Who here always listens to their GPS? Does what it tells you every time? Not me! My DH and I like to keep that turned off as much as possible, using the good ‘ol hippocampus to figure out where we’re going. Probably since we spent our 20’s doing that out of pure necessity. And teaching the kiddos to do the same at their early ages so their minds can help them find places.

When it comes to my writing, though, taking this philosophy has had its downsides. As I was writing The Mark of the Artist I would have vague ideas of what the story was about, themes, characters, like a vision and feel of the whole story. The muse would guide me. Just see where the road will take me as the pen hits paper.

And it took me over 10 years to finish it (caveat of having two kids 18 months apart in there, too. But still). It makes me wonder if the adage “not all who wander are lost” applied to me.  

So this time around I’m taking the advice of a writer friend and am actually creating a plot!

This weekend I took two similar yet different plot outlines and combined them. Then I found cavernous plot holes, missing scenes that were in my head but not on paper, and a wildly disappointing ending in need of a re-write.

Turns out plotting has major merits!

But what about the wandering? My plan is this: the plot is my map, and I will very much be going off course, taking some secret passageways, wandering as the story comes together. Keeping the map around to avoid plot holes and keep the story pace and those details I’d forgotten!

It is great to have a map. But like in my car, it’s going in the glovebox, to be pulled out when needed, to set the course, knowing I can reference it as I go when needed. Especially when writers block sets in!

(Yes, I do keep a physical map in my car, never know when a phone battery will die, the signal will crap out, and it’s better/safer to just get to the destination! I can thank my Mom for teaching us to do this, always getting her free yearly maps from AAA. 🤍)

No GPS for this book, wandering but with a map.

What is she writing about, you may be asking.

At this point I’ll just say it’s an historical/ Steampunk adventure set in the days of the California Gold Rush, focusing on a female main character. I’m having a blast brushing up on my Gold Rush history, and learning way more than was taught in the 4^th grade! (Those of you from the Golden State know 4^th grade means California History: Coloma, Marshall, and then on to Missions made from sugar cubes!)

To hone in on the type of Steampunk vibes I’m going for, I’ve read a few short stories from an anthology, and will be re-reading some Newbury & Hobbes by George Mann.

Let’s see if I can strike gold 😉