When Ideas Are Flowing....How Do You Make The Momentum Last?

This is a post for the aspiring writer in me.  Call it a break if you will from my daily family adventures journal and life commentary.

Last night This morning between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m., cosmic forces (or the gods of writing, perhaps?) entered my head.  I was lying in bed listening to Vivian toss and turn when an idea struck me.  An idea for a story.  Even better, specific details came flowing to my brain as well. Details on main characters.  Thoughts on a plot.  Possible conflicts and resolutions.  I was lying in bed thinking about them, not wanting to move in case they'd all disappear when I stood up. 

After a half-hour passes, I was no longer able to ignore the voices.  I bravely stood and stumbled into the dark to look for my small notebook and an ink pen. The joys of hotel living ring true even in the wee hours of the morning as I bumped into the table, jingled my keys while looking for a writing instrument and argued internally if I should try to write in the bathroom or over the kitchen sink.  After all, Kirk was asleep in the bedroom and Vivian was asleep in the living room/kitchen area. 

The bathroom seemed cold and uninviting.  Finally I settled on a weird standing position over the sink since it was the only light available in any of our rooms that didn't disturb my sleeping, loved ones.  (Now today I have a weird shoulder and neck soreness....)

Peering through such a small light, I took about twelve short pages of notes.  I wrote a title for my novel (or play?).  I wrote a few details about each of the main characters - names, ages, career, life status, etc.  The opening scene was determined.  I even thought of a few jokes and one-liners for two of the characters. 

Then the ending came to me.  I didn't even start writing my story but I already knew what the outcome would be.  Is it bad luck to write the ending before you write your beginning?  (I hope not!  Quentin Tarantino doesn't follow a normal sequence, after all). 

I drew initial inspiration from some of my favorite stories I enjoy reading over and over again.  Typically I am drawn to women's fiction with stories on friendships and life lessons.  But I need to dig deeper and figure out what is it about those tales that make them so likable and relatable.  I have much research to do.

I wrote furiously until the pause set in.  When I thought too deeply of what to detail next, I stopped. Or perhaps it was my sleep deprivation kicking in.

Now that I have a story in my head, I'm both excited and frightened.  No idea has come to me so suddenly and so easily before.  Especially not the characters and plot of how my story could unfold.  I have my introduction and my ending mostly composed (in my head).  It's the middle parts - the meat and potatoes of my story - that freak me out!!

Will I have the guts to continue writing?  How do I keep this momentum going?

For all the writers out there (aspiring ones too) who happen to read this entry, I have several questions for you.  I'd love to hear about your personal experiences or advice with this.

Here goes:

• How do your ideas come and flow? 
• How do you write? 
• Do the characters come to you first?  Or your story?  Or does it vary? 
• Do you outline your story first?  (That's what I mostly did last night this morning). 
• How do you stay focused on your writing?  Do you set yourself time limits or set aside writing time each day?
• How did you recognize your peak writing times, if you have them?
• Do you ever worry if you're writing a story similar to those you like to read and love?  How do you keep your ideas fresh and original?
• And for those of you who may happen to have children, how the hell do you find time to write when you have a kid demanding your attention most of the time?

These are just a few of my inquiries.  Perhaps I need to revisit Writing 101 for help. I suppose these questions could apply to other types of creativity besides just writing.  I'm ready to listen to any suggestions or help you may have with these concerns.   Since this may be too much to answer in a comment below, please feel free to e-mail me at littlebit.mandy@gmail.com if that works best.

Well, I should really end this post and get back to my writing.  After all, this is what I've always dreamed of doing.  I love to write on my blog.   After all, blogging is fun and a great way to make friends.  However, my ultimate goal is to be writing something else -- a story, a novel, a play, a sitcom, or an article.  So let me continue while these prolific juices are flowing....