Hibernation: to become inactive or dormant.
That’s not terribly accurate in describing my writing journey so far this winter. I am quite active with customers. I probably have more work than I want to have, truth be told. But my creative pursuits regarding novels are in hibernation and it is a fascinating process for me.
I thought I’d share it with you.
I started my newest “Shadow” novel, “The Magician’s Shadow,” about two months ago. I breezed through the first 22,000 words and then called a halt to the proceedings. I did not call a halt because of a brain freeze, or the so-called writer’s block, but simply because I was at the point where my muse had to decide on the direction of the story. It’s always like that when I write a novel. When I start out I have a general outline of the story in my brain, but the specifics and quite often the ending are unknown.
So I call a halt to the proceedings and allow my muse the freedom to do her thing . . . which she is, thank you very much. I haven’t written a word in that novel for three weeks now, but as I go about my daily activities, little snippets of the story will come to me. Yesterday a major future scene came to me while I was out walking the dog. I wasn’t thinking about the book at all, but there it was, delivered to me on a silver platter, with love from my muse.
And so it shall be. When my muse is finished she’ll let me know, and at that point I’ll continue writing the novel.
I always feel my explanation of the writing process should come with a warning label . . . don’t try this at home . . . because it really is a random process which is impossible to teach to others.
My best words of advice . . . trust in the process!
In the meantime, I’ve finished another coloring book, which will be published soon, and I continue to pick up new customers for my freelance business. More money is always appreciated!
So there you go! Don’t sweat it. Let the story come to you. In the meantime, be productive.
Thus sayeth the old man!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 