I’m excited! I’ve been dancing around my WIP, even interrupted it to go on vacation, but I’m happy to report it’s officially taken off. I had a few key characters lined up, but a much needed character had yet to appear. Much of my story revolves around the emergence of this person. Her appearance will stir things up a bit, and bring magic I hope.
Well, instead of the burst-through-my-life-audacious Ruby character, this one came through my senses and settled around me like a whisper. I had to be at the right place, at the right time, and she came. Love when that happens. Maybe she was waiting for me to lay the groundwork too, which I did. Can I just say here, how much I’ve anticipated her appearance? We’re talking weeks on this one. When it happened, I breathed deeply as this character connected to my imagination and shimmered. I’ve written faithfully every day since.
Getting a story lined up to me is having those key characters on deck. I started this story with three strong ones, and the other had yet to appear. I couldn’t “find” her in my musings, so I basically put a call out. When she knew I was serious about it, she showed up. I know, taking a peek inside my noggin’ can be a bit strange. 
Once she appeared, my story is moving forward.
I’m at the stage now where I get glimpses of future scenes, and I’m looking forward to this Dance. When I’m on game, I’m able to follow my partners and anticapate their moves and adjust mine. That’s what it’s like to me. In real life, I love to lead in dance…just ask my hubby. In writing, I always follow my character’s lead. Always. It’s not giving up power to me, it’s creating power.
So, what’s your dance like? Do you lead or follow, or a combination of both? It’s whatever works for you, and that’s the beauty IMO. Self expression at it’s finest!
Sometimes they just sneak up on you, don’t they, LaD?
A lot of times I have the story line fleshed out before I begin peopling it. My characters are vague and opaque until I get their setting figured out. Then they appear for me and begin running with the story.
We all work in different ways. Whatever works, eh?
They surely do, Liz!
You’re right about whatever works too. And I can see why settings are so important to your stories. Hey, since settings are so very important to your work, and characters to mine, I wonder if every writer starts with what’s key for them? Hmmm…..
I’m really not sure if I lead or follow. Is there a between, LOL? I love those glimpses you mention. I love my when my imagination keeps running ahead, seeing new scenes!
I’m usually a follower, but this last story was a completely different. The universe sort of aligned to tell me I needed to write this. But it’s whatever works, right?
Pantser that I am, I had this WIP figured out from beginning to end in one day. And as of last night, I’m proud to say this was the first one I’ve finished in record time…for me anyway. We didn’t just dance, we did the swing and I did all of the leading.
Hey Spy, too funny! Yeah, I think there is. Remember those scenes in movies, where the guy and gal are barely moving, but they’re so close a whisper couldn’t get through? Hey, not a bad place to be when you put it that way.
Wow, Marcia, too cool! I knew you were excited about this story, and so thrilled it didn’t disappoint. I’ve never had the entire story figured out like that, but that’s typical pantser. “It’s one of those miracle things,” as a character of mine once said. Be sure and thank the Universe for that one. Maybe there’s another one just around the bend too. You go!
I’m a follower when it comes to my characters. They appear one day, and start telling me what they want me to do, and what they want me do with them. Writing can be a weird experience, especially when your characters take over the story and start to write it for you.
Lee, I’m in the same boat!
That’s why my story literally stalled. I can’t write if a central character is missing, just won’t happen.
And bring on the “wierd” I say! Gotta love those characters!
LaDonna, I’m with Spy, a ‘tweener.
I usually get a premise or idea and then the people. But I might have a person already waiting in the wings for the right story, and they come together.
Glad your person finally tiptoed out of the wings. Enjoy the dance!
Hey Edie, love that word, “tweener.” You know I love new phrases.
And you know I’m happy she showed up. Heck, I couldn’t email ya fast enough.
I lead, I follow, I stumble I fall, I whine, I cry and slap myself, then get up and do it all over again!
LOL, Karin, what a visual! Some days, ain’t it the truth!
LaD, I love it when suddenly you see a character really clearly like that, the mists part, and there they are.
I especially love glimpsing future scenes, getting deeper into their thoughts and testing how they’ll react to situations.
Hey, Michelle! I’ve been working all weekend with her, and she’s definitely a “keeper.” Phew, what a relief!