Some writers actually outline books and plot them start to finish, sit down each morning or after their day jobs and write until they meet their goal for the day. They handle distractions with ease and continue on. When I think of these lucky people, I see an early picture of Stephen King bent over a typewriter, his hair a mess, his glasses crooked on his face as he grimaces toward the camera. His hands still typing.

I am not one of those writers.

First a TV show, a song, (usually a song) or a story grabs my attention. Then, I’ll see someone, or more often than not, hear them comment on what I’m doing in my head. I saw a therapist about this at one point. The vote’s still out on whether or not I’m crazy. Don’t ask my family, please.

Xahara, the woman my current book is about runs a B&B. She has tips on bed making, efficient cleaning and cooking for large groups of people. What’s more, she offers them free of charge while I go about my day. She was the first to show up for this book, but she has more family than I do. I am getting to know them all a time goes.

With my dim idea and a character, I can start. This is where it gets tricky. This is where the muse comes in. I’m not one of those people who can write anywhere. I have to have my desk, my computer, a glass of water and a dog. Music can happen beforehand, but not while I’m trying to write. The dog is always willing to climb in the bed beside me and nap. I’ll show you. This is Charlie who is lying in the cat’s bed because the forty-five pound Lab mix lies in his.

Sleeping Charlie

Then, I pray the phone doesn’t ring and no one will need me for an hour or so and dive in. Xahara came with her story fully installed. All I had to do was glean the information. I found her at a carnival, staring at a carousel. She’d been there for a good portion of the evening, so there had to be a reason. Then a man came along. One she knew who didn’t understand the words no or I’m busy.

Good thing he didn’t, or I’d have been back at square one. The carnival theme has held true. We’re on a wild, roller coaster ride I still can’t quite see the end of yet. The muse is still here, helping, along with all the people I go to when I’m stuck.

And truthfully, I can’t say I wish I were one the writers mentioned above. Sitting at my keyboard, watching this story unfold from my hands is an amazing process. A gift with a little magic thrown in.

~Kate~