On my way home from work today, I had the next scene in my head for the novel I’m working on. I could see it playing out, see the characters and how they were going to behave and respond to all that was happening in the scene.
I followed a car going 50 – 55. Not uncommon on the road where the posted speed is 55. I usually set my cruise at 60 and figure it’s all good. Usually I’m patient and understanding of slower drivers. Today though I wanted to scream at the driver ahead of me to get the F*&k moving. I didn’t. I was very relieved when he turned off.
I got onto Hwy 26 where it is 65 and sped up nicely. I looked down at my speedometer and wondered if I explained I was rushing home so I could write a scene if a cop would let me off with a warning. I figured the answer would be no but it did cross my mind. Though I did wonder what he would say if I told him I was writing a scene were a 3 year old was kidnapped and I had to send his aunts and mother after the kidnapper to rescue him… probably would have delayed me further.
I slowed down from 80 (yup I was speeding) and when the speed limit slowed to 55 I set my cruise for 60. I was doing okay until I was in town and this guy pulls out and goes 20 and is all over the road. I’m nearly screaming at him but manage to not go all road rage on him by the time we reach the light. Thank the stars, he turned left and I went straight.
I get home and I love my husband. He was in a good mood and asked me for something. I made myself not scream in frustration as the words were leaking out of my ears by now. I help him with what he asked for and scurry (as much as I can with my legs bothering me) away to my office.
Finally, finally I get back to writing my scene. My 3 year old gets rescued and even lands a painful blow to his kidnapper. I’ve now written over 12,000 words tonight. I have an outline of what is going to happen in this book. I have thirteen or fourteen scenes to write.
I’m calling it a night not because I can’t think what to write next but because my eyes are burning and sleep is calling.
Oh and just in case you were wondering – I didn’t get stopped by the police and I didn’t get a ticket but my imagination wondered how the conversation would go…