those nights of sitting with a wide awake kid.
ReplyDeleteMy husband usually sits with the small one but usually falls asleep first.
Deleteyay for the inspiration--sorry your little one couldn't sleep!
ReplyDeleteHe was out as soon as I convinced him to close his eyes. Not too much of a battle. It just took 30 minutes before he would close them.
Delete... nothing beats the aha! moment... when everything falls into place...
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's like magic.
DeleteAwesome, Tonja. I love those moments when a story goes AHA.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I just need to have that moment with the others. Hopefully that happens by the time school starts. I'll have a lot more writing time then...in theory.
DeleteYay! Nothing like a little-bit-sneak-attack-meditation. Happens to me all the time while cutting someone's hair under the hum of clippers.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Shelly
Hopefully not too much checking out with clippers in your hand. :) I immediately thought Edward Scissorhands when I read your comment.
DeleteThat's so great! Have fun with your outlining!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynda.
DeleteThat is great! Love those quiet, unexpected moments. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been outlining book three in my series. I started this weekend. So far it's just a collection of random thoughts that I know I want to include in it. At some point, I'll have to organize the outline.
ReplyDeleteEpiphanies are wonderful. Yay!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how you got your second win, as he was dozing off! You are like the Energizer Bunny! Julie
ReplyDeleteI love it when things work out so well. Children are always so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteHey, that's a great feeling, when everything feels like its coming together. Awesome.
ReplyDelete