There are some days when I wonder just what my writing routine is. A lot of authors talk about specific ways they go about writing a book. Some will sketch out the plot before writing, others just start writing and try to let the plot fall into place.

When writing fanfic, I have to have almost all of the story in place in my head before I start writing. Most of the time, I can actually “see” the scenes in my head, picture the characters doing/saying everything as though I was watching a video. But occasionally the “evil plot bunnies” carry me off in a different direction, and for the most part, I almost always listen. I’ve gotten so used to listening to the bunnies that I’ve even had to name them. The Giant Lop Ears of North Nagook (GLENN for short) seem to enjoy twisting my plots around and around and sending me off in a multitude of directions. My readers don’t seem to mind, but somedays I curse the bunnies for their willy-nilly and sporadic lane changes!

When writing a book, I’ve discovered it doesn’t flow quite as easily if I try to follow the rules. Right now I have a WIP started, but GLENN keeps trying to distract me into another direction. I have two story plots in my head, and one of which I started writing. GLENN apparently wants me to combine the two plots.

When I let GLENN take the lead, I tend to write very quickly, with the story flowing out onto my PC. When I fight them, I get stuck — which is where I am right now.

I’m beginning to think I need to listen, because if I don’t, GLENN is never going to let me get anything on paper. Luckily I’m only 3 chapters into the manuscript, so at this point, the change should be easy.

Although it is still annoying being under the influence of invisible bunnies.

Nika