The Days, They Have Ganged Up On Me

I try to take life one day at a time, but recently, several days have ganged up on me at once.

I'm back. Yes, I've been away again, and for a while. Health issues on my part as well as those of my One-and-Only. His problems turned out to be less serious than they appeared and he is on the mend. Mine are chronic. I'm not getting any worse, but intermittent flairs tend to throw me for a loop.

For a time, I considered putting my WIPs on the file cabinet. For a time, I thought about giving up writing. For a time, I despaired of putting words together in a coherent sentence. I was unable to concentrate on the story long enough to capture it in words. Most of my thoughts short-circuited between my brain and my fingers. I nodded off, mid-sentence, then found myself with lines of letters on a document and no recollection of their originating thought.

I took a sabbatical. I read for enjoyment. I watched movies. I slept - a lot. I tried not to think about writing.

I did not have a plan for my writing life at that point, but by the end of February, I regrouped, refitted my writing bag, and rekindled my enthusiasm. I cannot NOT write.

That said, I'm pleased to announce that "Reckless" has a plot, as well as a basic structure. I'm still putting all of the details in line, but the big picture, as well as the goals, motivations, and essential conflicts, are present. On paper. This week, I work out the smaller details and create my working outline.

I just need to remind myself that 'tis better to outline now, than to rework everything from the other end.