On starting a new book

I know I’ve been beating this horse to death lately, but this is what happens when something sticks in my head. It’s all I can think about.

Sometimes, I find it really hard to start a book. That blank page is daunting. It’s so… white. And bright.

And it’s worse when it’s the next book in a series.

Which is where I’m at.

Reapers 3.

I kinda knew what this book was going to be. I knew what I call the “A” story, which is the series arc. I had no idea who the hero and shero would be. I toyed with the idea of the secondary couple from the second book, but… they’re not ready for a book of their own yet. They have a long way to go. Stubborn fuckers.

I finally picked a couple. Well, I picked the hero. Then I had to figure out who I could pair him with that would bring both the best and the worst out in him. She’s new. She’s not been in any of the books yet. I think bringing in fresh blood into an ongoing series is important. Otherwise you get character inbreeding and no one wants that.

And yes, I just made that up, but I kind of like that term. Character inbreeding.

Anyway, these two make my “B” story, which is the focus story of each book. I’m feeling pretty good about my choice here, but as with all things, I’ll find out if I’m write once I get into writing them for real. Right now, they’re new and fun and I don’t know everything yet.

So naturally, because I need to start this book like weeks ago, I’m procrastinating. Because that’s what I do. But I’m pretty sure it’s still percolating in my head, even though I’m trying not to think about it. I’m sure about that because it hit me hard at work the other night. Like I had a light bulb moment and I spent like 20 minutes writing out the idea that hit me in the noggin.

So like I said… I like this exploratory phase of a book. I like figuring things out… But trying to actually start the book? I’ll procrastinate that until I don’t have any excuse left.

It’s not that I don’t want to write it. Maybe it’s just my subconscious. Like it knows I’m not ready to dive into the story and is making me wait until I have a better plan. Who knows?

This is also probably why I’m writing this post right now instead of working on the book. #procrastinationstation