Catching Up

You've no idea how many times I've started writing a new post only to quit one or two sentences in. My brain fizzled and fried on the pan that used to be the creativity of my mind. Not a very good sign, I'd say, except that my writings coming along quite smoothly. Granted I'm using a whole different approach - a pantser/plotter combo - so maybe this means I've found my stride. Nailing my "voice" however, eludes me.  :)

My online friend Ferdous asked in a recent comment: how do you keep track of the story without plotting? Do you find yourself veering down a wrong path requiring rewrites of a previous chapter? Well, let me tell you, even when I plan, the characters often drag me a different direction. Despite the most in depth character sketch, the character might reveal quirks about themselves I never would've thought of. I think it's that organic bit I love most about writing, the constant learning, not only of mechanics, but also of each person we create.

Okay, and I know this is many days (weeks?) late, but I want to thank Kaily Hart and Ju Dimello for the Happy Cupcake Awards they passed onto me. And now, I must reach into that big bag of tricks inside me and list ten things that make me happy.

1. Newly fallen snow
2. My baby's smile. She does this scrunching of her entire face, wrinkly nosed thing...well, you prob have to be there.
3. The hubby doing dishes without being asked.
4. My baby's laugh, a rarity really, because even when tickled, she more grunts then giggles.
5. A lazy Sunday morning.
6. When the sister's and I get together because craziness ensues.
7. When my mom and dad smile at one another. Really. Their marriage might have been arranged, but they are one of the lucky couples who really learned to love each other after.
8. When baby girl tries to pull cranky cat onto her lap. She adores the fatty but the feeling's not so mutual.
9. Pride and Prejudice. I literally smile every time this movie plays. Book's pretty good too. ;)
10. Chocolate. The kind filled with caramel's the best!

~Hetal

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

So says the tortoise, but I was really hoping to write more like the hare.

Every weeknight, after Monkey's down for the night, I am dedicating at least an hour to my writing. Now, so far, I've been pretty good about this. Other than a little hitch last weekend that threw off my schedule, I'm back on track, and though I'm managing at least 1500 words a night, I really wish I were going faster.

I don't think I've ever contemplated this much as I'm writing. I've reverted back to writing by the seat of my pants with the basic plot in mind after a short stint at trying to plot an entire piece. The words are flowing once more without any tooth pulling, but the output is pretty slow. I know, I shouldn't be discouraged, but I've always run slightly faster than this and it's disconcerting. My mind only wants to do one chapter a night and then checks out.

I'm going to try pushing past this wall...Tomorrow.  Good night for now.  :)

~Hetal

Another Agent Pitch

Just ran across a fabulous pitch opportunity at the Guide to Literary Agent's Blog. Read the rules carefully and if you have a completed Para Romance or Urban Fantasy, take a second to enter.

~Hetal