Incubating ideas.

As I'm reading through and fine-tuning my current WIP (the final in my Samsara trilogy), my subconscious keeps throwing ideas at me for my next project - Book Two in the Adept Solutions Series. I have the main plot, but still need one or two sub-plots. So as I continue with my daily routine (moving future storylines to the back burner), and September comes to a close, I've updated a post from 2014, and hope other writers find it relevant.

Incubating Ideas

We notice new ideas when they float to the surface of our consciousness. Sometimes these arrive fully mapped out in the form of a distinct character, a particular conflict or plot. J. K. Rowling said the concept for Harry Potter fell into her head during a train journey.

Some writers formulate their plans as they write but often those seeds need to be nurtured and given space to grow. One practice many novelists use as a catalyst for maturing concepts is to do something unconnected with writing, and often choose a recreational activity. For example, Martin Amis played darts, while Kurt Vonnegut played patience.

Frank Smith in Writing and the Writer said 'Composition is not enhanced by grim determination'. By giving yourself freedom from pressure you allow your subconscious to process important ideas. Scheduling time out, and doing something different doesn't mean your brain has stopped working, and you might choose to catch up on any of the innumerable jobs that pile up while you’re absorbed in your work, but picking something you enjoy works best.

During this period, thoughts may arrive at odd moments, and change, alter or expand your original concept. Write them down and let go of any attachment you have to older plans as they are superseded by newer ones. When the incubation period ends, you’re likely to be flooded with inspiration as the gates to creativity open.

The way this nurturing process operates for me is I tell myself what I want, hand it over to my subconscious, and then get on with life without unduly worrying about it. I call it the sleep-on-it method. How long does it take for an idea to incubate and come to fruition? The Roman poet, Horace, thought writers should wait for nine years—a tad longer than most of us can spare these days. But like everything else in writing fiction, the incubation period varies from one individual to another. And there is no right or wrong, there is only what works.

Today’s Haiku

When you achieve one
target the goal posts reveal
a new horizon

If you would like to receive a free copy of Tatya’s Return, Book One in the epic paranormal trilogy, Samsara, click on the Newsletter Sign up tab. Thank you!

If you're a Wattpad member, I have several short stories posted on the site:

https://www.wattpad.com/teagankearney

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Thank you for visiting my blog, and please do leave a comment.
To all story lovers out there, good reading, and to those of you who write, good writing.

NANOWRIMO: THE HIGHS AND THE LOWS

I know there’s a plethora of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month – aka the nano) posts out in the blogosphere at the moment, but as I am participating in the challenge, I thought it appropriate that I dedicate one of my November posts to this writing marathon. 

If you take on a demanding challenge, it’s usually because there is an upside which outweighs the downside. The nano is no different. Deciding to write 50,000 words in thirty days – one thousand, six hundred and sixty seven words a day – is a test, but for many of us, achieving the first draft of a novel is something we think a worthwhile endeavour.

 

Refill frequently

THE LOWS 

To start with, that final word total can haunt you – if you let it – creating a seemingly unattainable goal. But, as with everything else in life from kicking a ball to getting a PhD in astrophysics, patience and determination will get you to your destination, even if it doesn’t produce an instant masterpiece. 

There may be novelists who can write their first draft in eleven days (Catherynne M. Valente, The Labyrinth) but for most us there are any number of factors which prevent our achieving this feat. Though it has to be said, as an example of what’s possible, it is a good one. Consequently, the pace at which you work can be one hurdle to overcome, especially if you are a deliberate, thoughtful writer.

There is also a moment when you realize the time and effort involved takes more commitment than you envisioned when you sat in your armchair or the local coffee shop planning your novel.  You doubt your resolve, wonder if you have what it takes to make it, stare at how much you’ve done that day, and think about how much more you still need to do before you can stop. Again, sheer dogged refusal to give up will get you passed this stumbling block. 

As the days go by, your word count does increase, your story starts to shape up, and you feel encouraged. The hope you started out with becomes conviction. You will make it.

Take a break and cloud watch

THE HIGHS

Each time I've participated in the nano I've had a different experience. Three years ago, my first nano try, I didn’t complete the challenge. Two years ago, I put my head down and ploughed through, surprising myself by writing the required number of words (I’ve yet to return to and complete that novel); last year, though, I had a lot more fun. 

I realize one of the reasons I shot out of the starting post last year was because I’d been thinking about the beginning section of the story for several months. My initial outpouring did slow considerably as the month went on, reflecting the fact that I didn't outline the rest of the story till a few days before the nano started. A valuable part of what I’ve learned from the nano is what works for me as a writer.

This year I’m putting down the rough draft of the second in my paranormal series. I have done a fair amount of incubation of the story, plus more planning than last year. What is different is writing another novel with the same characters, which for me is a first.

The best word I can think of to describe my nano experience is immersion. Immersion in the writing process; immersion in watching the flow of my imaginings manifest on the screen in front of me; immersion in my story. As a result, when I stagger from my seat, stiff-limbed and exhausted, I'm also exhilarated, and all I can say is, brilliant, just brilliant!

