Long ago a friend taught me that getting space and mass on a problem will often help you find the solution. Driving to the Post Office did that for me today. I had been struggling and struggling with this Old Mars story. As I drove I realized I needed some action beyond emotional tension, and then this scene just popped into my head of a half-tethered ultra-light jumping like a frightened horse as a Martian dust storm approached. I saw it clocking my heroine’s father, and then the rest of the story just laid itself out perfectly.
Just sitting at your keyboard and grinding is sometimes not the best solution. It’s why I always recommend having an exercise program for writers. We all sit still too much, and your brain works better if you get up and get your blood flowing.
