Me: I need [digs for example...] um, I need to figure out what I want to do with this villain here. I don't like the BIG BAD EVIL OVERLORD type. I want this one to be more... crafty.... or something.
Him: How about [insert really awful idea here]?
Me: *Long pause. Usually accompanied by much inward snorting. Perhaps laughing. Scoffing*. Ha. No.
Him: Okay.... what about [insert slightly more plausible thought here]?
Me: Um, no.
*Drive in silence, eating ice cream or sipping Tim Hortons. Wheels in my head turning.*
Me: Although... what if... [insert modified husband's thought, tailored to fit my world and plot/character/concept needs]?
Him: Yeah.... that could work. Did you think about... [insert potential problems]?
Me: Damnit. No. Oh wait... If I adjust...
* * *
Such was an example of last night. He is my greatest support and the best sounding board I could have. Always rooting for me, he never outright shoots my crazy ideas, but doesn't have any qualms about pointing out the pitfalls. Then, he actually helps to try and find ways around them if I really have my heart set on that course.
Last night we did that for my current YA WIP (Young Adult Work in Progress).
I had just endured a long day of a teething 14 month old T-Rex (and believe me, dinos are grumpy when they are growing their razor-sharp, natural defense systems). I had also endured a very creative Raptor who decided to draw with felt pen (kind of washable?) all over my beautiful oak dining table. I can only be glad it was with a brown felt and kind of blends in. Apparently the paper I gave him was just not nearly as fun as drawing on the table when I turned my back for just a few minutes. At any rate, while surviving dino gymnastics--typical, but still exhausting--I also had managed to write a brief summary (5 pages) of my plot so far in the current novel.
By the time the hubby got home and picked us up to go and pick up a bike trailer for the dinos that we found on craigslist, I was in no mood for our brainstorming date. By the way those bike trailers look like funny little viewing pens for animals--perfect for dinos about town. So anyhow, the hubby asks me, "Are you ready to talk about Melodia [name of imaginary world from novel]?"
Me: *SNARL, GROWL, SNARL.* No.
Him: Oooookay.
After much driving and loud music, dino bedtime and relaxing, the hubby pulls a curve ball, makes a suggestion about Melodia and knocks me OFF.MY.FEET. What a twist! A cliffhanger ending? Suspense? Fascinating and disturbing surprises? I love it! The villain taking the confused, terrified and desperate heroine under his wing? The hero leaving, dejected--knowing there was no way to change her mind and that there were other threats even greater than the Big Bad Guy that he must go take care of while leaving here there? Ooohh. Chills.
Suddenly, the book I was ready to toss across the wall (figuratively because I did not want to lose my laptop), I am totally fired up and ready to write about... at 10:30 p.m. Thanks, honey.
No, seriously. Thanks.
Ah....just one of many late night drives out brainstorming with you about a book you're working on. Granted, over the years and with the edition of a couple dinos, the term 'late night' has become somewhat earlier than before, but the quality of that time is only enhanced by how precious our coveted allotment of alone time actually is.
ReplyDeleteNot to toot my own horn...cause that is a gross figure of speech I hesitate to take literally...but I really like that last idea I had about your book :) It is so amazing that all I have to do is give you a few small bits of clay, and you can motor off creating worlds, people and places that have depth and believability.
You are by far my favourite author, and I cannot wait to see you succeed. Until then I remain faithfully, albeit somewhat stalker-ishly yours....
You are too cute. Seriously. *Scrunchy-hugs*. And thanks, I'll take being your favorite author any day of the week and twice on Sunday. I'd just like to be a few other people's too. Keep working at the goal.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you not having a sign in name, totally makes you look like a stalker...
Just sayin'.
lol, all celebrities should have their stalkers...and "unknown" makes a good one... especially when he's tooting his own horn (creepy much?)
ReplyDeleteMyself, I'd prefer to officially be the manager of your fan club. I will charge in favors however, be not afraid Matron.