April 25, 2022
Do dreams/nightmares influence your writing? Do you keep a notebook by your bed to write down ideas?
The spring rain had left puddles in the dirt road but she no longer tried to avoid them. Under other circumstances this would have been a pretty ride. The young pale green leaves not yet entirely covering the branches she brushed by glittered in the sun that had finally chased away the storm clouds. Even the fresh scent of the earth moistened by water was unable to mask the smell of the hot motor between her legs. She didn’t know how much longer the bike would last the way she was pushing the engine.
Wolves’ Pawn
That’s the opening to my first book, Wolves’ Pawn, and yes, it was the result of a dream. I had no idea when I woke up where it would lead, but I sensed it couldn’t be ignored. So, I started writing.
Still, I lost part of the dream and had to work from scratch once I got past the opening scene. But that was okay, because the plot didn’t go where I’d anticipated.
“But, P.J.,” I hear you saying, “Why didn’t you write it down?”
I used to keep a paper and pen on my nightstand for just that reason. But the problem is — I’m a deep sleeper. If it’s not time to wake up, I don’t. The pen and paper do me no good. (When it is time to wake up, I’m awake, just like that.)
Most of the time, I don’t even remember my dreams. I might know I had a dream, but not any details. My memories don’t leave enough behind to form the foundation of a story. And boy, do I have some crazy dreams. How about a female PI chasing kidnappers around a cruise ship and up the hills in Italy? Or a wolf taking down a motorcyclist? Wait, that’s one’s a book.
So, I’ve given up on the whole idea of keeping a notebook on the nightstand. I never used it, anyway.
Now, my desk is a different story. Sitting here typing, I can count five notepads within easy reach, all different sizes. That way, I can grab one that’s the right size for the job.
How about our other authors? You can find out by following the links below to their posts.
As I say every week – until next time, please stay safe!
April 25, 2022
Do dreams/nightmares influence your writing? Do you keep a notebook by your bed to write down ideas?
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I never write anything down at night – I’m too busy sleeping, lol! My stories don’t usually involve dreams as they’re based on reality.
I used to only see the story in my dreams, now I can watch it by closing my eyes. See a bit, type a bit, they’ll tell me when we’re done.
I also never write down my dreams as I don’t have a bedside journal and I rarely ever remember my dreams.
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