For me, being a writer gives me permission to daydream throughout my day. I just never know when an idea or a scene is going to play in my head. I must be able to stop and listen when a story is “talking” to me — this is how I’ve always thought of it. A story is either boisterous or it’s silent.
When a story is talking, it’s in my best interest (and eventually in the readers’ best interest, too) to listen. To stop, let the scene play out and transcribe what I’m seeing. Or find a scrap of some paper product to write down what I’ve seen as soon as I possibly can. Or appear rude and grab my cell phone and type it out with my thumbs.
I seriously believe the notes app on a phone is my current best friend! The early drafts of this actual post began while I was on the treadmill and all I had was my phone.
Currently, the story that is getting all of my focus is a 1960s ghost story. It takes place on the Clemente Vineyard twenty years after The Passenger took place. It’s Bella’s story… and, man, is it talking to me.
The characters are alive and so layered. They are constantly interrupting (in a good way) my real life. One moment, I’m sipping my coffee and taking a bite of my gluten free toast that’s covered in raw almond butter and blueberry preserves… I love almond butter and blueberry preserves almost as much as I love sweet potato pie…
One moment I’m eating my late breakfast, the next my mind is envisioning the haunted gravel road that leads up to the Clemente Vineyard. It’s shrouded by tall, long-needled conifers that shade that stretch of road from the rest of the world.
For those characters who are susceptible, a particular ghost can often be witnessed running that road. The evidence of her death still visible in all its horror.
Yes, THIS is what it is like to live in my head. From eating toast to vivid daydreams about haunted roads. And do you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what I do. I love becoming so ensconced in a story world and the characters who live there. They are with me throughout my day. I love to create…or rather I love to let the stories create themselves through me.
Until next time… give yourself permission to daydream.
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About the Author
Minnesota-based author, Joie Lesin is a life-long fiction writer and the author of The Passenger. She has long been fascinated by anything otherworldly including ghosts. She loves to write a good ghost story—especially when it includes a touch of romance.