A writer’s plot often can benefit from a change of scene.
Since exercise is so beneficial for everything else, why not in writing a novel’s scene?
As I drove home from the gym yesterday, I mulled over a tricky scene I needed to write. I couldn’t figure out how to pull it off.
The more I thought about it, the more discouraged I became.
As things stood, I’d need to write far more about the Spanish influenza than I wanted. I needed to finish off the loose ends for the entire book–we were at the penultimate chapter, now.
All that exercising sent blood flowing to my brain, and I suddenly saw how to do it!
Eureka! A new idea for a scene
I’ve noticed the advantage of taking a brain for a walk. By exercising the rest of the body and getting the blood moving, my brain sorted out the plot.
One spot was often a place where story elements came together, and I could “see” the entire scene.
That was the advantage of having a dog–I had to walk her, and my brain (usually) came along as well.
Since I walked in a deserted neighborhood, I worked out–by speaking aloud–almost all the dialogue.
By the time I got home, all I had to do was type it into the computer. Voila! Another scene done.
Maybe it’s not exercise but increased blood flow to the brain?
Don’t you get great ideas in the shower?
I’m not sure how many times I’ve figured out a knotty scene while taking a shower.
Just last week, I burst out of the flowing water, threw on a robe, and scurried to my computer. I scribbled notes for everything I invented while washing my hair.
I had to call my walking partner and ask for a short reprieve while I wrote the new scene.
It was a good scene.
No water in it.
I’ve written about taking a break from a project to allow the “boys in the basement” to finish plotting issues.
I have writer friends who gather to brainstorm their stories together. I envy them.
For me, it’s just God and, in the good old days, my dog. I thought, plotted, contrived, examined, and marveled at storyline twists!
As long as the blood flows to my head, I’ll keep it up.
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I don’t listen to the radio or music for the most part when I am in the car. This is my quiet, meditative time…ME time.
And I’m sure you get brilliant insights while you’re driving. One of mine (while out of radio range) changed my life. 🙂
If I need help I pray for the Holy Spirit to give me guidance. That means I may be in various places when I am given creative thoughts. If I am exercising I will be riding my stationary bike and reading so exercise bike is not the place. A solitary walk might work, but I have not wanted to walk alone much for personal security reasons. I think it is a great idea to have a special place as you suggest. I will give it more thought.
I’m not sure you need to have a place, Janice, I was laughing more at the fact the Holy Spirit speaks to us in so many different places! Even with a cat sitting on our lap!
Like you, I do some of by best thinking in the shower.
Such an efficient use of time and water, don’t you think Susan? 🙂
I am very interested about the one particular place where ideas seem to come to you. I’ve collected some notes on that phenomenon vis-a-vis creative endeavors.
Well, it’s either the shower or the car. I don’t have a dog to walk anymore. 🙁
I get most of my ideas when dealing with the dogs, or at night when I can’t sleep.
Not the shower – I’m still acclimated to oil-drum showers, where you pull a rope to soak yourself, lather up, then pull the rope again to rinse.
If there’s still water.
Not much time to think, but did you know that diesel residue is good for the skin?