So NaNoWiMo is almost one-third of the way done. And my word count is definitely not one-third of the way accomplished. Yesterday, I sat down to write another chapter, but I had a hard time finding my way through the notes I'd written for the scene.
Enter Libby.
Libby is our sweet golden retriever. She's been with us a little over a year, after our first golden passed away from leukemia. She's snuggly, patient, and always ready to chase a ball.
I grabbed her leash (much to her delight), and we set out on a beautiful November day, to stroll through our mountain neighborhood. We saw lots of interesting things: a chainsaw artist carving a dead tree into a face, a mama deer snoozing with her two fawns, and an unknown animal that darted away--it might have been a lynx.
Just being in the fresh air recharged my brain, and I began to think about my scene. I visualized it as a movie, and let it play, making mental notes about how each character might respond to what was going on. Suddenly the scene was coming together.
If I had thought to bring a pad of paper, I would have let Libby sniff a few tree trunks while I jotted notes to myself.
Once we got back and each had a drink of water, I wrote down a quick summary of the scene and started typing. It's so amazing how much better the scene flowed. Instead of sitting there staring at the screen, trying to come up with what happens next, I just spilled out what came next on the list.
Now, I have to be sure to mention that I also have a plot kitty. Delilah (my daughter's cat) loves to play with my plot board and make sure I haven't missed any important scenes. However, I wouldn't put it past her to snag one she doesn't like and leave it under the sofa.
Do your pets encourage your writing? Does hiking (or folding laundry) or other activities shake loose the creativity waiting in your brain?
I stayed away from NaNo.... Although, I have been pushing myself more with moving forward on my 2nd novel. It sounds as though you live in an amazing area! So much to see!! Inspiration is all around us if we look for it. Wishing you the best of luck with your writing!
ReplyDeleteYes, when I'm stuck I always go do something not related to writing. The other night, while in the shower and trying very hard not to think about my story, I did anyway. And the beginning scene, which I had not written yet, although other scenes are finished, came to me just like a movie playing in my mind. It was so exciting I couldn't wait to go write it.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't even count the times I've stewed over a scene and then as soon as I got up to do something else, it came to me.
ReplyDeleteWillie would love it if I took her for walks every time I get stuck. She does like to snooze in the same room where I'm writing, preferably on the softest spot available. I'm always sending my husband pics of her curled up on pillows. She's such a princess.
Glad you had a good NaNo moment today. Hope the rest of the month is full of inspired writing!
Sleep. Sleep helps me!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great idea to go for a walk when stuck. Nature is such a wonderful healer and great for inspiration.
Yes! Spending time with the horses always clears my head and mellows me out, and then the story starts flowing again in my mind. Going for a ride, mucking stalls, brushing them down at the end of the day - they're the best therapy. My guaranteed every day brainstorming session.
ReplyDeleteIm glad you were able to jog your brain into action, Debbie! I have two Ragdoll cats that curl up near my chair while I read and write. I created a PB for 12x12 based on interactions between dogs and cats. But usually, they are a quiet comfort for me.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog while looking for pictures of New York Public Library to help my girlfriend with her Nanowrimo! Excellent coincidence, and a wonderful blog :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your comments. I've been away for the weekend, and it was so nice to come back to your great ideas. And thanks for coming by for the first time, Kris!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
A walk or a hike always helped me clear my mind of those things blocking me and inspire me or work through plot issues. And my Cleo is wonderful company while I write. She always comes downstairs with me and snuggles up in her bed or at my feet.
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse
Awww. I hope I get to meet Cleo one day. Is she a dog or cat?
ReplyDelete~Debbie
For me, it's repetitive motion of some kind that jars things loose, and that includes walking. Sometimes it is just a matter of getting up from the computer! The words suddenly come in a rush. I'm so glad your walk was helpful to get the work flowing again.
ReplyDeleteFor repetitive motion, I pick up my knitting. It's pretty mindless, and I can work through a scene even if the weather's too cold to walk!
ReplyDelete~Debbie