Headlights in the Dark
One of the most common debates in the writing
community is plotting versus pantsing. For those of you who are new to this
topic, a plotter is just that—they plot. They can tell you everything that’s
going to happen, sometimes for more than one book. Some have outlines which are
so detailed they’re practically a book in and of themselves. These writers know
every little thing about every little character, even the ones which have no
name and no lines and are there for half a scene.
And then there are pantsers.
Pantsers write by the seat of their pants, hence
the term. Oh, they may have a general idea of where the story is going to go
and there may even be some sort of outline but for the most part… well, it’s
like driving in the dark—you can only see as far as your headlights can reach.
This wouldn’t be too bad if it wasn’t for the fact that writing isn’t like
driving on a straight road. Writing is like driving, as my grandfather was fond
of saying, on a road laid out by a drunk man.
I have no shame in saying I’m very much a pantser.
Not only am I driving on twisty, turny, super curvy road, I occasional take
detours on even twistery roads. I’m all about stops at roadside diners and
taking a few minutes to look at those strange attractions which are most
definitely tourist traps. Some of the best plot elements, the things which have
taken the story to the next level, have happened because of a random rest stop.
Driving in the dark is scary, with or without
headlights. The thing to remember though is that no matter how scary the drive,
it’s always worth it when you finally reach your destination.
Barry
Winged
Book 14
L.M. Pruitt
Print Length: 186 pages
Publisher: SP Press
Publication Date: January 14, 2017
ASIN: B01N22VUWH
A standalone novel in the world of the international bestselling WINGED series... a glimpse in to one man's past....
It was supposed to be a simple dinner. The repayment of a debt.
I should have known Lilith would find a way to make things difficult.
Three favors. Three stories of lovers past. As Lilith said, an easy task.
I remember them all.
WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS GRAPHIC LANGUAGE AND GRAPHIC SEX SCENES. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Excerpt:
I leaned back,
unfolding my napkin and draping it over my lap. “So, what sort of delicacy is
on the menu this evening?”
“Oh, who knows.
I leave those sort of things to the kitchen.” Lilith waved a hand absently,
brushing the question aside as if it was no more than a fly. “It’s time for you
to pay your debt.”
“And I’m here.”
“Baraquel.” Her
smile was the sort usually reserved for cute animals and slow adults. “Did you
really think a simple dinner would be all the repayment I required?”
“Not really but
I was foolish enough to hope.” Sighing, I pulled a cigar from my coat pocket
and examined the tip. “How, then, am I supposed to repay you?”
“Three favors,
correct?” Her smile grew when I nodded. “Wonderful. Three stories, then.”
“I beg your
pardon?” I winced, shaking my head as she laughed. “Remind me to limit my time
around Joanne. I’m picking up too many of her verbal ticks for my liking.”
“If it helps,
think of this as more of a series of lectures on the right and wrong way to
conduct relationships.” She propped her elbows on the table, steepling her
fingers as she stared at me with the sort of fascination I’d seen on cats in
the instant before they pounced. “After all, you have so much advice to offer.
It would be a shame to let it go to waste.”
“My personal
life is my own.” I set the cigar down, hating the stiffness in my voice and yet
unable to do anything to correct it. “You’ve known me long enough to know
that.”
“And I’m not
asking for a rundown of every person you’ve fucked in the last few millennia.”
Her smile widened, the edges turning cruel. “Besides, even if I did, I doubt
you could provide one.”
“I remember.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.” I
clenched my fist in my lap. “I remember them all.”
“Good.” She
tapped her fingers on her lower lip. “Then tell me a story.”
About the Author:
L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She knows this because she's killed bamboo. Twice. She is the author of the Winged series, the Plaisir Coupable series, Jude Magdalyn series, the Moon Rising series, and Taken: A Frankie Post Novel.
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