Sunday, April 25, 2010

I just came back from an early run, and while I run, I plot. What unspeakably evil things can I do to my characters? Who's going to get sick? Who might lose a beloved family member? Who's going to have a sudden but debilitating injury?

There is rebellion in my head, of course. I'm not ashamed to admit I carry on conversations with my characters all the time. Whenever I contemplate hurting someone or breaking a couple up, they become quite vocal. Even though I do my best to explain that it makes for a good story, they still seem to disagree. Fortunately, my head is not a democracy and I have the benevolent rule. (Most of the time.)

So, running is where and when I plot. I've also been known to plot in the shower, in the middle of the night when I can't sleep, and on long car rides.

Where do YOU plot?

3 comments:

Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...

I most certainly plot while driving. And your suggestion of evil plot running would work for me too. 'cept I've kinda got a audiobook addiction right now and listen whenever I can—including in the car and running... and the 40 minutes it takes to do my hair!

Missy Welsh said...

Anytime my mind has nothing more important to focus on, I'm plotting. I try not to do it while driving because I've arrived at a location with no recollection of the actual drive (scary!). Where I find it happening the most: The bathroom. {blush} Not much to think about while showering or putting on makeup or... you know. So the mind wanders to fill the minutes. :)

Tory Temple said...

Zephyr -- I don't plot (or write) well when there's music playing. So I have to choose what to do when I run: listen or plot, LOL. And when I get into an audiobook, I can't concentrate on anything else!

Missy -- HEE. I'm totally with you on the bathroom thing, trust me. Women spend much more time in there than men do! Hair, makeup, long showers where we have to shave and exfoliate and condition. It's only fitting that we plot there, too. :)

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