I start a new job next week, which I’m very excited about it. But I have to take a week of training on their computer system before I actually start the position.
Makes sense to me, and I’m not the least bit concerned about the schooling. What does bother me is the commute to the city every day. Dreading that!
Battling rush hour traffic rates right up there with root canal. Toss in all the road construction, and it can be a challenge getting from point A to point B. So far, the two easiest routes to take are under construction. So the drive will be longer and more mentally draining because I’ll have to think about alternate routes en route.
But it sure won’t be boring! I’m thinking of it as taking the scenic route.
I do that with my writing too. I had my signing for One Real Man last Saturday, and it was hugely successful. I enjoyed meeting new readers, and visiting with friends. One person asked how I wrote a novel—if I had a roadmap, I used to plot everything out.
Answering those types of questions is difficult. I don’t have a “formula” for writing a novel in XXX days, or any blueprint or map for writing either. So far, I’ve never written two novels the same way, other than I know where I’m starting, and where I’ll end up.
The trip from beginning to end is never a straight route.
I have my characters and their baggage and goals in mind before I start a book, but there are always detours along the way. Roadblocks crop up that I hadn’t anticipated, and I have to navigate around them. Occasional “accidents” happen, and I have to stop and rethink something through. Sometimes I have to back up before I can speed off on the romantic journey again.
Writing is challenging and mentally draining. But it’s never boring. Like getting to the job on time, no matter the road conditions, I do the same with writing while facing contractual deadlines. Finding shortcuts are great, but sometimes only the scenic route will do.
So tell me, if you’re a reader, do you take the detours and delays in stride? If you’re a writer, have you honed any tips to see you around those obstacles that suddenly crop up?
Janette, congrats on the new job, although I don’t envy the drive. I guess you’ll have to pop in an audio book, or work your WIP out in your head.
Love your analogy! When I’m writing, I believe the road less traveled is the best route for me. It might take longer, but it’s more fun than having a plan, and I’m never in a hurry when it comes to writing. In other words, I don’t rush the process – I’m more of an organic kind of girl.
As a reader, if the book I’m into suddenly hits a slow patch, I’ll stick with it as long as a good story has already unfolded. BUT, if the drags are numerous, that book goes back to the library, or in the give-away-box. I’m in my 50′s and don’t have time to waste on slackin’ writin’.
Great blog, btw!
No tricks here, Jan. Every book I write is different for me too. While writing this morning, I thought of a new glitch for the characters that hadn’t been in my radar. I love it when things like that happen. Anything to give my characters more trouble.
Roadblocks, accidents, potholes — bring ‘em on! For my characters, not me.
Hey Jan, absolutely love the blog! When I’m writing, all I know is I eventually get to the party!
I love the surprise of getting there, and the scenic route is always fun. I enjoy meeting quirky characters along the way, and surprises are part of the mental roadtrip.
Now while traveling, road construction is not amusing. I got stopped once by a flashing red light behind me, police car, not warning light. And let’s just say, the gal who walked up to my window wasn’t interested in anything but my driver’s license. No sense of humor in Illinois, and I think Rocky B. has a sister living there.
Thanks, Kathy! Popping in an audio is a good idea. But I’ll likely brainstorm my wip too–I’ve had good luck running a tap recorder and talking out my story as I drive. Of course, passing motorists might think I’m crazy, talking to myself, lol.
I love it when that happens, too, Edie. And yep, I’m all for avoiding the real road hazards.
Too funny, LaD! Here’s to the scenic trip then.
I find these days because of deadlines I need to know exactly what my characters motivations are. I can’t take the scenic route. I take the most expeditious route with bombs going off along the way. The detour if you will for me is the dodge. In Master of Torment, my current wip, my hero is an assassin for William. His mark? My heroine. So the conflict is pretty clear. He is duty bound to eliminate her, as she and her bloodline are a threat to the crown. She conversely will do anything to stay alive. And I mean anything. Problems arise when they discover there is serious chemistry between them. Kind of a modern day Mr. and Mrs. Smith. And while there will be dodges, I realize for me as soon as I get the story back on track; he tries to kill her, she survives and turns the tables on him, the more riveting the story will be. Going off on prolonged detours for me is not a good thing. I get sidetracked and distracted too easily, then I have a huge mess. So, I have learned to keep a close eye on my story map.
Kain, all I ever nail before starting a work is the GMC, because otherwise it’d be too easy to get off track or flounder, and because I need to know that to write a selling proposal. But I still have lots of unknowns between plot points.
You can’t afford to go wrong or dawdle with your deadlines!