So as you all know, I'm currently rewriting Book 2, which has to be turned in in August. But yesterday something really cool happened. And this is one of those things I love about writing and world building. The whole story arc just fell into place.
Okay, I should back up and say that, yeah, obviously I had some idea of the entire series arc, otherwise Book 1 would not be set up in the way that it is. But there were a lot of paths I could have taken with Charlie to get to the ultimate series goal. That was the gray area. That was the hard part b/c there are so many possibilities there.
I don't want to have the entire thing planned out to a tee, because that would be a little stifling for me, but I kept feeling like I needed to know where certain things were headed. And now I know. And guess who, of all people, got me there?
The hub.
We actually brainstormed together for the first time. I was having trouble with the backstory in Book 2 -- the villain's motivation. I wanted it to be rock solid, something that would carry over and drive some of the next book, and I felt that it wasn't quite there yet. And there I was just running away at the mouth and all of a sudden, he said something, something I didn't understand. Then, he explained. I caught on, changed it up a bit and then it hit me. That missing piece -- not the missing piece I spoke about in Book 2 earlier -- but the missing piece of the overall series puzzle. I know what's going to happen to Charlie beyond Book 2. And I had THEE COOLEST epiphany for a companion novel for two characters we will see in Book 2 (just a glimpse really, but OH MY GOD). They could actually have a few books to get to where they're going . . . hee, hee. But that's one of those things you keep locked up for the future. . .
Anyway, I'm settled now. I like the feeling of knowing the bones of Charlie's future, but not knowing too much b/c I also like being surprised along the way. But it sure is a relief to know there's a solid road map and an end game for her.
Of course, all this is immediately followed by an 'Oh Crap, now I have to write it all down in a legible, entertaining, hopeful exhilarating way. Oy.
5 comments:
That's so cool that you have someone to brainstorm with! A lot of people can't say the same. Btw, I'm so looking forward to your books!
I love it. I brainstorm with my husband all the time. My newest book is actually a rewrite of one that I shopped for more than a year. He's thrown out some comment or other about the main character and it's just clicked. It's a great feeling.
Awesome! That sounds like an awesome feeling. I can only hope that one day such an epiphany finds me. Congrats!
Thanks, Jacqueline! :-)
LeeAnn - great to 'see'! I think I might have to utilize the Hub more in this way. Glad to see you've got a good brainstorming relationship with yours. Good luck on the new book/rewrite.
Oh, Ashley, those epiphanies are gold. :D Gold I tell you. They don't happen to me very often, but very cool when they do! Yours is coming, my friend. ;-)
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