I got sort of crazy amounts of writing done over the weekend, considering that I was at a con. Chapter 1 had given me fits, because I had some historical figures on stage. I’d hit a roadblock because I felt like I hadn’t done enough research, so I went off, did that and came back.
But! I was still stuck. I looked at the scene again. The historical figures weren’t the problem at all! It was just dull. I backed up and asked myself the usual helpful question, “What does Jane want?” and then thought about ways to deny her that. Things went much better after that.
In fact, I’ve been writing almost a chapter a day.
Here’s a snippet from the beginning of Chapter 2 of Glamour in Glass.
Jane’s discomfiture was not due to any unkindness on the part of Lord Lumley, on the contrary, it was his very solicitousness that caused her some tiny distress. He was everything that is agreeable in a dinner conversationalist, witty without being cruel, knowledgeable without being showy, and gracious in when to listen.
““What does Jane want?” and then thought about ways to deny her that.”
That’s great advice . . . I’ll try to remember that next time I’m spinning my wheels. 🙂
*sigh* The biggest problem I have is that I encounter all sorts of fantastic advice that hits home, that I can immediately see the usefulness of, but I have a hard time remembering it all when it comes time to implement it. I feel like a new driver, focusing on the pedals and my rear view mirror and where the dividing line should appear to be for me to be in the right place in the lane, and having a hard time just integrating it all.
Eventually you get to the point where it starts to come together naturally, right? Right? Right?!
I think everytime one piece starts to come naturally, you discover something new to work on.