Although the flow of my manuscript is pretty much in order- I keep finding myself skipping around. I've rewritten the first chapter about three times now- changing different things as it has occurred to me. I've also written several paragraphs and sections that occur at very different points in the story.
Like a grasshopper, I'm jumping around all over the place. Is this normal for a writer?
So why is this happening? I guess it's because the whole idea, from beginning to end, is somewhere floating around in my brain. And from time to time, I find myself considering different parts of the plot. Sometimes I'll be reading a book, and notice something the author does that I want to emulate- so I consider a part of my own story that could use that certain touch... and before you know it, I'm writing something that may not happen until the 12th chapter!
And speaking of jumping around.... I think I do that with my creative, imaginative projects in general. Like lately, I'm embarrassed to say that I've been neglecting my writing in favor of finding the perfect color to repaint the kitchen. It seems like I throw all my creative energies into one box at a time- and lately I've been back in DIY mode.
But if I'm going to make a serious effort at writing, I need to stay focused. Even if I am jumping around within my manuscript, I need to make sure I'm still working on it every day.
Kind of hard to do when the kitchen walls are covered with sample paint patches and I still haven't chosen a color.
