Evolution of a Story

I’m a storyteller, and there’s a certain part of my craft that is instinctual for me. Not only the inspiration for plot, that sparking of a story, but the progression of a tale, the growth of the characters, and advancing of the plot, which just comes naturally to me.

I work hard at what I do. I’m constantly evolving as a writer, learning about the craft, honing my skill, and striving to improve. I’m always working to perfect my author’s voice, to let it grow and change as I do. But there’s a base level that works without conscious thought.

As I’m proofing His Needs, I’m reminded rather strongly of how a story evolves. But as I think back on it, I remember how it wasn’t a conscious choice, or at least it didn’t feel like it.

In this case, I’d sent the publisher a little two paragraph blurb, a very short synopsis of what I wanted this story to be to reserve a spot in the holiday line up. At this point, I’d barely started writing it. I think I, maybe, had five thousand words. From there, I wrote my rough outline (my process for which I’ve never really talked about. Perhaps another blog post.) and had the basics of the story. After that, I jumped in and started putting the words on the page. The story built and built. And with each passing chapter, I watched the word count climb, my characters evolving and getting closer…and the boys STILL not having sex.

It’s funny to me now, looking back. But at the time, I kept writing the words, knowing in my soul it just wasn’t time for them to get to it yet. And when they finally admitted their interest, I thought we’d finally get to the sex. But nope. It took them even longer to get to the physical point. When it happened, I just knew it was finally the right place for the guys to take that step. But I didn’t consciously chose the arc, it just felt right.

I also didn’t consciously choose Noah’s filthy mouth in the bedroom, but that felt right too.

There’s a lot about this story I shaped on purpose. Picking certain words, omitting others, using certain imagery to invoke specific feelings in my readers. But there’s also parts that just felt like they happened. That evolved naturally because of who the characters are. Who I am. I suppose that’s the reason I’m a writer in the first place.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

And Noah really does have a filthy mouth. 😉