My Basket Leaks

All too often, when trying to work on one project, others will begin to jockey for attention. The story I am *supposed* to be writing keeps haring off into other directions, and scenes that don't fit in anywhere crop up at the most inconvenient times. For instance, it is difficult to jot down the really nifty idea when going sixty down the highway. But I manage.

After struggling to stay on-track, I've finally figured out why these odd scenes are flitting in and out, getting in the way of what I intended to write. They are from the NEXT story, which is, apparently, cooking away in my unconscious, and getting all over everything.

With that revelation, which is something of a relief, I can now clatter away at the keyboard, knowing that the stories will come, just not in any sort of order. Good thing I know how to herd cats!

The Whole Wide Web

I am a creative person. Not only with writing, but with fabric and, occasionally, paint. However, in order to share these things, I find that I must become a marketing professional as well. This does not come naturally to me, as from childhood, I've been the 'invisible' one. Kept my head down, didn't talk much, tried very hard not to be noticed. This worked for me for years, but now, not so much.

So, this blog, a Twitter account, a Facebook page for my writing, and a spot on Goodreads later, I am more public than I've ever been in my life. And it's freaking me out! A little thrilled, too, to be honest. The idea that anyone would actually *want* to inspect my thoughts on this or that is a bit weird, but kinda neat, too. Still, this is the way of the world, and I am no Luddite, so I suppose I'll just have to get used to it. I do rather hope the feeling of 'Wow, people actually read my stuff? Awesome!' never goes away. I'm awaiting my first controversy with a bit of trepidation, though. And trolls. I have a bit of a temper, and just walking away from something that pushes my buttons is not easy.

At any rate, the journey should be interesting, and I thank anyone reading this for coming along on a bit of the trip. If you'd like more of my blather, check these out:

https://twitter.com/CatSerf

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/29644171-kate-McClure

https://www.facebook.com/EdgeWalkerandOmmers?ref=hl

Minds of Their Own

When one writes strong characters, one should not be surprised if they take the wheel, so to speak, from time to time.

In writing a certain scene for the next book, I had intended for two of my more 'interesting' creations to be, if not enemies, at least extremely suspicious of each other. They, however, had other ideas. It seems that while my back was turned, they became best buddies, and were out carousing together whilst I hammered away at their big 'confrontation' scene.

Rather than fight it, an author is best served by just going with the flow. When one resists the natural direction of the story, one risks making a right hash of things. On a key point like this, specific wording may go through several adjustments, but the main gist of the tale should stay true to what one's muse has given.

Reflecting that I'm not the only one who's characters have gone off on their own directions, I set aside the original idea, and put together some scenes revolving around this new dynamic. I'm sure it will surprise no-one that these second scenes have flowed much more easily than the first.

Jerks.