Is Your Plot Bunny Leading You on a Wild Goose Chase?

A weekly blog hop

where writers get together

to talk about what inspires them.

This week I’m inspired by plot bunnies. Those marvellous story ideas that turn up at the most inopportune moments, dazzle you with their clever brilliance, and then bound off at speed, so you have no choice but to follow and see where they end up.

In my experience chasing a plot bunny is by no means a sure thing. Sometimes you follow a character, a twist or an idea that leads nowhere. When the initial excitement wears off, you realise it’s chewed up a big chunk of your writing time and hasn’t taken the story anywhere.

But at times, and what times they are, the plot bunny delivers an unforeseen twist that grabs a floundering story by the lapels and infuses it with new life.

For me, the most enjoyable plot bunnies include unexpected characters. Characters that were supposed to have a small role in the story, but manage to shoulder their way into the action and demand the story take a whole new course. Usually with them centre stage.

I was seduced by one such character a few months ago. She wasn’t supposed to have a big role, but at one point I seriously considered telling the story entirely from her POV. For a heart-stopping moment, a considerable part of the WIP was in danger of being shelved, all because this character couldn’t possibly have been involved in it.

This time, caution won the day and I indulged her by writing about six chapters in a row entirely in her POV (unusual for me). Although I love this new storyline, once I got it out of my system, I can see how it will work just as well woven into the larger story.

I think.

The verdict is still out.

But what a fun character…

More recently I‘ve been struggling with a stalled plotline. Where I’d planned myself into a corner.

No matter how I hit this particular point in the story, the result was sleep-inducing scenes. And when you’re putting yourself to sleep, what hope does the reader have?

Honestly, I was a wee bit desperate. To the point when I wanted to send ReGi McClain’s plot ninjas in to cut off everyone’s head. You know how it goes: Josiah stands up to dedicate the Sanctuary, a ninja swoops in - zwhack. Marcus is crowned, and both head and crown hit the ground. Stella flirts with Artemis, surely she won’t lose her head over him… Sorry I know it’s bad, but you get the idea. Things were pretty dire.

Fortunately another true blue plot bunny turned up.

Follow me, it seemed to say. You know that insignificant scene you wrote about the dedication? The one you were thinking about cutting – well maybe there was something in that look. Maybe that one little look started a whole chain of events leading to kidnap, blackmail and opening up a whole can of emotionally charged worms. Maybe the bad guy isn’t as bad as you thought. Maybe he was manipulated by someone… er, badder?

Really? I answer casually, reaching for my notebook. Badder you say? Tell me more. I’m totally prepared to step away from my carefully plotted, but at this point totally uncaptivating outline, and explore this new path… (Notice the calm tone of voice – in my experience plot bunnies are very easily scared off).

So have I found my story equivalent to the Rosetta Stone? The telling moment that might pull everything together? Or am I off on another wild goose chase?

Who knows? But all of sudden my WIP is looking exciting again. And if some of the twists and turns leading on to my (already planned) out ending are shrouded in the mists of wait-and-see, I think I can live with it. Because the muse is up and hopping again!

If you want to know more about plot bunnies, and the myriad of forms they come in – check out this awesome, funny and scarily true post from wikiwrimo, entitled simply Plot Bunny. You may be more familiar with them than you realise…

Many thanks to Rhiann Wynn-Nolan for hosting this blog hop. To join in, or check out what’s inspiring the other participants click on this linky.

Thursday’s children according to the rhyme, have far to go. This week I’ve travelled all the way into Friday to post this… so wishing you all the love and best wishes Friday’s child can deliver. Happy writing!

What’s Up Buttercup? WIPpet Wednesday

We’re having one of those glorious autumn mornings in the Land of the Long White Cloud. It’s cool but not the promised southerly that pierces the bones, the few low-lying clouds are burning off and the sun is shining. My poor sick children have recovered enough to be at school and I get to hang out with the wonderful WIPpeteers and their awesome creations!

My work in progress has been undergoing a fairly hard edit over the past few months and I think I’ve gotten a handle on how to improve the story. One of the things that has become very clear, is that the story at times can be fairly heavy. There are people making letting themselves down, at least one seriously disturbed individual causing trouble, grief, betrayal and a dose of politics to give the world some structure. Add in the warm fluffies that is the editing process and I was starting to depress myself. Is this the story I really want to tell?

