WeWriWa: Where Is This Plotline Going?

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Sunday, August 07, 2016

WeWriWa: Where Is This Plotline Going?


My office cat editor asks a good question. I’m working through PRINCE OF POWER, the second book in my House of Terriot Foursome shape-shifter series and in this second book, unlike the first book PRINCE OF HONOR, I didn’t start on page one and write straight through as I usually do. Why? Because I stopped part way in because I realized I had to write PoH first. So, what to do with all those random scenes that bombarded me on my drive to work? I wrote them down the second I got into the office, of course, and saved them to use when I returned to that now second book. Here’s one such scene for today’s 8-10 line sneak peek:

The ride up to their family compound in a hired limo was mostly silent as the three of them sat lost in their own thoughts of what they’d left and what they were returning to. In New Orleans, they’d been visitors, out of place and carefully watched, but when the gates swung open to invite them back inside the walls they’d protected for generations, they were suddenly more.

They were princes, clan rock stars, envied, feared, desired, and each of them felt the pressure that came with the precious stones in their ears, because with power, came responsibility and a certain cautious distance they’d briefly shrugged off in anonymity. 

Colin stood in the doorway to his room, confused by his hesitation to cross the threshold. Like several of his still single brothers, he’d had a wall knocked out to increase his space, allowing for a massive closet, a king bed that had seen more traffic than most national monuments, and a huge sound system housing his collection of ‘70s and ‘80s rock. It held all his adult memories, a place he’d used to change his clothes and spend nights he rarely remembered . . . or cared to. Upon entering the carefully regimented space, there was no sense of welcome. All he felt was alone. 

While he quickly stowed his travel kit and traded up from his rumpled attire to meet with his king and fellow princes, a deep down realization stirred uneasily inside.

He wasn’t glad to be back.


Sounds easy taking all those scenes and linking them together. But when I began, I remembered why I never finished any of the dozens of stories stashed away in my closet. It’s like having ingredients with no recipe! Which goes first? When does this get added in? Of course, back then I wrote long hand into a notebook and didn’t have the luxury of cut and paste.

It’s coming along, but will definitely need some filler and smoothing once I’m “done.” Back to it.

How are things fitting together for you this weekend?



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18 comments

  1. Good thing you wrote down those scenes. At least, you didn't forget them. Sounds intriguing. Good luck finding the plot. :)

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    1. I've got plot up the wazoo! It's putting it into the right order. I'm beating it into submission as we speak.

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  2. Great insight into his past and present!

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    1. Thanks, Jessica! I love moody broody men ... on paper.

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  3. If those are just snippets, I can't wait to read the book!

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    1. It's really rolling along now. Can't wait to see what you think.

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  4. This is a great insight into his character and life - so much detail in such a short snippet!

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  5. I like the description of the 'man pad' - the phrase ' a king bed that had seen more traffic than most national monuments' - a great description. Great snippet.

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  6. It's a crazy process, isn't it? And sometimes you just have to make it work the best you can. I love how much is said about Colin's past and present in this scene.

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  7. Loved the snippet, very evocative. Sounds like he had an epiphany. Excellent excerpt!

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  8. Great ending. You really get a sense of Colin's isolation.

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  9. The last line is like the final nail in his casket. Nice snippet.

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  10. The snippet gave me goosebumps - always a good sign! Sounds like you're way ahead of the game with this one. Can't wait!

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  11. Loved that last line, Nancy. In spite of having everything he could possibly want, he is missing that elusive "something". Glad you wrote this down!

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  12. Loved that last line, Nancy. In spite of having everything he could possibly want, he is missing that elusive "something". Glad you wrote this down!

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  13. I think you've done a stellar job of weaving them together, Nancy! Just love the "national monument" mention. lol

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  14. I love it. You know what kills me is when you have this phenomenal scene that is beyond amazing, and it doesn't fit anywhere. Ugh. One of the most poetic, evocative scenes I've ever written got ousted from my last book, and it almost made me cry. If I could sell the scene just as piece of flash fiction, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Hey, maybe I should use it for promotional purposes, eh?

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  15. Oh, you kitty editor is having fun! This is a great scene. It tells us so much about Colin's family dynamics and background, and then his self realization is icing on the cake. Great snippet!

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