I’ve been at a wonderful writer’s workshop for the last week. I feel as though I’ve gained a whole bunch of tools for my toolbox.
I’ve also been really inspired by this last week. So much so, I’m committed to writing another novel by the end of the year. (See subject, above.)
The working title: The Zydeco Queen and the Creole Fairy Courts. I figure the title gives you a good idea of what the book’s about. It’s quite possibly another YA — the protagonist is young, 17, through most of the book. We’ll see.
This morning while I was in the shower my brain thoughtfully supplied me with the first sentence of the first scene of the novel. I didn’t quite believe it. Maybe that was the first scene, maybe it wasn’t.
While I was grinding my coffee (I hand-grind my beans, so it’s another physical activity) my brain said, “And here’s the last sentence of that first scene.”
I don’t write to discover plot. I know the plot of this piece. I write to discover the emotional journey. The last sentence of this scene is perfect, and really sets up the emotional tone for the entire novel.
My subconscious was completely correct. The first scene it handed me is exactly where this novel needs to start in terms of the emotional journey.
You can guess what I did this morning. Any guesses other than “wrote the first scene of the new novel” don’t count.
It’s been storming off and on here in Oregon. The next time it stops raining I’ll pack up the car. Tomorrow I start the long drive, from here to New Orleans. Should be there by Friday. Though I’ve found a place to live, I’ll spend the first night or two when I get there at a B&B, until I get myself settled in. Not sure I’ll post much between now and then.