The short answer is yes. But in order to balance out what at times can be quite a heavy story, there needs to be shades of light too. And as I’m starting the rewrite, and gearing up to write the next act, I’m looking for places to soften the edges and add a bit of humour and colour. There are a few characters that are key contenders to lighten the mood. Stellar leaves a trail of stardust where ever she goes, Tobias can be an unfettered ray of sunshine when he turns on the charm, and Jae and Zak could fight over their own names. However, Simon (Josiah’s old aide / assistant) is one of my favourites. He is the original old dog – who is so set in his ways he’s not moving for anyone. Anyone. So it’s kind of fun to watch people go around him.

Today’s WIPpet is a follow-on from an earlier post – People Skills. If you remember Simon, was having a moment about a novice who he thought was getting a bit above himself. When Simon found out the novice (Tobias) was being relegated to digging privies for the dedication he was (quietly) mollified. This WIPpet is from the next chapter when Tobias is gearing up to run the Simon gauntlet, but the path is unusually clear. Suspiciously clear…

The very talented ReGi McClain has already posted about a very savvy assistant this week, so as we’re on the same wavelength I’m going to shamelessly steal her clever mathematical formula to make this WIPpet conform to the ‘strictly enforced’ requirement that our WIPpets relate to the date. So here are 20 lines, (May 15 + 5 (for the 5th month) = 20… nothing contrived about that at all…) from The Fall of the Kings.

Before he ventured up to the Overseer’s Quarters, Tobias swung by the stables and having clapped eyes upon Josiah’s horse was determined to get past Simon if it was the last thing he did.

He still smarted from the stand-off the evening before.  The Overseer’s aide, or the bull-dog which seemed a more accurate title, had stonewalled him.  Refusing to discuss Josiah’s whereabouts and then chasing him off as though he were a junior kitchen hand rather than a novice under instruction from the Overseer himself. 

This morning Simon could snarl and snap all he liked, but he was going to see Josiah.

As the big iron-bound doors came into view, Tobias felt Simon’s presence before he saw him.  Squaring his shoulders and pulling himself up to full height, he told himself he was ready for anything Simon could throw at him.

He couldn’t have been more wrong.

He found the old man in a sea of boxes; his focus clearly on creating order out of chaos.

“Oh it’s you.  He’s expecting you.  Knock before you go in.”

 Simon barely glanced up from his work; yet he seemed almost cheerful.  And was it his imagination or was there a slight lift at the edges of the granite hard mouth?

The change was so disturbing, Tobias opened his mouth to say something; but with the path to Josiah clear for the first time in living memory he thought better of it and closed it again before tapping gently on the door.

To join in with the WIPpeteers, or to check out what they’re working on at the moment click on this linky or cruise on over to the lovely K.L. Schwengel’s blog for more details.

Well I hope you’re having a good day wherever you are! Do you have a favourite stubborn character, or one that lightens the mood of your more serious tales?

I Know How He Feels… WIPpet Wednesday

I was thinking of renaming this blog WIPpet Wednesday with Raewyn, mainly because real life obligations have been crazy time-consuming and the WIPpets have been about all I can manage. Saying that I adore the WIPpeteers, and at least I’m still tapping into the writing (it’s alive, but on life-support at the moment). However I have my eyes on next week, when the schedule should settle down, and apart from my sister visiting from Aussie *happy dance*, this blog will be receiving some TLC.

Until then, thank you for bearing with me!

Here is this weeks WIPpet, a sneak peek into my work in progress The Fall of the Kings. In honour of the 8th of May, here are 8 lines from page 8. Let’s just say Josiah is feeling out of sorts.

After Marcus left, I couldn’t concentrate. I tried to go over my speech for the dedication ceremony, but my mind kept wandering and the words swam about on the page, slippery and impossible to hold. 

Simon brought a tray of food, which should have been a welcome distraction. But the smell of the spiced stew, fresh from the kitchen and steaming hot turned my stomach. I picked at a piece of plain bread, but even that seemed to stick in my throat. In the end I left it, and started pacing around the room; rolling my head and stretching my neck in a futile effort to relieve the headache that was rapidly building.

Have you ever felt like that? Sadly, I know the feeling well.

