I had an idea
for a short story the other day, which isn’t a big surprise because I always
have a few rolling around in my oh-look-there’s-a-sparkly, brain. Characters
usually appear before I get the whole story but in this case there wasn’t a
hunky hero tapping me on the shoulder and asking me to guess what he wanted or
a heroine telling me she didn’t particularly like alpha males.
Nope, this time
I had a little dog frantically digging under a fence. Before I knew it, dirt
was flying everywhere and I was typing away. Hello, I’ve never used an animal in one of my
stories, at least not one that didn’t turn back into a human at some point. It only took about an hour but this little dog had a background that
was going to bring together, two people who didn’t have the least little bit in
common.
Like most authors, I’m never
happier than when I get the first glimpse of a new story. Granted, I’ve been
hard at work on another project that’s demanded a lot of attention lately but
sometimes it’s just nice to have a distraction—especially when that distraction
helps me feel good about accomplishing something new and different.
A completely new
idea that I can’t wait to jot down is also one of those subtle signals from my
scary subconscious that I’m about to wrap up my problem project. I’d start
tap-dancing, but trust me; if you think my singing is bad, the dancing is worse.
Then again, for
me, a little distraction once in a while can be a good thing. How about you? Do
you consider working on more than one project at a time a distraction, or
beneficial?
Happy Spring,
everyone!
Until next
month,
Paris
That's a cute start, Paris. :) I have many projects going on at once. Occasionally, one story will shoot ahead of the rest and that will be the one that gets my full attention for a while.
ReplyDeleteGood post, Paris. I used to work on one project at a time, but these days I have multiple projects in various stages of completion. I choose one to finish, polish and submit and then move on to the next.
ReplyDeleteBest--Adele
I'd like to know more about your little dog story, Paris. Sounds adorable.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I work on more than one project at a time. Can be dizzying though. :)
Thanks, Rose! Nice to know that I'm not alone:)
ReplyDeleteAdele,
ReplyDeleteThese days, that seems to be the story of my writing life. I'm loathe to let an idea get away from me!
Thanks, Tina. Yes, sometimes my brain just switches gears though and I've learned to stop fighting it!
ReplyDeleteThere are days when the current project just needs a breather, so OF COURSE it's beneficial to have something else to play with...
ReplyDeleteSo true, Anny:)
ReplyDeletelol I can just see that little doggie digging a hole and his tail just a twitching. Smile!
ReplyDeleteI get so many ideas in my head that it's hard to choose. Smile!
Sandy,
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's how she came to me:)
Try to concentrate on one project, but sometimes just can't. Then I at least jot down enough to have a new start when I need it...Isn't a writer's life fun!!!???!!!
ReplyDeleteParis, I love the idea of starting your story with a dog digging. You'll hook readers right away. I've always done just one book at a time. I've written short stories as the same time I'm writing a novel. However, due to circumstances now, I'm writing a novel and a novella at the same time, and also working with three sets of authors to put together boxed sets of our stories. I'm trying to keep from going crazy.
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteI'm in total agreement! The writing life is fun:)
Cara,
ReplyDeleteThanks! I say just go with it and good luck with all of your projects. I'm looking forward to them:)
I love hearing about how other authors get ideas. The dog sounds like a wonderful character and I can't wait to hear more about the book.
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
Thanks, Melissa! I'll keep you posted:)
ReplyDelete