Sunday, September 9, 2012

One Thing Leads to Another

Last winter was a mild one. Not much snow. Temps never really falling below zero. Then we had an early Spring. Which seemed good at the time, but perhaps did more 'harm' than good looking back. It was a record breaking hot, dry summer. My garden really took a hit. And now we're heading into fall. Right now we don't know exactly what these weather patterns will do with this season.

But already things are effected. We usually go apple picking in late September. Most places are already saying there won't be any 'pick your own' due to limited crops. My hubby read that come winter, live Christmas trees will be in short supply.

It's interesting how something that began months ago is effecting now. One thing leads to another and events you thought weren't connected turn out to be.

That's an important thing to keep in mind when writing. Every sentence drives the plot forward and has a purpose. Even minor details can become important later...because you make them that way. As a self-proclaimed pantster, it's not always easy to plant those details to make those connections later on. Mostly because I don't always know what's coming later on. I've gotten better though. With my last novella I had a pretty extensive outline/synopsis I was working from. Even without an outline, before starting a book I have a pretty good idea of how it's going to end. The fun then is getting from start to finish. Sometimes I don't know which way my characters are going to take me. But in the end, all of those little details have been connected and they help my hero and heroine get through their conflict to find their happily ever after.

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com

3 comments:

Margot Justes said...

Deb,
We always go apple picking with the kiddies end of September, hope there will be a few apples on the trees.
You're right long term we'll all be impacted by the mild winter and summer drought.
Margot
www.mjustes.com

Debra St. John said...

Only time will tell what else comes to light because of the odd weather pattern this year.

I hope you find some apples to pick!

Deb Larson said...

I like what you said about one sentence leading our characters on to the next. Each action has a reaction whether it's in our stories or real life.
DL Larson
PS: My apple trees are bare - no homemade apple slices/applesauce this year :(