It’s December … already. How did that happen? 2024 flew by like it was in a rush to get to 2025. What happened to those years when it took forever to get to Christmas?
Please don’t blame the quick passing of time as another aspect of the aging process. Getting old gets blamed for enough crap … literally and figuratively speaking.
A highlight of
2024 was the release of Jillian of Banff XO on July 1st. It’s
the third book in my Summer of Lies series.
But since its release, Jillian (my main character), and I have had an on again off again relationship while I attempt to write Book 4. Yes, I know she’s not real but when it’s just me in the office staring at the screen I talk to her because I have so many questions. And sometimes she won’t tell me the answers to:
- If so, what's it going to be about?
- Should it happen in Banff?
- Do readers enjoy exploring the landscape through her eyes?
- Or is it time to move on from all that is familiar (to me)?
My progress writing
the story starts off like a roller coaster - slow, steady on the uphill, gains momentum, flows well and then I have to close my eyes … because I’m stuck.
When I first started writing the book, I was hell bent for getting to The End
but then we had the hottest, most amazing summer in Alberta history, so I locked
Jillian in my office promising her I’d be back. Soon.
But I wasn’t totally honest with her. Why? Because after such a picturesque summer we had a stunning fall, and then winter rolled in – do you see the pattern? Some refer to my behaviour as that of a squirrel, but I know they mean it in a humorous and loving way.
Through the
passing of time and fabulous seasonal changes, I did stop in to
check on Jillian. On numerous occasions, my fingers flew across the
keyboard adding new scenes and riveting (to me) dialogue passages.
Other times, WTH? Where did Jillian go? No doubt it was her payback for me being the one to abandon her in the first place.
With Jillian of
Banff XO I had a solid beginning, middle and kickass ending. This
time, I have a beginning I’m fond of, a new character with huge attitude, and a
glimpse into new surroundings. But as of yet, I haven’t found the thread to tie
the chapters together which frustrates me exponentially every time I sit down
to write.
My husband stopped by my office door the other day and said, “Everything okay in here? I thought I heard snarling.”
“Some authors pump out multiple books a year,” I snapped without even looking at him. “How come I can’t even write the next ******* chapter?”
He walked away without saying a word. He is a very wise man.
Now you know the
status of my writing life for 2024 which might account for my 11,045 average
steps per day from walking outside – often in search of Jillian.
Thank you for stopping in to read my blogs. I appreciate your notes, comments and the keen eyes who spot typos and bring them to my attention - thank you.
Have a fabulous and fun holiday season and we’ll catch up in 2025.
Baker, Barbara - BWL Publishing Inc. (bookswelove.net)
Barbara Wackerle Baker | Facebook
Barbara Wackerle Baker (@bbaker.write)
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Yep, characters can be stubborn that way... whether they are old friends or new ones. It's good to hear that I'm not alone in my struggle. But let's be honest. We like it. Otherwise, we wouldn't be writing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour “snarling” observation about authors completing multiple novels is a year echoed my sentiments.
ReplyDeleteI have 1 novel, 1novella and 2YA novels in the works. I just shoved the YA notes and flash drive in my sock drawer lol. Happy Writing. I enjoyed your post :) Connie Vines
Ugh! This darn writing life is not for the faint of heart, especially if you are a character-driven writer. I've been in your shoes. In fact, was damn-near wearing the same size a few weeks ago. It should have been easy with a fairly good outline and 'plan', but I was going in circles searching for writing energy. So I changed the plan, upended what I thought was going to happen and BINGO: rediscovered the energy. Now, that may not work for you, Barb, but sometimes even a small change -- a new, uncomfortable character showing up, or an unexpected -- even tragic -- change, for example -- that can be a golden ticket.
ReplyDeleteKeep at it, my friend. You'll find what Jillian needs. And even if it hurts, she'll appreciate where you take her.
Don't we just love our characters? Learning to write is one thing; learning to listen is quite another.
ReplyDelete