Over Christmas I jigsaw puzzled. Thanks Elizabeth and Roger.
I’ve come to a realization. That’s how I write. First I work around the edges. Maybe I don’t get all the edge pieces in, but most are in place. Then I fill in the larger structures until I see the picture emerge, more or less. And last but not least, I add in the small bits, the details.
I’m on the middle section of my current manuscript, mainly. Spirit Crossing it’s called. But from time to time a new piece at the edge still finds me and even a depth detail I hadn’t considered. Like a jigsaw puzzle.
There will be more needed, however. But when I take a break from my writing and travel in northern BC this summer, I will find them, those small but essential pieces of people and environment, that will make my manuscript-puzzle whole.
Again, like a jigsaw.