It happens all the time. My characters say and do things that were not planned. What happened this time is that it threw a monkey-wrench in the plot line. My high level plan is now out the window.
"So what," you may say. "Just delete the unplanned stuff and keep at it."
Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions in store for me. I have learned to trust my characters. I have honored their request to change my story. And between you and me... I like where it went.Now, I have to think on the fly as to how this new plot-line will reveal itself. Or, I may just let the characters take over. Allow the inmates to take over the sanitarium. Does that make me the medium?
The good news is that it sparked new energy in the manuscript. It could have derailed the progress. And it may still derail it in the coming days if I don't come up with the rest of the path. But for now, the word count is solid.
Day 8's total: 2,307
Overall: 21,011
Fight the good fight!
Or... The new plot line may merge with the 'old' one further down the line. You never know. But your subconscious probably does. Or, as Stephen King calls it 'the guy in the basement.' For now, go with what your characters brought and trust them. It's their lives.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, Jean. Honor the voices in your head... they must have a plan.
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