Writing Wednesday - Found It!

I found it!

Well, I found one of the two things I was looking for with regard to what I want to be writing on. It had fallen down beside a shelf and when I moved something Lady K needed, it popped out. (I'm still looking for Anise Sweetgum notes, but it will appear when it needs to appear. I have some plans for that too.)

Sigh...

However,

While I haven't been putting words on paper or into the computer, I have been mulling things over in my head. And I think I have reached some clarity with the issues I have had with the story. I think I have been trying to shove too much information into the book. 

In other words, subplots and backstory are great. However, too much of either is well, too much. 

And I feel this has been part of my resistance to writing the story itself.

So...

I have decided to write the story. Just the story. And the subplots as they truly apply per main characters. Only one subplot per character, if they even have a subplot at all. Plus, a whole subplot about the young couple who are involved with the property where the main character lives - make notes, lightly touch on it if needed, and save it for a possible next story. 

And...

I also need to pull together all the parts of my final presentation for the year for the library gardening programs. I have a couple of weeks to do so. 

Therefore, on my calendar AND on the white board for Foxy and Lady K, I am blocking out time to write and not only finish up the program, but to get the whole story plotted out with all the bits and pieces I have made notes on already. 

The backstory for parts of the book are necessary for me to write the book. However, I don't have to wedge it ALL into the actual story. Plus, this isn't an epic fantasy or family dynasty story. I don't need countless subplots for it to work. 

I will be dragging out some large sheets of grid paper and will go through the story beat-by-beat and outline. Then from there I can flesh out chapter by chapter. 

Already I feel more at peace with the story and ready to start actually working again!