Writing into the Dark

The internet loves to divide. Among the debates that rage incessantly are the pros and cons of planning a novel versus simply starting and seeing where it leads. For the record, I have no strong opinion. Write your book in whatever way works best for you. I've played with both approaches over the past ten years and have found I much prefer writing without a plan.

Today reminded me why. It's the opening scenes of a new book and a new character steps onto the stage. I need them to be competent and charismatic, but as I dive into the scene something else emerges. A sliver of madness, a dimension I hadn't considered before. Suddenly the scene takes on a new vitality. New conflicts emerge, and the story is so much richer.

Maybe these moments would happen if I planned, but I doubt it. Going into a scene with a plan closes out such possibilities (at least for me).

And so for now I'll proceed as I always have, writing away into the dark.

As a bit of a proof of humanity - here's the handwritten first draft, along with the missed start: