My current manscript is giving me fits. Just when I thought the characters had started to cooperate, the plot took on a life of its own. I shouldn’t be surprised. And I shouldn’t be frustrated. Writing a book–especially a romance novel–is akin to actually being in a relationship. There’s so much give and take, compromise, and down-right frustration when a writer sits at the computer keyboard and marshals all those errant ideas into some semblance of order. It totally is like herding cats. At the same time, there’s always too much room for self-doubt when the characters or the plot or the settings throw a monkey wrench into things. I came across this message from the Universe when searching through my files for today’s bit of musing.
In both relationships and life, Silver, trust begets trust.
Generosity begets generosity.
Love begets love.
Be the spark, especially when it’s dark.
Hubba, hubba –
The Universe
©www.tut.com
Same for luxe and lack, Silver; sadness and joy; anger and kindness; Hershey’s and kisses. Especially when it’s dark.
I need to remember that there’s always a flip side–not just when plotting but when dealing with the heart and soul of the story. I need to trust that my Muse/imagination/subconscious knows what’s best. I need to be generous with the ideas–and sometimes the doubts–that pop up seemingly from out of the blue (because I know they are from deep in my subconscious and there’s a reason that stuff is messing with my head. Most of all, I need to remember why I love my characters and the story and keep writing through the frustration and the dark times. Finally, interestingly, there is a line in the WIP–well, it’s more of a note to self that is a line to be used because I haven’t technically built a scene around it. Anyway, the line is: Be the reason the lights flicker when you enter a room. Don’t ask me what it means or how I’ll use it, but I will. It’s one of those lines that lodge in my brain as I lie in the dark, when it’s coming on 4 a.m. and sleep is a phantom hope. So, I’m going to take that as I sign. I’m going to be the spark, especially in the dark. I’ll chase this story even in the dark. And somebody better have some Hersey’s kisses waiting for me when I type THE END. Just sayin’…
Silver James 
I’m sorry your manuscript is giving you fits. :hugs: I love the note you left yourself. You’ll get this.
Gah, I’m so braindead today that i can’t think of anything else to say. :hugs:
No worries. Stormy is here today. I probably won’t be working anyway. 😆 After fighting with it at the beginning of the week, it was a nice break to beta read. Now I’m letting a few things settle into place. I’ll go back later today or tomorrow and read what I revised then I’ll move forward. I still don’t know who the villain is. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. I’m leaning toward a trickster, like Loki or Coyote. Or Puck. I need to do some research because the big stuff happens in Edinburgh so I need a more Celtic trickster magick. We’ll see. I’m okay with things at the moment. Mostly. 🙄
What a great note to self! I love the line you received and can’t wait to see how you use it.
We shall see. 😉 And I thought I’d replied to this last week. Obviously not. I need MORE coffee. LOL