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So we're all warmed up and stretched! The holidays are approaching. In fact, Chanukah is already here. So let's jump into the meat of it, shall we? If you've done your homework then you have your brain working on different scenarios and hopefully that wonderful imagination of yours is rearing to go.
Now it's time to work on something that will keep you focused on your story even when visiting Santa at the mall. Whatever your book is - whether you're just starting it or revising - take your favorite scene, you know the one, it's the one that keeps playing in your head, that you know you have to write for this book or work your way to or polish till it shines. That one. Take it and write it. Right now. Out of context, out of order. Just write.
It feels naughty doesn't it? To dive into the whipped cream before the main course? But why not? You can always redo it. In fact, that's your homework. Redo it every day a different way. OR write another favorite scene you see coming. Even if you end up not using it, it will get you in the mood so to speak. It won't take long, and you'll enjoy it. Heck, you might even find yourself working the whole book around it. That's happened to me believe it or not.
Love the idea of dipping into the whipped cream of our writing. So fun.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the planner and linear writer in me can't do that. It would have a temper tantrum if I tried. lol But I do come up with scenes randomly when I work out. I write them down (the idea, not the entire scene), and find a home for it when I outline. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteI think you've been in my head, recently. Hmm... This is exactly what I need to do: just write that unable-to-stop-thinking-about scene. Hopefully it will jumpstart the rest of this MG book!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa.
Ooooh, naughty! Whipped cream first! This is a fun idea, and I've never tried it before.
ReplyDeleteHappy Chanukah!
Great tip, Lisa! And a great way to jump start a book with the thing that means the most to us. Cheryl Klein gets at this with the whole "core" of the book idea, and tackling what makes that defining scene important really gets to the heart of what you want to write!
ReplyDeleteHappy Chanukah!
Hugs,
M.
I've never done that! It will feel naughty!! I generally envision one of the final scenes first so it'll be fun!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE doing that. I've written my fave scenes out of order many times. You're right it does light a fire under you for the rest of the story.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I fight doing this. But then sometimes the scene just starts unfolding in my head and I HAVE to write it down. I love it when that happens!
ReplyDeleteYeah! I think that works for me--to a degree. I HAVE to write down snippets of dialogue or scenes if they're haunting me. Usually I find by the time I get to it, I have to tweak a lot of it, but at least the basics are down that way.
ReplyDeleteYum, whipped cream... Stepping out of the box is a must sometimes. It's often when the greatest growth comes to us. Excellent post!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to keep the brain spinning during the holidays! Hope you have a great one, Lisa!
ReplyDelete