But How Do You Know…Like Really Know This is the One?
Today’s RTW-At what point do you know when your WIP will turn into something good.
So at what point do I know an idea is viable and not just a bunch of random thoughts floating around in my head? Good question. No really, it is. Because I’m not sure I can pinpoint the exact moment when I realize, Hey! This can work!
Everything around me stimulates plot. If you add a “what if” to any news story or song or person you see, you get instant story. But how do you decide which ones are worth writing down? I let my muse decide. Because I do have a near constant flow of ideas, I simply let them percolate. If I keep coming back to the same thought, if I start to realize the who and what and where, I’ll jot them down in a Word doc and save it in my idea folder.
I usually know I’ll have to write the story when the first line appears out of nowhere. That’s how all my books have started, with that damned first line. After that, I can’t NOT write it. And so far, it’s worked. I have 4 finished novels. Two are lounging on my laptop, waiting for their moment in the sun, one is making the editor rounds, and one, the one I just typed The End on, is in my betas hands.
I already know what’s next. An idea I had a year ago that sort of floundered, but has taken on a new life. See, even that one wasn’t a false start, it just needed the right time and place to be written.
All started with an idea that just wouldn’t let go. I think my muse knows what she’s doing. At least I’m trusting that she does!
Stop over at YA Highway. See what the other meese have to say on the subject. Tell us your process, how you know. And then enter the contest we have going on, cause who doesn’t need MORE BOOKS!
I wish my ideas started with a first line! That’s always the hard part for me haha.
I totally agree, it’s the ideas that won’t leave you alone that work (eventually, if not when they first strike). Sometimes it’s hard to trust our muse, but she’s usually right, lol.
I use the word “percolate” all the time trying to explain to non-writers how I’m still writing even when I’m not writing.
oh hai run on sentence.
I usually have the hardest time writing the beginning of my stories (I don’t write in order), so I’m super impressed that you can start with a first line!
I really like the idea of thinking up your ideas and then letting the muse decide.
Great post, Lee!
Sounds like me with the percolating. Coffee analogy ftw.
I agree with Kaitlin. I have such a hard time with beginnings.
What everyone else said. Perculate is an excellent word.
I love it when opening lines turn up and demand to be written. Mine don’t choose to do that very often. I think my muse knows what she’s doing, but she’s sometimes a bit lazy.