I sat down and was actually able to get some “writing” done today. Originally, I wanted to create something new, but I had trouble deciphering just what that “new” story would be. That didn’t exactly work out. But, what I have been wanting to do for quite a while is write a sequel to Burn Out. I started on this before, wrote a nice introductory chapter, and then lost my enthusiasm when I couldn’t think of a new case I wanted Carmine and Bekowsky to work on.
This morning, I decided to revisit that chapter. I intended to read the chapter to refresh my memory and then pick up writing from there. However, I ended up spending much of my time editing the chapter while still adding some fresh sentences and ideas here and there. It ain’t much, but it’s honest work.
I still have no idea what case I’m going to give them. I had started one previously but when I began to write it out, I no longer liked it. It was going to be interesting with some exciting twists and turns, but the finality of the case was going to be anti-climactic, and the build-up to that conclusion wouldn’t fit a realistic alternative ending. As I was only three or four pages into it, I decided to scrap it and go in a different direction. I don’t know what that direction will be, but it will certainly be different.
Actually, I just worked out a possible ending with a good twist for that first sequel… Even I didn’t see it coming until now. Maybe that’s a sign it’ll be a fascinating twist for the reader, seeing as it took me a while to work it out. I think I know what to do now, and if I don’t, I’ll scrap it later on.
It’s much easier to write when you know which direction you want to go. It’s tough staring at a blank page or screen with endless options because you get overwhelmed with choices. I find it much easier to give yourself an idea, a parameter, a direction, and work within that. Like someone asking you to cook them a fantastic dish: if you have the choice to do whatever you’d like, you may get paralysis by analysis because of all the potential options. But, if someone says cook me a fantastic dish with salmon or steak as the entree, you have a parameter within which to work. Your options are limited, in a way, but still allow you to be creative within that realm. I think that’s a key for writing. Pick your direction and parameter and work within it. Don’t give yourself so many options you can’t choose any of them.
Drew Schroeder 