Novel 101 and etc.

Singing "Flew in from Richmond V-A American Connection" just doesn't have the same ring to it as "Flew in from Miami Beach BOAC" (3 points to the first one to identify song AND album!), but those are the lyrics that've been running through my brain since I arrived home yesterday afternoon. I'm planning a post about my fun in Charlottesville later this week, with pictures, but until then, you can read Therese's account here. I'll just mention, very quickly, the grapefruit martinis rocked!

Last month I wrote about my buddy Laura Bradford and her efforts to raise awareness and money to fight Multiple Sclerosis. Many of you asked how you could help. Here you go . . . On April 13 I'm joining other friends and writers to walk with Laura--you can join us from afar by making a pledge to our team--we've nearly reached our goal of $2000.

Now, updates to my WIP, tentatively titled Spinning.  One nice thing--for a writer-- about traveling is the dead time/thinking time.  Waiting in the airport, killing time in the hotel room (I mean, you can't drink grapefruit martinis all the time!), sitting on the airplane after I've finished the crossword puzzles I brought with me.  I even had an 80+ minute car drive that gave me more pondering time.  As I've mentioned, I'm trying to think through the whole story arc as fully as I can before I hunker down for the bulk of the writing.  Here's what I've figured out/learned about my writing process:

~I'm not good at waiting when the characters start talking to me.  So, I've written a prologue (just 2 pages, but still) that's already been vetted and approved by a talented and brilliant writer (Hi Amy!).  I'm still committed to working out the story arc, but when the words come bubbling up I can't just shove them back down.

~Narrative Voice/POV is all.  I spent much of my "thinking time" rolling options around and trying them out.  First person?  But that's going to be complicated since I want to show this story through three different characters.  So, I'm leaning towards 3rd person for all three.  Next to work out . . . do they each get their own chapters?  Or will I just vary it by scene?  I even toyed with the idea of having each one tell a third of the story--first Maggie, then Jim, then Grandma, but I knew I needed to have a rationalization for whatever device I chose.  And I've decided since they are all in it together, growing, changing, learning, I'm going to let them tell it as naturally as I can, which to me means the POV will shift within chapters.  Stay tuned.

~Each book chooses the way it's going to be written.  Yesterday, in the airport, I did something I've never ever done before.  Sitting at the gate, waiting, I opened up my laptop and wrote 4 pages of chapter one.  Yes I did.  I know writers who say they can write anywhere.  I've never been one of them.  I like my talismans:  crisp new legal pad, new package of Uni-Ball pens, good coffee, a quiet house.  In cold weather I sit in the living room by the fire.  In warm, I'm outside on my front porch.  I write the first draft in long-hand.  But yesterday, I was in the airport (Gate A-1), announcements blaring out, a couple behind me bickering, no ink pens or legal pads handy.  But, earlier that morning an opening scene had been playing over in my mind.  And I didn't want to just jot down notes.  I didn't want to wait.  I wanted, no needed, to capture it.  Right then.  So I typed.  My fingers flew.  And while I know it's not yet where it needs to be, I also know where I'm going.  

~Don't throw too much away in the first draft.  I'm a good censor.  A good editor.  I can always pare away a scene, lop off an unnecessary paragraph.  You need to lose 20,000 words?  I'm your girl.  But I think I've often done too much pruning in the first draft which makes more work in the later drafts.  So, yesterday, on my drive, I'd thought of two competing motivations my character has to explain one action.  I examined each one trying to decide which one to go with, which one to throw out.  But then, I decided to be madcap.  Yup, you heard me.  Write it with both.  Start the scene with one, by the end, the other motivation prevails.  And it was more complicated, but so's the moment.  It gives more depth.  It explains things.  It's more human.

A Virtual Community Becomes Real

You know, this whole blog community is a great thing--I've written often about the friendships I've made through this virtual reality. We spread the word about our books, we develop off-line e-mail and phone friendships. We finally meet in person at conferences. It's been more wonderful than I'd ever dreamed, like just last month when hundreds of us helped spread the word about Patry Francis' paperback release. And a few weeks ago when so many of you sent me cyber hugs and support after the shooting tragedy in my town.

Well, here's another way for us to join in.

I first met Laura Bradford through her blog. Then, when we realized we both lived in the St. Louis area (and had each read about the other in the book pages of the paper!), we met for coffee. Then for lunch. And we keep meeting. And I feel so lucky that I've gotten to know this brave, beautiful, determined, funny friend. So, when she asked if I'd participate in an MS walk in April, I didn't even have to think about it. Of course. She's putting it together, gathering other writers to walk, raise money, and try to make a difference.

Please, check out her blog post to see how you can help--by walking with us (if you need a place to stay, I've got room!), by pledging money for our walk, by entering her contest to name our team, or just by spreading the word.