Thursday, August 27, 2009

My new crush


I'm in the throes of love. New, sparkly, tickle your toes kind of love.

I've got a new novel spewing out. And, I'm kind of excited about it. Can you tell?

It's like nothing I've ever written. It's for a youngish middle-grade reader, and so far, it isn't headed toward the dark side (which I've discovered is an unsettling tendency that I have as a writer--death, poison, danger . . .). It feels cute, fresh and fun--and it's flowing. All I really have right now are a few characters with whom I am fascinated. A general idea of how to solve the main conflict--whatever that conflict is going to end up being . . . who knows?

But, right now, I'm in the stage of letting these weird little characters take me wherever they want, and I'm not letting that critic's voice in at all. Not yet.

I love this phase of the whole process. I'm scribbling down notes in the carpool line--man, I've got to get an actual notebook to carry around with me because I'm running out of gas station receipts.

I've still got major revisions and brainstorming to do on some of my other works. But, right now, I'll just see where this goes (if anywhere). Anybody else out there in a new relationship?

15 comments:

Katie Anderson said...

SF, you are so cute! Where did you get that adorable cartoon?!

I, for one, think this new idea is one of those that you were "born" to write. It resonates with all of those little girl stories that you have told me over the years.

LOVE it!!!!!

JESSJORDAN said...

Okay, how awesome is it that you 2 get to bounce your ideas off of one another? I'm jealous. My husband tries to look enthusiastic, but it's just not the same.

I love the new crush feeling. Oh, the butterflies ... Just wait until your crush turns around and flashes you a smile. It'll be the end of you :)

lisa and laura said...

Ooh, SF and her New MG sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G...

Love new ideas! And may I recommend a Lily Pulitzer notebook for jotting down fun stuff in car pool lanes? Brainstorms are so much prettier when they're housed in pink and green paisley.

Little Ms J said...

Ah, new love. Isn't it great?

Check out PaperBlanks notebooks. Weird, kitschy little notebooks of all sizes and such. Love 'em. One in car, one in purse... a must have.

storyqueen said...

I love new ideas.....sigh.....I love them best when I just let them go where they want to go...no cranky internal editor AT ALL. And the best part is when you read over what you wrote the next day and it still makes you smile....sigh.

Jealously yours,

Shelley

Sherrie Petersen said...

Ah, young love...isn't it great? It's such a fabulous feeling. Katie, get that girl a notebook to keep in the car =)

Corey Schwartz said...

Oh, good for you, SF! Run with it!!!

(Maybe our current PB idea is not meant to be?)

Hardygirl said...

Okay, Lila! Your comment has made me laugh. The mother in this book wears Lily Pulitzer sundresses all the time (complete with a pink bow--yes, the mother), and she makes her daughter dress like her (how embarrassing).

My favorite line in the book so far:
"My dad was an accountant. . . my mom's a fairy."

I think a Lily notebook might be just what I need for this one!

sf

Hardygirl said...

Okay, Lila! Your comment has made me laugh. The mother in this book wears Lily Pulitzer sundresses all the time (complete with a pink bow--yes, the mother), and she makes her daughter dress like her (how embarrassing).

My favorite line in the book so far:
"My dad was an accountant. . . my mom's a fairy."

I think a Lily notebook might be just what I need for this one!

sf

Kimberly Derting said...

Good for you! I was in a new relationship but we had to take a break while I sort things out with an ex (revise on another manuscript!). We'll get back together soon...I just know it!!!

Elana Johnson said...

I hear you! I decided to rewrite my first book. And I mean completely rewrite it. Like from scratch. And I'm in love again!

Hardygirl said...

I'm now going to post a WIP meter like Katie's. I think, since this is a younger middle grade, I'll set my goal at 30,000.

sf

Tyler said...

Yay, congrats on the new love! It's always great when a story comes along that you just HAVE to write.

I'm feeling the ticklings of a new project coming on, and can't wait to get this same feeling going with whatever it ends up being!

Christy Raedeke said...

I love the new WIP meters! And cheers to the new crush.

Graeme Stone said...

I'm cheating on one book by writing another. I'm not sure if it's working, but the book in Late 2 is definitely the newcomer and it is very freeing to write something that takes you on a journey rather than outlining to death. Keep up the free hand and free spirit. I read that that's how "Holes" was written. Just pen to paper and he let himself go.

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