Plotting a book -- The Wary Traveler

My subject for today and tomorrow is plotting. Some writers wouldn't dream of plotting out a book, others must note every detail before they write the first word. Most writers fall somewhere in between. Today's writer type is The Wary Traveler.

When it comes to plotting, most of us can identify (if only occasionally) with The Wary Traveler. Boldly going where no one has gone before sounds great until you're actually about to step off into deep space. Then it can get kinda scary. Okay, I admit it -- it's always scary (especially when I'm on deadline). If I don't know where I'm going, how am I going to get there? Staying on the path from Point A to Point Z will get a book written, but it won't be the book you really want -- full of surprises, twists, turns, dangers and discoveries. For that you've got to step off the path into the big, dark, scary woods. Believe me, there's some really cool stuff in those woods, and if you're lucky, your character will find herself surrounded by armed goblins. ; )

And heck, if you get lost, no problem. Just ask for directions. If your muse isn't around, ask your nearest character. But if he's a goblin and his last name is Mal'Salin or Nukpana, chances are he'll point you in a dangerous direction -- and into writing a book that's more fun than you ever imagined.