Curve Ball

So I'm following this outline, which as I said earlier, was the process I used when I wrote THE VASE. It worked like a charm for THE VASE. Sure I added a few new elements and plot twists, but generally, the story stayed true to the outline.

But in KILLER EYES, which is at the midpoint of the story right now, I am finding that this story is taking me somewhere else. It's like I'm on a roller coaster, and the tracks are being laid only moments before the ride takes me there.

What I'm saying is that this outline is NOT what's happening now. The first half of this book was pretty true to the outline. But now the second half has veered from it, and I don't even know how I will get to the climax from where I'm at now. It's like the story is writing itself, which really doesn't surprise me. It's exactly what happened in KILLER OF KILLERS. I used no outline for that one. The story wrote itself. I love that story, but figured an outline was the safer route. I didn't want to tempt providence a second time. (Anyone recognize that line? The black fisherman from the movie Dr. No said that.)

Anyway, an outline got me halfway through, but I'm not going to be rigid. So much more is going on in the story now than what is in that outline. My advice to anyone listening, (or reading) is to let your own instincts prevail. Be flexible. I think the story that's happening now is a hundred times better than the one I had in the outline. Now I can't wait until tomorrow, to keep this thing going. Too bad we have to sleep. I would very much like to keep writing. But then I won't be able to cook breakfast for my kids tomorrow morning. My wife will be at work, and it's just me and my two sons.

Now you know why I get most of my writing done at night. The wife's asleep...the boys are asleep, and FINALLY I have peace and quiet and NOBODY calling me for this or for that. Ah, yes...it's just me and my writing. That's a wonderful feeling. Into the wee hours of the night. Been at it for almost four hours now. Better get some sleep.