Writing the Ordinary: The Practice of Noticing

I am four days into my November writing challenge. Tomorrow I will post my current word count!

Writing at this pace is pretty intense, but once I get into the rhythm of it, dropping into flow gets easier. And I really enjoy writing a messy first draft. It is a very freeing exercise, as long as you accept its messiness.

I spent October thinking about this project. I love the dreamy time in the creation process, when the story is beginning to take shape, although very loosely. Characters are emerging as if from a steamy room into clear air. I don’t want to know too much, just enough to begin, then allow the momentum to carry me along.

The story knows best where it is going.

What I do know is that it’s likely my characters will be ordinary people and pretty ordinary things will happen to them.

Does that seem dull?

Well, here’s my truth: I write the small, everyday ruptures, hurts, and joys. I write about everyday people and everyday life. I can write pages and pages about the way a character thinks, feels about, and reacts to ordinary life. I find that kind of exploration fascinating.

Read the entire post on my Substack!