On-line Writing retreat - 30th January

Day 1: Friday – After an introduction session to meet the other participants, I settled to write for a couple of hours. I didn’t get as much completed as I’d intended as one of my three characters isn’t as developed as she needs to be. She has all the basics but lacks ‘depth’ regarding her conflict. This is what I need to discuss tomorrow in my ‘one to one’ session. I literally want to banter back and forth about my current ideas and see what is suggested/develops to enhance her journey. 
I was tempted to focused on my two fully formed characters, but at the moment that would feel like getting ahead of myself. I need to rectify the elephant in the room, as her journey will impact on the other two characters. If it doesn’t then I need to ask myself what is the point of her character so, it is reassuring to feel this way. 
 
Day 2: Saturday – two separate sessions on conflict and characters – which were both enlightening in relation to my current ‘flaky character’. I had a light bulb moment realising that my book contains three different kinds of conflict which adds variety for my reader and characters alike. I hadn’t realised I’d planned it that way, very much within the happy accident territory with that detail. A second realisation, was the hobby awarded to my ‘flaky woman’ has a wealth of opportunity for metaphors in relation to her emotions/persona – again another happy accident which was totally a sub-conscious decision whilst planning.
 
One to one session – exactly what I needed! In thirty minutes of chatting, answering questions and outlining my current ‘flaky lady’ – she’s no longer flaky! This is the beauty of writing retreats and mentors – with a creative idea you can’t always see the wood for the trees. Then bingo, Alison asks me a question, offers a detail and the whole thing falls together so nicely that you’re amazed you didn’t think of that option beforehand. I have a couple of routes I can take, I need to explore each to decided which will work for me.

​During the one to one session, I also clarified my theme too. Previously, I’d been thinking of ‘belonging’, but actually ‘expectations’ is more fitting given the angle I’m coming from.
 
I’m now settling for a writing session before tonight’s Saturday night social at 7:30pm.