One of biggest things about writing fiction is problem solving. How does this event or story item come in to being? Does it make sense being there? Even though the story structure has been laid out fairly thoroughly I find myself having to backtrack a lot and deal with problems that crop up as things take shape.

It's really a sales job. If the writer doesn't buy the story neither will his readers or viewers. Ensuring an airtight plot without spending the entire screenplay on exposition isn't exactly an easy task. No wonder some people just throw in the towel and take the "who cares about plot?" route. It sure would make life a lot easier.

Being committed to walking that fine line of having the story move along smoothly without becoming bogged down in the drudgery of details is something to remind one's self of daily. Many times I've watched a film and said, "I could write something better than that". Trying to put one's money where one's huge mouth helps a braggart to realize why more people don't do it. Its hard work. Did I mention that writing is hard work? Well it is.

Still the hardest part is actually typing that first sentence of the day. Ugh! The old ego doesn't want to do it. If the actually gets finished, all those negative thoughts, especially the "I'll never finish" one will be null and void.

Then what will become of me? Will the world implode?

The smallest, most trivial things are often a distraction:

"What's that? Oh a news item about sardines. Better read that before I start writing today."

"Darn my toenails need clipping. Perhaps dull hedge trimmers would do the job before I start writing. That means going out to the garage, which means getting dressed, which means having to take a shower... which will require... What was it I was going to do?"

You all know what I mean. Don't you? Probably not. I know I'm insane. The men with the butterfly nets are waiting outside. You'll find me hiding in the broom closet with the swiffer in my hand. Ta ta for now.