The Cacaphony

 While Kristi and Nan have had problems writing, I've been having the opposite problem--I have too many voices in my head.

Maybe it's because I hadn't written in a while. Maybe it's the new desk/office corner--which I've actually been sitting at and writing. Maybe it's the fact that new voices have started talking to me.

Next weekend is the Willamette Writer's Conference. I paid for two consults and I actually have nothing to pitch.

So, last week I pulled out Bix and started the ninth rewrite. Now, the thing about Bix is that I know all the characters so well that the dialogue flows once I determine what the situation is. 

And I'm kind of digging the changes I'm making--and believe me, there are some major changes. In past rewrites, I'd pretty much left the beginning 100 pages alone because I'd always gotten positive comments and remarks about them. But, this time, I've cut out some of those opening scenes to streamline the action.


My hope was to get enough of Bix going to craft a query and brief synopsis to pitch. I even ordered business cards with the new title. BIXBY, PAINTBALL ASSASSIN. And I'm attempting to go high Middle Grade with it--the cusp of MG/YA.

And then--I woke up Monday morning with a new idea about a group of nobodies forming a club. I meant to just jot down the idea and a couple of notes. But, in doing so, the voices started up. Three characters so far have come out to introduce themselves: Ramona--the leader, Rory--the transgender who can't wait to be old enough to begin hormone therapy, and Trinity--the stutterer who thinks in long form because she has a deep-seeded fear of actually talking.

And then, every time I walk through the luggage section at work, I have Analise pop into my head.

I think I've lost count on how many voices haunt my subconscious. I used to say Daycare was feast or famine business. Maybe writing is as well. Or maybe that's just my lot in life--to have too much or too little. So, I'm going to enjoy this feast while it lasts--or as long as my sanity does :)