I also do a lot of staring out the window. Go for walks. People-watch at the coffee shop. Knit. Free-write. Traveling, even if it's just a short trip into the city for shopping and lunch. Longish drives, though I find that works better if I'm in the passenger seat.
I love the tarot reference. Have you ever tried to use the cards to help shape scenes? In the past I've done a 3-card spread for a character's intention, their obstacle and then their response. It's interesting.
Almost finished with JOHANNA PORTER and really enjoying it.
You know, your post also has me thinking about the real trauma that comes from writing a novel that doesn't end up the way you wanted it to. It gets shelved or it doesn't get an agent/editor. It takes so much time and energy to write a novel. It's crushing to feel that it was all for nothing. And it makes it so hard to start again. That's where I am right now, a little afraid of starting another novel because, what if?
Yes yes yes. I feel gun-shy starting this next one.
I still feel like it's not for nothing though. Both my published novels started out as totally other books, got shelved for a year or so, and came back. So it's sort of part of my process. I hope.
I also do a lot of staring out the window. Go for walks. People-watch at the coffee shop. Knit. Free-write. Traveling, even if it's just a short trip into the city for shopping and lunch. Longish drives, though I find that works better if I'm in the passenger seat.
I love the tarot reference. Have you ever tried to use the cards to help shape scenes? In the past I've done a 3-card spread for a character's intention, their obstacle and then their response. It's interesting.
Almost finished with JOHANNA PORTER and really enjoying it.
I'm so glad you're enjoying Johanna! Yes, I LOVE driving. Set the lane assist and the cruise control, find a straight highway and just go.
I've used tarot to kind of gauge my direction on a project, but never for a specific character. I might try it!
You know, your post also has me thinking about the real trauma that comes from writing a novel that doesn't end up the way you wanted it to. It gets shelved or it doesn't get an agent/editor. It takes so much time and energy to write a novel. It's crushing to feel that it was all for nothing. And it makes it so hard to start again. That's where I am right now, a little afraid of starting another novel because, what if?
Yes yes yes. I feel gun-shy starting this next one.
I still feel like it's not for nothing though. Both my published novels started out as totally other books, got shelved for a year or so, and came back. So it's sort of part of my process. I hope.