This week I was “staring at the blank page before me.” 🙂
As I mentioned last week, I took a few days off to allow my brain time to relax. So, this week, after requiring myself to take one day of absolutely no work (Monday), I decided it was time to start working the brain back into the writing schedule.
NBedingfieldVEVO. “Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten.” YouTube. YouTube, 25 Oct. 2009. Web. 04 June 2017.
The process actually started with writing my blog post for Austen Authors — which you can read tomorrow. It is about Not an Heiress and includes three excerpts from the story.
Then, I turned my mind to an idea that was sparked this comment by Patty on last Monday’s blog post.
An idea for a story, could you write a piece that made Crawford redeemable?
Hmmm…Could I? It was a thought that gave me goosebumps — still does. And that is a good thing. That’s what happens when excitement mixed with apprehension skitters through me. 🙂
So, I went in search of the answer…and that process looked like this:
I started by spending a good deal of time on Tuesday rereading portions of Mansfield Park and taking notes.
Then, I messaged a couple of author friends, and they very kindly let me discuss Mansfield Park, Henry Crawford, and various plotting sort of things. (It just helps to “talk it out” some. 🙂 )
After that, I needed time to think and mull over my thoughts — but I forced myself to begin writing a possible scene, just a piece.
This was followed by another period of thinking which consists of finding a relaxed position — often lying on my bed with a notebook next to me for jotting down thoughts ;), turning on specific music that I use just for this purpose, and letting various scenes play out in my mind.
Then it was back to writing.
Have I discovered the answer to the question of whether or not I can reform Henry Crawford?
Maybe. I think so. I hope so. 🙂
This is where the apprehension comes into play. The story is starting after the conclusion of Mansfield Park. Henry has had some time to regret Fanny and has made some changes. But…am I drawing on the small nuances of potentially noteworthy character in him as I see them in canon and developing them in a believable way?
There’s only one way to find out — write the story. 🙂
Here’s a look a the first thousand words of Henry’s story: Continue reading Music Monday: Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield