It's a whole new world out there. Jakey who is almost eight and a half is already planning his thirteenth birthday when he can make his first YouTube video. I guess in a way I am part of all that with doing online appearances about my books.
On Tuesday I was a guest on a Facebook book club group. I didn't have to worry about what I was wearing or my backdrop as it was all responding to posts. It's a lot easier than actually going someplace. It is always interesting to hear people's comments about my characters. Every reader brings there own baggage to a book. It's kind of like when Mary Poppins gives the tonic to her charges and takes a spoonful herself and it is different for all of them.
One of the questions was if I was a planner or a pantser. In other words, do I start with a detailed outline or synopsis or do I just start writing and see where it goes. I am a little of both. I do have a loose plan and it helps to know about the crime and the clues, but then when I'm actually writing, there are always surprises. Characters start talking amongst themselves and it feels like I'm taking dictation. Or I see a meaning in someone's behavior I didn't expect. That's what makes it exciting for me. Bits of real life get into the mix like an article I read or a conversation I overheard.
But then when the book is done, I send it on its way. It's like it has its own life when it gets out in the world.
6 comments:
Good morning -- Wow, how time does fly -- Jakey planning his 13th birthday!! My grandson will be 16 in September -- doesn't seem possible.
I don't write as you do but I am definitely a planner -- I like a rather definite plan for whatever I do. Of course, changes are made as need be. I say I'm a planner -- Floyd was a plopper. When landscaping our yard, I planned where every plant would go and how it would look -- he'd just plop a plant any old way!!
I was almost done with the front post stitch blanket when my son came over and asked if I had a blanket suitable for a baby boy. That blanket was blue so it worked perfectly. The pattern is okay but I doubt I'll do it again. I started a granny rectangle -- have you had a chance to make one from that pattern?
I do have good news -- my daughter got two little rescue dogs. They'd been found several months ago, tied to a fence behind a convenience store. They were taken to a shelter, then to a foster home. They are a terrier mix -- about two years old. They now have a great home with Dana.
Enjoy your day and whatever you choose to do.
Patty, It sounds as if you and Floyd must have had an interesting yard with your plans and his plopping.
I haven't tried to the rectangle design that you sent me. I am just about finished with the one I made using starting with a granny square that is actually a rectangle.
Great news about your daughter adopting the dogs. I have a soft spot for terrier mixes. They are lucky dogs to have a home with Dana.
Have a great day!
He plopped; when he took his afternoon nap, I moved plants where I wanted them!!
It is so interesting to hear how you come up with your stories. Your method works great for you because you come up with fantastic books.
Miriam, thank you. I am always amazed how something i read or an experience I had comes in handy. The summer before I started college, I worked as a nanny for a family in Michigan. The experience is turning out to be helpful for the second book in the crochet and crumpets series.
I agree that it's fun to participate in those online groups, Betty--and let the world know more about ourselves!
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