First Love. Infatuation. Whatever you want to call it, that's the phase I'm in right now with my new book.
I want to learn everything about my characters and sometimes just listen to them talk. Hear their opinions, laugh at their jokes, cry with their sorrows.
Writing a book is kind of like raising a child. You know when you're asked what's your favorite phase? For me, as a mom and as a writer, I think it's whatever phase I'm in at the time.
I loved it when my girls were babies. But I also loved their toddler years as they started forming their personality and I got a glimpse of the them to come. I even loved their teen years---although I got lucky and didn't have to go through a lot of teen angst with either daughter. And I'm loving them in their twenties--as they discover their adulthood and as our relationship has become as much of a friendship as a mother-daughter ship.
I think writing is like that. I just started a new book and I'm in the first love phase of the book. The phase where I'm researching--what state has an inordinate number of fallout shelters? The phase where the characters are finding their voice and I'm learning about them and what makes them tick.The phase in which all I think about is this book and I keep index cards everywhere to jot down notes or dialogue clips.
And I'm loving this romance. The romance of a writer and her book.
So, tell me--what's your favorite phase of either parenthood or writinghood?
Parenthood - every phase is my favorite. Except that whole potty-training thing...not so much! But the phase we're in now is so cool. bebe just turned 4 and it's so amazing to see her figuring out how to read words and write her letters...and just her joy in seeing all the new things.
ReplyDeleteGreat post - I love that first-love-blush of new WIPs, too.
You're right, potty-training wasn't my favorite either. Especially with my oldest daughter who was afraid to poop in the toilet. She actually held it for 12 days once. And trust me, I tried everything--enemas, you name it. And then it would hurt and omg--the smell--she pooped a sewer.
DeleteSigh. I just loved this post. The new baby phase is my favorite, with a book, and the aha moment near the end when it finally, FINALLY comes together when I was sure it never would. Truth be told, I was that way with the kids, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz. Love the aha moments myself. With kids and manuscripts.
DeleteI loved when my kids got older and I could watch them come into their own. They come and ask for my opinion now. Watching them fall in love, have children. Begining a new book is also my favorite part of writing.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to the day they fall in love and decide to have their own children. Although my oldest daughter says now she doesn't want kids. And my youngest, an aspie, isn't mature enough to have kids. So, who knows if it will ever happen. Sigh.
DeleteSuper post! I loved every stage of my daughter's life...getting misty now!
ReplyDeleteYour stories about Brandi always remind me of my relationship with my daughters. Possibly because they're about the same age and in the same life stage.
DeleteWith parenthood and motherhood its the conception phase I like best. I'm a romantic. I love kids just not so much at the smart mouth stage. I love pre-plotting my story and getting it down. Then, trying to add layers for depth. It is fun to try and break the chapters with mini cliffhangers. I look for ways to engage the readers senses. I really love description of the H/H in different ways than blonde, green eyes with golden flakes, petite, and attractive. What I don't like so much is getting pulled away by the real world when I'm writing.
ReplyDeletebj--I agree. I hate it when the real world comes knocking.
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