I struggled to find an evocative title for this post. As with much of writing, it went through a series of drafts, and I often re-wrote the entire thing. My indecision may be a symptom of a week spent writing the first draft of a traumatic chapter in Book 2. I had foreseen the event portrayed in that chapter for some time, and expected to use it as a way to bring certain characters together as one act of the plot concludes and another begins.
It became more than that. Much more.
D, the main character in Of Imprints and Erasure, had a key decision to make. I knew which way he would go, or at least which way I wanted him to go. But it wasn't the obvious choice, and his rationale for doing so had to be convincing. I realized, as I approached this event, that I could use it to provide that rationale. But to do so, I needed to borrow from some personal history and tap emotions I've kept carefully tucked away for many years. It did the trick, or at least I think so. I'll have to see what my alpha readers say!
I didn't use these memories lightly. And of course I've changed much, both to fit the story better and to maintain a healthy distance from the source event. But after finishing the chapter on Thursday I needed a break from writing for a few days. Fortunately, my wife and I had planned a road trip to Chicago this weekend, and it's been the perfect break.
I'm hoping that both D and I can move on tomorrow morning, as he lives with the consequences of his decision. Although not before he runs into a character from Book 1...
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