Monday, September 14, 2015

Motivational Monday


SOMETIMES IT'S NOT ABOUT 
WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR,
IT'S WHAT YOU FIND 
WHILE YOU'RE LOOKING.
(Kevin Dykstra, Treasure Hunter)

I went into National Novel Writing Month 2014 looking to write a collection of linked stories. 

I went into Camp NaNo 2015 looking to write a collection of linked stories, using the NaNo project as a jumping off point. 

What I found were two characters whose stories took over their respective projects, whose stories need the scope of a novel. They are connected in a way I didn't see coming. They refuse to leave me alone. And I want to, need to, see how their stories end. 

This week, let's make sure we're not so focused as to be blind to the treasure, the gems, that are all around us. 

38 comments:

  1. Those two characters were a bonus! Now you have another story to write.

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  2. Wise words.

    I try always to listen to my characters...even when it does lead to major rewrites on my part. If they refuse to leave me alone, it's usually for a good reason.

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    1. I know my characters are real to me when I want to warn them about all the bad things that are going to happen them.

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  3. I hope to try NaNo this year, but I always stop lol.

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    1. You've got some time to decide, but I would give it a go. :)

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  4. So so so true! I've found many of my best ideas while searching for something else! Great reminder :D

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    1. It was a good reminder for me, too, when I first read the quote. :)

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  5. Congratulations! It's always great when characters want their stories told. So much so that they end up stalking you. But you have two stories to write . . . I'm jealous:)

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    1. Please don't be jealous! It's been a struggle - a good one, but still a struggle. :)

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  6. Your posts always inspire me. This one makes me wish I was ready to start something new instead of being in editing cave mode.
    Susan Says

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    1. So glad to hear that, Susan. :)

      When you come out of that editing cave, exciting new ideas will be waiting for you, I just know it. :)

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  7. That's awesome! There's a real purpose to everything.

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    1. You just never really know what you'll find or what will happen, do you? :)

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  8. Very cool. I can't wait to read the story of these characters. :)

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    1. Hopefully you - and everyone else - will get to. Some day. :)

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  9. Very true. Funny how life works like that.

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  10. I often say it: our characters know more than we do.

    Follow them. Trust them.

    Trust yourself :)

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  11. Treasures are found in the most unlikely places.

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  12. Excellent. I love it when this happens. And I too am laying ground work for November. Let's have fun out there. :-)

    Anna from Elements of Writing

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    1. Good luck with the ground work! And I agree about the fun. :)

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  13. It's like a spiderweb, where you tug one thread and the entire web moves. I hope you have fun with your two characters!

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    1. I'm having fun with the characters, but I'm kinda worried about them, too - you know how dark my stories are.... :o

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  14. Agreed! Sometimes we get so caught up in the details that we forget to see the picture.

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    1. Things really can - and do - look different if we take a wider view.

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  15. You know, we come by our characters and stories so many different ways. Those projects both sounds like they would have been a fun way to have arrived where you ended.

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    1. I really did enjoy working on both of those projects, and I even ended up with a chunk of work I might use in the future. :)

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  16. Yes, the treasures around us are so amazing and so unexpected! Happy writing this week, Madeline!

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  17. I love finding unexpected treasures! :) Have a lovely weekend.

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  18. I love it when characters and stories surprise you when you have other intentions. That's the beauty of being a writer. :)

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  19. You're right, Madeline -- it's the journey, not the destination. Have fun with those characters!

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