For those who want to meet the other WIPpeteers and check out their WIPs – click on this linky. If you’re feeling brave, join us! We’re a pretty friendly bunch. Just post something out of your own work in progress that has some correlation to the date, 8 words, lines, paragraphs, from chapter 8 etc. Be as creative as you like with the math (we often are). Many thanks again to the super-talented K.L. Schwengel for hosting. If you haven’t checked out her book First of Her Kind, it’s well worth a read!

Have a great week, and to steal Kathi’s term – keep cracking that WIP!

A Little Tenderness? WIPpet Wednesday

Wednesday’s almost flown the coop here in NZ, and all this bashing on about being at the start of the timezone is coming back to bite me today. So before the date ticks over, here’s my WIPpet Wednesday offering and a request for help!

In honour of it being the 1st of May, here is the first paragraph (as it stands) of my current work in progress, The Fall of the Kings. It is told in Josiah’s voice:

Gareth looked at me with such tenderness, I was almost undone.  When he reached across the table and grasped my arm, only the iron discipline forged as Overseer prevented me from breaking down and giving my grief full reign.  Never mind he was the longest serving of the twelve kings of Gaelladorn, and I the Conscience of the Kingdom.  Because of my exalted position no one had as much as patted me on the shoulder since Alyssa died.

Now, if you could see my schedule at the moment you would know I need help on many levels just now. However on the writing side I’ll keep it short and sweet.

When I first started writing Josiah’s story, this paragraph launched me straight into his head. It was the first time I’d ever written in first person, and it appears to be the only way I can write him. Yet as much as I love this character, I’ve had constant feedback that this paragraph makes people immediately assume the POV character is a woman.

Hmm, methinks this is a problem.

Because I’m still a bit precious about this paragraph (I haven’t hit hard edits yet), I tried to get around it by putting Josiah’s name at the start of the paragraph to indicate POV (man, man – but kind of soft lovely man really), and paragraph three alludes to his wife (Alyssa), but I’m really wondering if tenderness is the right word for a couple of old blokes having a moment.

If it were set in NZ, Gareth would just nod sagely and say, “Mate!” in a long slow meaningful drawl…

Is tenderness the problem? Is there a better adjective? A more manly one? I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas or impressions.

A big shout out to my fellow WIPpeteers! We’re very friendly and love company. If you want to join us, just post a section of your Work in Progress that has some correlation to the date (trust me the correlation can be very loose), and click over to this linky to add yourself to the WIPpet crew! Many thanks as always to the lovely K.L. Schwengel for hosting!

People Skills: WIPpet Wednesday

One of the highlights of my week is hanging out with the Wednesday WIPpeteers – my awesome international writing buddies, who are good enough to share snippets from their work in progress. Although these pieces are often out of context and early drafts, it’s a great way to keep motivated and to catch up on teasers from a wide range of manuscripts. WIPpeteers, I salute you!

Today’s WIPpet, is (for a change) totally in line with the date. In honour of the 24th of April, here are 24 lines from page 24 of The Fall of the Kings. The passage is from Josiah’s perspective.

After a few minutes I realised Simon had stopped speaking and was looking at me, as though waiting for an answer.

I gave a vague nod, hoping I hadn’t agreed to anything I’d regret and rubbed my forehead.  The last thing Tobias needed was for anyone to think he was my favourite.

“I told Tobias to come and see me as soon as he returned. He probably took me literally.”

Simon snorted and shuffled towards the door. 

“But if he turns up early show him in. I have a job for him.”

Simon’s lips pulled together in a tight line, disapproval radiating out of every pore. But I pretended not to notice.

“We’re expecting such a large influx of people for the Dedication, I promised the Council some extra hands. Besides it’ll stop him cluttering up your reception area.”

 “As you wish.”

He gave a sharp nod, and his shoulders stiffened, as though it was all he could do to maintain his dignity.  I was tempted to let him have his sulk, but as prickly as Simon was, he served me tirelessly and deserved to be treated with kindness.  It would also make things easier for Tobias when he returned.

“I would have asked you Simon, but I thought digging the temporary privys was more suited to a novice than someone of your experience.”

“Of course.”

Although the words were delivered in a stoic manner, his cheek gave a tell-tale twitch.  This was one matter he would let go of.

If you would like to join in the WIPpet Wednesday fun, just post something from your work in progress that has some correlation to the date. 24 words, lines, paragraphs from page 24, or chapter 24. Being creative with the date reference is totally in the spirit of this blog hop! Then head over to this linky to join in the fun. Thanks as always to K.L. Schwengel for hosting!

