Little C: The Stages of Writing

Readers,

CT and I have been on a writing binge in the last few weeks. We are flying through pages with a vengeance and while it feels good, it comes with a daily cycle of emotions. Writing is a roller coaster. I thought I would take this blog post to talk you through the five stages of us as writers to help some of you understand why we act so damn weird sometimes. 

Stage 1- Resistance

What it looks like: 

Mostly CT and I playing games on our phones or slowly shuffling note cards. Getting started is like ripping off a band aid. If you go too fast it hurts and you just end up crying and cursing the cruel God that made the adhesive for the backs of those damn things. 

Safe to approach?

Pretty safe as long as you don't need to tell us anything that deals with heavy emotions. Only the characters get emotions right now. 

Stage 2- Brainstorming

What it looks like:

A lot of "But what if we killed them off two scenes earlier?" We throw out ideas we never plan on using because the bad ideas lead to worse ideas which sometimes lead to something usable. 

Safe to approach?

It's a little hairy. We are finally getting on a roll and interruptions can at times lead to the intruder getting small objects (pen, balled up paper, cat, chair, empty bottles) hurled at them as an indication to try us again later. 

Stage 3- Deep Writing

What it looks like: 

Very little talking except for "Here, fix this." As we pass the computer back and forth. Who ever is not typing is usually listening to music or working on something else. Coffee or diet coke is deployed on both fronts. 

Safe to approach? 

I'd like to say no one has ever tried it, but it's more likely that we're just in our own bubble and we've 

failed to notice anyone else. Good time to ask for favors.

Stage 4- Sudden Halt in Progress

What it looks like:

One of us inevitably goes dead in the eyes and starts staring off into space. Occasnally bits of brain leak out of our ears and drip on to the floor. We will usually progress from here to the couch were we we fail to watch TV because we lack the mental compacity to make a descision about what to watch. 

Safe to approach?

Yes but bring snacks. Not joking. 

Stage 5- Decent into Madness

What it looks like:

We laugh at everything. I mean it, there is nothing in this stage that is not funny to us. Just yesterday, while in this stage, CT and I went out to get dinner. She pulled up to a light and turned to me to say something. The guy in the car glanced at her and CT stared him down like he was her mortal enemy. The guy looked understandably confused and hastily pulled away. With a smug smile CT announced "Don't make awkward eye contact if you can't hang." 

Safe to approach?

Better not. We think we are hysterical in these moments but most of the time we're just acting like idiots.

Happy writing everyone,
Little C