Throwing Up On the Page
It’s been a while since I last posted here, and that’s because I’ve been in writing mode. Seriously writing. And revising. And writing.
So I thought I’d blog about how I write, and I’d love to hear comments from other writers about their own odd perks.
Before I write anything, I fill out a character analysis sheet for each person I’ll be writing about — even the minor characters. This involves creating details about the character that may never come into the story — their middle name or favorite book for example, but it also forces me to dissect each character’s essential details — what he wants most, her greatest fear. I write down all sorts of information about them — their car, hair color, pets – if they have any -, pet peeves – we all have those, hobbies, interests, favorite music . . . you get the point.
Then I go to iTunes and download music that my main characters would listen to. I usually put about 20 songs on, and this is all I listen to while I write. It helps me to jump right back in night after night.
I always write at night. This is my time, when the world quiet downs, and I can hear myself think.
Oh, and I tell no one. And I mean no one about what I’m writing until I’m about half way through and already know the ending. And even then I only tell one or two trusted people. I had the luxury and blessing of a great writing teacher, Clyde Edgerton (who’s best known for Walking Across Egypt. If you can read the rocking chair scene without laughing, there’s something wrong with you). He always said, “Throw up on the page. You can fix it later. Get it all out first and never tell anyone what you’re doing.”
And he’s right. We writers are a picky, sensitive bunch. One raised eyebrow, one improperly phrased question from a well intentioned friend and the book’s a goner.
So once I’ve connected with my characters, I do just that. I throw up on the page and tell no one. I write every night from 8-12 or 1 — this is in the throwing up stage. Sometimes I jot down notes and ideas during the day, but most of my work is done in the evening. iPod on, music transporting me into a world my characters create for me. And that’s it, I just listen to them telling me their story, and I transcribe it on paper.
Then, of course, there’s the revising part. But that’s another post and gives new meaning to Edgerton’s “throwing up on the page” comment!
