So it’s quarter to one in the morning. I have a busy day tomorrow – a meeting, going to find out about getting a new tattoo, a (hopeful!) blood donation, and then I need to get some nice food in and cook for my poorly other half, who is coming up to visit for the weekend and hold my hand as I find out if I can give blood or not. But I’m not tucked up in bed, where I should be. I’m sitting at my desk (in a relatively tidy room; proud of myself!), writing away because inspiration has ensnared me in her vice-like grip.
Where’s this inspiration come from? I have absolutely no idea. It may be a combination of finally relaxing after a stressful few days (an assessment deadline as well as a few other factors), tiredness and the incredible Spotify playlist I’ve created. It could also be just from somewhere in the depths of my mind, where my characters live and have decided to embark on this delicious plot twist. Who knows?
In the grand scheme of things, the effect of this plot twist on the story in general is minimal. It’s actually more of a relationship twist than a plot twist, because it will have no effect on how the story ends – it just has quite a profound effect on one character; the main character, who finds it will change her perception of something quite important (I’m not going to explain in too much detail because I’m hoping to publish this eventually).
I’ve just written a section of a chapter, and quite honestly I think it is one of my favourite pieces of writing ever. There will be more along the way in the course of this story – after all, there’s three books to write, and a lot of big moments I’m really excited about writing (or re-writing, as the case may be) – but I am a little bit in love with this section I’ve just written. I’m usually overly-critical of my writing, because I don’t go in for prose as much as most other writers – I like to focus on the people and the plot, rather than using flowery language, which was why I hated “Wuthering Heights” so much. However, in this section, I think my style of writing really works, and I am unbelievably proud of it.
So this is really just a post about my unexpected plot (or relationship, whichever word works best) twist. Turns out the best ideas really do come along when you’re not expecting it. The moral of the story – if you want complete control over the characters you’ve created, don’t write about them. The moment you start writing, they will develop a life of their own – and you will not be responsible for what they choose to do with their lives. All you can do is observe it and write it down. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s the best part about being a writer.
the life of a moomin 