Patrick Alan

I need recommendations on what I want.

I know I want a Kindle. I have chosen the Kindle because there is already one in my house. I’d probably evaluate others if it was the first. I’m more partial to supporting the Big-Box-Book Stores than Amazon. It’s their fault for being a year late, so I am not getting the B&N Nook.

I also THINK I want a NetBook. A pretty honkin’ one though. I know Melissa wants one of these. I think I am looking at the HP Mini 311. Then again, it seems the ASUS models are cheaper for the same level of function. More research is necessary.

Oh, and I WILL be getting a POOL! It’s not necessarily a Christmas Present, but I will be getting one.

What other gadgets and things do I want? What do you want? *prepares to grant Christmas Wishes*

I’ve been in a few conversations about writing process lately. I have to discount my lack of writing. Technically, not writing for stretches of time is currently part of my process, but not part that I am proud of. I have semi-good excuses, I swear!

But on the subject of Pantser(person who writes by the seat of their pants) vs Plotter (Detailed Outliner) I have to say neither.

I’m probably closer to Pantser, but not so close as to not know what comes next.

I do have to base most of my self-evaluation on the few short stories I have completed and the several started novels as well as my current WIP. So, it’s hard for me to say I have a clear, defined process.

What I do know is that I have tried all sorts of strategies. That’s really the only way to figure out who you are. Many long time pros have said that it’s different for each book. I can see that, but with at least hint of your personal preference.

I don’t take notes. I just type. But I never type without knowing the full scene in my head. I don’t know the words, but I know the events and emotions that I want to show in the scene.

I sometimes think of myself as an undocumented Plotter. I have a plot/theme for the overall story, just it is in my head. I know the keystone scenes of the novel/story before I begin writing. When I start writing a scene, I know what I want to happen, but sometimes, the scene I envisioned in my head doesn’t play out on paper. Sometimes I have a great line for a character to speak, but the action and dialog never really allows me to get that. Sometimes the scenes in my head are far more complex than what I am currently able to get on paper.

I attended a synopsis writing workshop this year and that was something that helped me. Even a quick 2-4 page synopsis could become an outline for me. From that workshop I have 3 novels that I want to write.

From there though, I have to imagine I am writing the worlds worst story. No one will ever read it. I don’t need to go back and fix anything. If something changes and I need to change a character name, I might make note of it, or simply hope I catch it in my revision process. I have two scenes that I want to expand upon in my current WIP as well as three scenes that I think I hate all together. I’m ignoring them. I hope they magically fix themselves. Actually, I plan to fix them once I finish. I’m not sure I still hate all the scenes. I sort of feel better about some of them due to the writing that has come after. Who knows. I think about them after I write “The End.”

Anyway, just thought I would refresh myself on my process. I love to talk about it and hear similarities or differences in other writers’ processes.

I’m not going anywhere today! HAPPY DAY! I’m still busy, doing work from home, as well as getting my old house ready for the Renters that are moving in tomorrow! Happier day! Actually, I have to go sit at my old house for several hours while waiting for the HVAC inspector for the county to show up.

I have so many thoughts and things to post, but I seem to not be getting to them.

I attended a writer retreat this weekend with several great workshops/presentations. So many things came out of it. The thing I am always looking for, inspiration to get back on the keyboard, came through for me - like it always does when I hang out with other writers. Someone made the comment that they always come back after meetings and are inspired to write, so they just need more meetings! I feel that way sometimes. I always love hanging out with other writers.

So, I should be back in the saddle again pretty soon. It’s still a little crazy, but definitely calming down. My long project is winding down. I’m glad. It was a fun and challenging project, but I am ready to move on.

Here is your moment of camping zen.

Hi. I’m out camping. I hope you’re having fun, too.

There’s some saying about plans rarely suviving the first contact or something like that. I forget the exact quote. Anyway, I was excited about my current project wrapping up because that usually would be a good indicator that I would be working from home for a while.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. I’m off to New York City this evening. Next week, I’ll be headed to West Virginia. And so it goes. This is not a complaint. This is my job. I am aware that it is my job. It’s not my favorite aspect of the job. I love travelling for short bursts, but to be on the road constantly(since June) is burn out for me. I certainly can’t complain too much, considering I have a brother who spends close to a year at a time away from his family. And you don’t come home from Iraq on the weekends like I do.

So, what I thought was going to be 3 weeks of catching back up on life at home has become trips to NY and WV. Throw in a Cub Scout camping trip weekend and a writer retreat weekend and you can get the picture. I am busy. Poor me. I am sure everyone else is sitting around wishing they had something to do.

What’s got you tied up these days?