I’ve taken to sitting on my porch when writing. I live in a very quiet neighborhood and what noise I do hear is soothing. Comforting. The weather was perfect for it the other day. Mildly threatening clouds with a cold, clean breeze. Today the air is thick of irritants.
I’m trying to delicately balance the benefits of my neuroses’s with their less than helpful drawbacks. The folder not only keeps everything in one place, but protects it all against damage from me. The composition notebook organizes the finalized background information, quick references of important plot details to keep me consistent, lists of important references to foods, plants, colors, cultures I’m pulling from, and a quick reference to what’s in each chapter as I’m writing so I can remember what secrets I’ve revealed and when.
I’m using graph paper for building, room, and grounds layouts. The lines help with perspective and keeping me contained. Grounded. Coloring them in was a dangerous endeavor, but I was able to stay focused and not get carried away. Everything is easier to describe now that I have it all laid out. I even drew some clothing designs and a few fountains for the garden.
I’m having so much fun with this. Weaving in so many of my favorite things. Little references to other tales that have become part of who I am. Allowing myself to play as much as the story allows, which is a lot. So, I’m going to get back to it!
The Accidental Domestic Goddess 