While I’m still mulling how to revise my rejected Bombshell into something that will work for single title, I’m going to be starting a new women’s fiction book. I’ve had this story, in one form or another, floating around in my head for a long time. But as I get ready to put words on screen, I’m faced with that common worry — can I get the story that’s in my head onto paper (or the computer screen) without it losing anything in transit? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever mulled a story for a long time and have it be crystal clear in your head, but when you starting typing it just loses the spark? Why the heck does that happen? Do you think it’s because the story in our head is very visual, like a movie, and it’s not necessary to describe things and people and actions because we see it whereas we have to find the right words to convey those images on paper?
It’s beginning to feel a little more like fall here. All last week, it was in the 90s. When I’d work in the yard, weeding the infernal flowerbeds, I had sweat dripping off me. But yesterday was cloudy and really breezy as the remnants of Hurricane Rita came through. Before it started raining, I spent an hour and a half mulching said flowerbeds. Still have a bunch to do, but at least the front part looks better. The forecast is calling for a cool-off later in the week that has the lows at night dipping into the 40s. Okay, now that’s way too cool for me. I’m more of a 60s at night kind of gal. Oh well, better arm myself with fleece and prepare for cooler (and even colder) weather.
September 26th, 2005 at 10:07 am
I have had that happen, Trish. I can’t put my finger on why some times the magic is more in our heads than on the page. But, learning to recognize that the magic *isn’t* happening is a valuable skill. If you’re not clicking with the characters, then why waste the pages, you know?
Happy writing! Hope this story flows easily from your mind to the screen.
September 26th, 2005 at 3:49 pm
Thanks, Heather.
September 26th, 2005 at 8:22 pm
Oh, I so know the feeling! Hope you can get it out to your satisfaction!
And
on the weather – it’s 98 here at 9 PM.
September 27th, 2005 at 5:22 pm
can I get the story that’s in my head onto paper (or the computer screen) without it losing anything in transit? Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever mulled a story for a long time and have it be crystal clear in your head, but when you starting typing it just loses the spark?
Every time I sit down to write. But I have learned to keep plugging away. I have also learned every time I sit down to write, I may not have one of those moments where everything I write just clicks.
September 27th, 2005 at 5:42 pm
Man, that happens to me all the time. I have these cyrtsal clear scenes that go through my mind at night before I fall alseep – the best dialogue, plot, everything is there, and then I try to memorize it or get up and start writing it, and it just fizzles out.
I guess the one good thing about it is that the bare bones are still there, and I can write through it b/c at least I know where to go. If that makes any sense!
September 27th, 2005 at 10:23 pm
I’ve often thought that I could make a fortune if I could invent some way to record what I see in my head, either while imagining a story or while dreaming.
September 28th, 2005 at 6:38 am
I’m not sure why this happens
But I’m sending you good vibes that this story comes out the way you want it to 