Saturday 9 October 2010

Plot Bunnies

I'd never thought that those 'moments' writers get, had a name. You know those times when an idea or a character pops into your thoughts and won't let go until you've started writing or typing  it. This is a plot bunny...

I always have a notebook in my handbag- whatever the size, I just change the usual  A5 notebook for a smaller one that fits the bag- just in case I overhear a bit of conversation or see something interesting and don't want to forget it. Or when one of those bunny's hops into view.

If you are a writer and don't always carry some device for recording those moments- shame on you. :)

Last week I blogged about clothes and the character. This was the indirect result of a plot bunny.

I was out food shopping and stopped to look at the woolly dresses that are one of this winter's fashions, and realised that they are too short for me. I'm a calf length hem type of girl, not above the knee- I don't have suitable legs for them!

(Though a few of my friends think I was born in the wrong century entirely...)

It started me thinking about the difficulties some young women must have had with clothes in the past and this was when the plot bunny struck.

Before I even got on the bus to go home I had my hero and heroine, and an idea of their problems. So on my next writing session I sat down to get on with one of my longer projects, but the plot bunny was thumping me on the head- until I gave in and started writing about them and the bunny went back to its warren happy.

So next time a plot bunny jumps into view, take it home with you and listen...

3 comments:

Patsy said...

I agree - if I get an idea I have to write it down or it just boings about in my head and won't let me concentrate on anything else.

Anonymous said...

Too many plot bunnies, not enough time! I've got a not-so-orderly queue of bunnies at the moment, because I'm in the middle of writing a long story and I don't like writing more than one thing at once, so I'm making the others wait.

Although if they're quite short or particularly persistent they sometimes queue-jump...

Jill
(commenting at last)

Carolb said...

Certainly agree Jill, there is never enough time for them all when they start building up.
Mine tend to follow each other, then none for ages.
My recent bunny was a queue jumper! :)