                                    

Today’s Haiku 

AUTUMN EVENING

dark Prussian blue sky

sly dusk slinks after day - leaves

deepest umber earth below 

Useful Links:

NaNoWriMo:

http://nanowrimo.org/

Join me on Twitter at: teagankearney@modhaiku

To all story lovers out there, good reading, and to those who write, good writing.

 

 

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!

                                  

WRITING PROCESS BLOG HOP!

I’m so pleased to be participating in my first blog hop as my good friend, Vashti Q Vega, tagged me for the Writing Process Blog Hop. Vashti is the successful author of a brilliant book, The Basement, and writes a popular blog, which I highly recommend you check out.

Here are the Writing Process Blog Hop rules: 

1.) Link back to the person who invited you to this Blog Hop.

With pleasure – here’s the link to Vashti’s blog: 

http://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/author/vashtiqvega/  

2.)Name four writers who will continue this Blog Hop and notify them.

Here are my four nominations:

Squid McFinnigan is a brilliant short story writer with a unique voice who brings his characters to life so vividly, they take up residence in your imagination.

Paula Pencarrow is a storyteller and writer whose musings and reflections on her writing journey, and on life, are expressed with clarity and precision. Her posts are a great read.

A. Long, is a talented poet and generous soul who has a great sense of humour, and a good word for everyone. You can read his beautiful poems on his blog where he posts short stories, poetry and writes on various topics.

Alys Daniels-Creasey, is a young poet on a writing marathon,who posts her poems on a daily basis. Alys's poems address many topics, and she has a distinct voice. She is definitely a poet to watch, and I love reading her poetry.  

3.) Answer the four questions below:

What are you working on?

I ’m working on a paranormal romance written during last November’s NaNoWriMo, and just finished the first edit. At the moment I’m letting it rest for a few weeks - with difficulty because my imagination won’t let the story go!

It’s the first supernatural tale I’ve written, and I’m thoroughly involved with my characters’ struggles – it’s my twist on the eternal triangle. I have a title but waiting to be sure I won’t change my mind. 

How does your work differ from others in the genre?

Whew! That’s a tough question. Um... because I’m an individual and my stories reflect my unique perspective. (Does that sound convincing?)

Why do you write what you write?

Because I enjoy answering the question of what if, by delving into other, different lives. I think emotions – expressed or repressed – rule our behaviour and I want to explore how this impacts people’s lives. I don’t write in any one genre. My last novel (promo alert) An Unstill Life falls under the commercial women’s fiction banner, and is more character led than the current work, which contains more action.

How does your writing process work?  

Basically like this: 

   INSPIRATION: an idea hits me, and I fall in love with either the character or the premise.

   INCUBATION: Once I have the heart of the story, I incubate the concept for a while,

   returning to the idea over time, thinking about what I have so far, and pondering ideas. 

   I do this alongside whatever I’m currently working on, letting my subconscious share some

   of the work. 

   For example, my WIP is a trilogy and I’m incubating ideas for the second book in the 

   series. The characters are established and I have the basic plot, an notion for a subplot 

   and the conclusion, but the plot outline isn’t clear in any detail yet. Similarly I know how 

   the third book in the series opens, and how it needs to end but the rest is still hidden.

   PLANNING: Writing is a journey of discovery and I’m learning, that for me, the clearer  

   the outline, the freer I feel to expand and enlarge on it when I start writing the story. And 

   I’m discovering that what worked for my writing in the past, doesn’t work for me now, 

   and what works for me now, may not always work in the future. 

My writing process is not orderly; ideas come in bursts and I grab and expand them. One aspect or another is always churning around in my mind, and I jot down bits and pieces on scraps of paper or in various notebooks, so I'm a bit disorganized. Sometimes I think writing is similar to participating in an extreme sport – lots of hard work and discipline are necessary, but the thrills and the results are worth the effort. 

Writing Update

While I rest the WIP, I have a ton of plans to execute – first being to catch my breath, have a day off, and do nothing but read...the rest can wait! On the list is: research on background details for the current novel, see if I can get the WordPress site up, sort a few pieces to put on Wattpad - writer with GSOH seeking friendly readers etc., etc. It’ll be interesting to see how much I accomplish...

Today’s Haiku

past melodies lead

down hazy tunnels of time

to places I’ve lost

Useful Links: Check out these amazing bloggers – you're in for a treat!

http://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com
www.squidmcfinnigan.blogspot.com 

http://paulareednancarrow.com/

http://ajwrites57.blogspot.com/

http://80000words.blogspot.co.uk

I’ve hit a glitch in the 100 Happy Days challenge, as my laptop is moodily refusing to upload my pics, but please join me on Twitter and check out the ones I've posted at: teagankearney@modhaiku 

Thanks for visiting my blog, and please do leave a comment.

To all story lovers out there, good reading, and to those of you who write, good writing.