Seasons of Change: Thursday’s Children

A weekly blog hop where

writers come together to share

what inspires them.

We all know everything changes and nothing stays the same – but it doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Today I had to farewell a close friend, who is moving away. She’s returning home (to the States), into a new and exciting phase of her life. I’m happy for her and can see how this is perfectly timed and a good move, but this new season also comes with a heavy-handed sprinkling of grief.

No more hanging out in her car before school pick-ups, no more looking over my shoulder in the movie theatre during the enthusiastic commentaries, and no more hours discussing the finer points of writing.

Yes there’s still all the virtual stuff, and we’ll keep in touch. But I’m going to miss her terribly.

So apart from feeling sorry for myself, how is this inspiring?

Firstly, my friend was one of the first people I’ve really been able to share my writing journey with. She’s helped, encouraged and cheered me on when I’ve felt I’ve all the talent of a limp biscuit. So even if she is off in far-flung realms, I can take all these miserable, unsettled feelings and pour them into my writing. I can also keep writing, so we can continue to share our lives through the stories we write and the characters we’re coming to know.

Stories are always centered around change. How our characters cope, adapt, choose to grow through the process or refuse point-blank until the choice is taken out of their hands.

I’ve got a new story simmering at the moment, where the characters stand on the edge of each other’s worlds. Trying to make a life together will come with a cost, and in the story the piper is fast approaching. Understanding how they balance their relationship and the pull of different origins and backgrounds is always interesting to unravel. The pain of saying goodbye? Yes, it’s in there too.

Like the people in the Game of Thrones, winter is coming to little ole NZ. It’s not my favourite season; the garden all but goes in to hibernation, it’s cold, wet and the hours of daylight grow short. However, I can also snuggle in by the fire, wrap up against the cold, enjoy the sound of the rain on the roof and look forward to the first signs of a new spring.

Sad yes, but looking forward to this new season too.

If you want to join the blog hop, or see what’s inspiring everyone else click across to this linky and check us out. Many thanks to Rhiann Wynn-Nolet and Kristina Perez for hosting.

First Impressions: WIPpet Wednesday

It’s WIPpet Wednesday! The day when we pry open our Work In Progress and give you a peek inside. This week, in honour of the 17th I’ve posted about 17 lines from page 14 of The Legend of the Kings.

In this scene Jae is sitting in a bar waiting for reinforcements, and an opportunity to get even with the man who has robbed and beaten a traveller child (the fey). The start of this chapter was posted as A Bully by Any Other Name in an earlier WIPpet.

The bar door banged, and a few people turned to stare openly at the newcomer.  Not the others, they wouldn’t draw attention.  Instead a tall, lanky young man wearing the plain brown tunic of the Order, and hoisting a large journeyman’s pack stood in the doorway surveying the room.  Oblivious to the growing tension he made for the bar, taking the empty seat next to the oaf and dropping his pack at his feet.

“Here’s one that’ll appreciate a drink off the back of the fey.”  The big man raised his tankard with one hand and clapped the newcomer on the shoulder. “Taught one a lesson today.  Won’t be seeing his magic around here any time soon.”

Jae ground her teeth.  She wanted to rip his tongue out and silence his bragging forever.

Surprisingly the young man slid off the stool – away from the oaf, as if recoiling from a snake.   Retrieving his backpack, he caught the bartender’s eye and gestured towards the stairs.

“Any rooms free?”

The bartender nodded.  The young man made for the stairs, but then seemed to think better of it and turned back, staring at the brightly coloured scarf poking out of the man’s pocket as though something troubled him.  The whole tavern seemed to fall silent, so when he spoke the words seemed to ring out overly loud.

“There’s never a reason to be proud of stealing.”

The oaf turned crimson and started to his feet, but the young man didn’t seem to notice.  Having had his say he’d already turned and was striding across the room.

Jae couldn’t have been more surprised if he’d sprouted wings and flown away.  She’d never heard anyone stick up for a traveller before.  Especially one of the Order.  Realising her mouth was hanging open she shovelled in another spoonful of soup and watched the man disappear up the stairs.

If you want to join the WIPpeteers and share a piece of your own work in progress, add your link to this linky. Many thanks as always to K.L.Schwengel for hosting.