Day 1 of Our New Adventure...

Laura: Last night, I spent my time researching the state in which I intend to set my as-of-right-this-very-moment untitled novel. I love this stage. I’m partial to making up my own towns, but I have a fierce desire to make sure it will fit where I need it to fit. I’ve found pictures, maps, state government sites— all most helpful for Getting This Ball Rolling. I also research names— first and last, to make sure they’ll fit with the setting I’ve chosen. I created my character list, and began sketching out a few details.

Allow me to admit right now: I’m a Panster of the Worst Kind. I’ve already done more organizing of THIS particular novel than I’ve done for any other (I don’t generally go searching for actual pictures)— and I’m even (gasp) contemplating writing a blurb and at least a very general outline of the story line. For these latest blows to my Pansterhood, I blame Sherry— completely and entirely. It’s all her fault.

Next on my agenda: yeah, that blurb and general outline I mentioned above. But most immediately, I’m going to go wash my mouth out with chocolate for uttering/keyboarding the "B" and "O" words out loud.

Sherry: I began my Day 1 Adventure by racing home from a beach weekend getaway to see Laura’s efforts in the making of this blog. Could it be real? Did we really commit to this? As usual, she had everything up and running before I could say ‘cowabunga’.

No going back now. The Adventure Begins in earnest.

Talk about diametrically opposite writers! I’m a planner. I have to "know" my characters. I have to understand their conflict. Plot, plot, plot – that’s me. I’ve just spent at least an hour scanning the Internet for the best articles on character conflict. I’ve assembled, highlighted, and studied my efforts. A diagram! Oh my! We get to make a diagram. (happy dance!) The anal part of my brain is leaping for joy. The sensible part of my brain knows that Laura is going to kill me for said diagram. Yes, Laura needs more to blame me for (snicker) so I sent HER a copy too. Hey, if I’m going to corrupt her Pantster routine, might as well go all the way. (Double evil snicker)

Of course, I’m sure this will cost me a truckload of chocolate to soothe her savaged writer’s nerves, but I know her well enough to know that she’ll rise to the challenge and love me again when I walk into my local bookseller and see the culmination of her efforts on the shelf.
If our plan goes well, then my book will be sitting close by to keep hers company. Stay tuned…