The Ever-changing View

Some writers talk about the Great Divide: Plotters v. Pantsers. There are those who figure out every turning point before they begin to write, and those who begin with an interesting character in an interesting situation and figure out the rest as they go. Likewise, some writers work in sequence from the story's start to its end, while others hop around, writing what they feel like writing at any given point in time.

I'm the worst sort of grasshopper--I hop from one story to another, lured by some interesting spark of a scene; think of a new and fascinating character, and set aside the H&H (&H, sometimes) I've been playing with to move on to my new love. Of course, a contract will keep me nicely focused--yes, that's a hint! --but without that...happily, hoppily, grasshopping I shall go.

Last week, I intended to do some research for a project I've been meaning to get around to. Just a small bit of fact-checking, a couple of resources. Really. Had my search terms all laid out, knew just what I was looking for and more or less where it should be found, set aside the time, sat down at the keyboard--and hopped. From recipes to biography, etymology to viniculture to sculpture, advertising, and beyond. Including some of the tackiest shoes I've ever seen. Yes, folks, there is a coin slot in the heel!

I may be an impoverished writer, but somehow...no. Still, someone must buy the things, in some one of their many versions (they come with dollar signs or kisses, too!). Imagine if you will the sort of person who could wear these, and the stories of their lives.

Imagine me, flipping through my mental Rolodex, checking to see if any of my current heroes are in need of such women--or such footwear.




Some people have views of the water, eternal and ever-changing. Me, I have the Internet, somewhat less soothing but capable of infinite diversion. Still haven't found what I was looking for, either, but I can't really complain. It's one of the benefits of being a writer: I can always claim it as research, because sooner or later, it will prove to have been. Well, maybe not the ultra-tacky shoes, and I can't think what use the too-clever Suicidal Bunny ad campaign might be except that it made me laugh, but I'll do something with the rest.

Probably. Unless something more interesting happens to bounce its way across my path.

Oh, wait! What if that bunny were animate? Cursed, perhaps, or strangely blessed (chocolate being the gift of the gods, and all). Aware. Hmm. I could probably do something with that...