See I write the kind of books I want to read. So I like to have the sense of mystery when it comes to writing. Of course, I will never be that surprised because I know where I want to go with the plot.
I tried to figure out this scene list in just one short day, which is pure lunacy just on its own. You can't figure that much out in one day.
The problem that started this whole problem was that I would be writing dialogue or a scene that was way farther in the plot then I actually had on paper.
I didn't see this as productive.
So I tried to make it "legal" by creating a checklist, if you will, of scenes.
I didn't get to far.
I soon realized that I didn't really want to be doing this.
So what if I write something further ahead in the plot. I'm all for daily goals, schedules, personal quotas, and that sort of thing, but those are going to be hard scenes! Perhaps it is a blessing that my sub-conscious is already scheming them up, because those scenes are going to require a lot of work!
Back before Runaway didn't have its own title and was just "Part 1" someone told me writing is rewriting. That is about the truest statement I have heard outside of the Bible. The first manuscript of Runaway was nothing more than a detailed plot outline.
Although, things are not as bad for Soldier. Soldier, I know what needs to happen in this book and I know where I am going to cut it off, so part three can pick it up.
My problem is I am afraid to write garbage, I'm afraid that I will write something silly or stupid or, heaven forbid, unrealistic.
So instead of writing a brilliantly crafted, well organized masterpiece I write squat.
If there is one thing harder to work with than junk its nothing.
Oh that I could learn that!
I have the same trouble in my walk with Jesus. Well, what if Jesus wants me to do that? What if he doesn't want me to do this. I need to think about it some more, I need a sign, I need a nap, I need chocolate, I need Dr. Pepper.
Blah, Blah, Blah
There is a great episode of the old Dick Van Dyke show in which Rob and Laura hire a painter to repaint there living room. Only the painter is a real goof ball and hasn't accomplished much of anything through out the weeks of his employment. His employers aren't making much of a stand against his ways either.
So one night Rob and Laura are getting ready for bed, walking though the living room with its covered couches and tables, but no new paint.
Laura has just about had it and tells Rob, "You know what I'd wish you do?"
Rob looks at her expectantly.
"SOMETHING!"
Okay, I admit it, that was a long way to go for not a lot. But it so true. Think of the parable of the three servants in Matthew 25, the only servant that got yelled at was the one who didn't do anything with the money he had been getting.
The others did something with the cash. They invested it, they had success Jesus didn't say whither or not they encountered difficulties, but at least they took action. The master in the parable said, "Why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it." But what did the servant do instead? He buried the money in a hole out of fear.
I think that is something we have forgotten,
the power of action.
