What if something happens?
We are what is euphemistically referred to as elderly, so it's always a bit of a concern, I guess, although I doubt we worry as much about it as our kids do. We have lived long and prospered, not to mention we've loved and laughed a lot. And we've been happy.
But that's not even why I brought that up. I brought it up because What if something happens? is the beginning of every story we tell. The only advice about writing I ever give with any surety is to start the story when something changes.
When something happens.
This seems...no, it is a simple concept. It's also one I have some trouble with. Because I like introspection. I like dialog. I love humor. I tolerate conflict. I can go on for days writing those things, and sometimes that's exactly what I do. Of course, all the time I'm writing this lovely prose, nothing is happening in the story.
The word for it in publishing is "pacing." I know this because it's been mentioned to me so many times. Usually, the word "slow" is in there somewhere, too.
I know I'm largely preaching to the choir here, but the lesson is a good one. I hope I learn from it by writing this. Now, snow flurries are supposed to have already started. They have not, but one of the cats is meowing worriedly, and bare branches are moving fretfully against a moody sky.
Something is going to happen.
***
When Steven Elliott accidentally rides his bike into Carol Whitney's car at the cemetery, the summer takes on new and exciting possibilities. Long friendship wends its way into something deeper when their hearts get involved. Feelings neither of them had expected to experience again enrich their days and nights. But what happens when the long summer ends? When Carol wants a family and commitment and a future, Steven isn't so sure. He's had his heart broken before-can he risk it again?
We're under the snow watch too. That itch is necessary isn't it when you write. And your cover reminds me of a friend's home. Warm and inviting. Stay safe in the storm.
ReplyDeleteYou, too, Nora! Thank you!
DeleteI love the idea of something happening. Although you make it seem ominous when often, it’s hardly noticed by the main characters. I love the juxtaposition of the cemetery setting and the bike crashing into the car in what I see as something humorous (not dangerous or painful...but more embarrassing.)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Here we worry more about gales and fog in winter.
I agree. Often, it's a very small thing, but it's so necessary.
DeleteWhat a great post!
ReplyDelete"One of the cats is meowing worriedly, and bare branches are moving fretfully against a moody sky. Something is going to happen."
I'm hooked. What's the rest of this story that sounds like a mystery? Haven't written it yet? You should.
I truly wish my mind went that way. I'd love to write a cozy!
Deletei teach a workshop on "What ifs" encouraging writers to explore every "what if" there is, nothing ruled out and nothing too bizarre, it's a really god cure for writers block which I have never had. Thanks for the reminder to keep the "what if" in mind while writing. Enjoying your story in Christmas Comes to Dickens.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcia!
DeleteThat's a great way to think about the conflict and beginning of a story! There's always change!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the trouble I have with it is that in so many circumstances, I just hate change! :-)
DeleteGreat post, Liz. I learned at an early writing class to "start with the day that is different", in other words the day something out of the ordinary happens.
ReplyDeleteI think I heard it put that way, too. It was one thing that stuck. 😊
DeleteThis is really great advice. Sometimes I get so caught up in how a character is feeling, that I forget to make things happen so the feelings can be resolved. I think I'll be repeating "what's going to happen?" at the end of each scene now.
ReplyDeleteI need to, too!
DeleteHappy to see your cover, which reminds me of summer, in the midst of this snow deluge. Something is indeed happening in NJ, where they say this is a historic storm. I'm making soup.
ReplyDeleteAnd thinking about "what if something happens..."
We think about that a lot, don't we? :-) We've had our soup days, too. Our storm wasn't historic, but it's snowy and blowy here anyway.
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