The technology advancements have actually made writing harder because it IS so easy to go back and rework, rewrite, move around, and such. I think Mr. Asimov had it right.

That said, I’m breaking that rule a bit. I write linear, it’s almost impossible for me to skip a chapter because there will be something in that skipped chapter that will make me move something or change pages and pages of stuff. Yes, that makes me stop and have to wait a bit to write it, but while the “boys in the basement” voices in my head are trying to figure out what the item is that is missing, I’m making notes on things I’ve seen that will be coming up, doing that bit of research that I need, or just organizing the outline for the next in the series. It works for me. I see the story as a movie in my head and I have to write all of it down.

What makes me fail to write is drama, family stress. I can’t write when the world is pulling an EF-5 1/2 tornado all over my real life. And I’m now playing catch up. But it IS going to get done.

I really like that bolding idea! That’s brilliant, and I’m definitely going to try it. Thank you for sharing!

Like I said. Feel free to write liberal detailed notes (in another color). Your subconscious will chew on that and then go yay or nay. This just keeps you from getting stuck over editing and also allows your id (the reptile psycho drama queen of the brain who is great at story) to have fun and HELP.

The distinction Karen is that ‘Little Darlings’ DON’T move the story or character. That is how we determine what is good writing versus a ‘Little Darling.’For instance, my mentor Les Edgerton is just BRUTAL. He’s a craft teaching GENIUS and gem of our time. He is one of the few people who can and has made me cry (I know it is good for me…later). I still seek his feedback even though I know I am likely to bleed, but he is always correct.

And I kinda hate him for that…but then love him (and hate him in my mind 😛 ).

One of my strengths is comedy. I write some HYSTERICAL dialogue. But Les NAILED me on my first draft of ‘The Devil’s Dance.’ He was all, ‘Kristen, you are funny as hell but this is a novel. Not standup. Knock it the &%$# off. It’s you having fun with you and showing off and does NOTHING to advance the story. Cut it.’ As much as I HATED cutting that part, he was right.

So I now keep those as ‘outtakes’ for fans, LOL.

Les has a book called ‘Hooked’ which should be required reading. I have read it no less than 7 times and constantly refer to it. By FAR one of the BEST craft books ever written.