The Not so Magical Process of Creation

I thought it might be of interest how I go about writing a new chapter. I'm interested in how other writers work.

This weekend I need to write Chapter 19. Do or die. Must be done. The end.

I have no idea what to write. What to do?

Well, guess I'll do what I always do. I'll read the chapter before it. Browse the chapter before that to remind myself what the heck is going on in the story.

Then, I'll move my cursor about half way down the first blank page and type "chapter 19".

I'll sit at my desk for about 5 or 10 minutes, looking out the window at the passerbys and the pretty blooms in my flowerbox. I'll rub the back of my neck and think, Impossible. I can't do it. I'm blocked. There's nothing to say. I'm a hack. A has been before I have been.

I'll get up, open the fridge and peer in. A turkey sandwich? Nah, it's not even breakfast time yet. Another cup of coffee? Perfect. A little milk, no sugar and back to the desk.

I set my mug down on my dictionary, stare at the blank screen and take a sip. Can't think of a thing. This is it, I think, the chapter that will cause me to quit.

Uggghhhhh.

Then I put my fingers to the keyboard and type in "She", and then it all comes pouring out. And then dribbling out. And then pouring again.

I start to edit and remind myself to wait. Get it down on paper first. Editing can be done later.
Get 10 pages down first.

I only get 8 but the chapter is done. Its a short one, but that's okay. Its good. I think.

I take another sip from my cup but the coffee is cold now. I look at the clock, two hours have passed.

Can that be right?

"Mommy," my 3 year old yells as he races toward me, wrinkled from sleep, with his chubby arms outstretched.

I smile at him. He's lovely. And I pull him onto my lap. I hit the save button and turn the computer off. I'll fix breakfast and then take my boys to the park.

Then I'll come home and edit.

That's the way it usually goes. I hope it goes that way tomorrow. I'll let you know.