By Maria Ferrer
I won a free vacation in Bermuda, which is where I was this weekend instead of at the NJRW conference. I didn’t meet with any editors or agents and I didn’t pitch my books, but as I laid on the beach, under the warm sun, the gentle breeze playing with my hair, I did think about possible plots for my November NaNoWriMo project. Truly!
The plots considered and discarded included, a murder mystery where the program director is found dead and the meeting planner-turn-sleuth discovers the killer; a sci-fi drama where the planet’s male population is dying of a mysterious ailment at the age of 25 and the red-haired princess must discover the cure before her beloved brother dies; or a tale noir where a repressed woman explores her sexual appetites. Good choices all, but too cliché and easily discarded.
This author is still in search of a plot and characters.
For people who like outlines and structure (ME! ME!), not having a plot, let alone characters, can cause severe head-throbbing trauma. For others, “no plot, no worry” is a sweet siren’s song and welcome challenge.
I am forcing myself to remain calm and sane, even as NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month aka November—is pulling up to the curb and I haven’t even finished dressing. Gulp!
But I am not going to panic.
I am going to relax. I am going to pretend I am back on that Bermudian beach, my toes digging into the pink sand, with the hot sun toasting me to a nice pink, with the cool breeze combing its fingers through my hair. I am going to close my eyes and envision plots and characters—maybe a murder, maybe a mystery, maybe a medieval. Hmm. Maybe a Laird, maybe a pirate, maybe a police detective. Hmm. Maybe a jilted bride, maybe a princess, maybe a thief. Hmm.
The possibilities are endless as I wait for inspiration to settle on the beach chair next to me.
Where do you find your inspiration?♥
For more information on NaNoWriMo, visit http://www.nanowrimo.org/.
The challenge begins November 1. Good luck.
Maria Ferrer enjoys participating in the NaNoWriMo. She considers it a great way to get butt to chair and pen to paper. Maria has won two NaNoWriMo’s. She’s hoping for a third win. Keep your fingers crossed.
Those plots sound great to me. I plot too. Each chapter is planned before I start writing. Bermuda also sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWow great for you! What a way to find inspiration. I go for despiration.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Maria, but I am so jealous! Lying on a beach in Bermuda -- lucky you! It sounds like you are brimming with ideas and should have no problem selecting one for NaNoWriMo. Remember, even if it seems like a "cliche" you can give it a new twist. There really aren't any "new" plot ideas -- everything has been done, one way or another. It's HOW YOU do it.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea where my inspiration comes from. It just hits me at the most unexpected moments -- probably when my brain is relaxed, such as when taking a hot shower or a long walk in the park.
Lisbeth
Thank you, Ladies, for responding to my post. I loved Bermuda and I love plotting so NaNoWriMo should be a cinch. Now if only the words flowed as easily as the waves on the sea. Happy Writing!
ReplyDelete