As an “organic writer” (aka “pantser”), I follow a non-linear writing habit, edit while writing, and deal with the competing demands of new stories and ideas when they happen. I think that my having raised four children, all born within nine years, prepared me to do this.
An Epicycloid, by Sam Derbyshire
To me, new ideas are more vulnerable to loss than established ones, so I always make time for them. When I return to the earlier work, I feel refreshed and I make good progress with it again.
A Hypotrochoid, by Sam Derbyshire
Think “Spirograph.” If you’re working at the right speed, you won’t jump a gear tooth when you loop to a new idea, you’ll navigate safely back to where you started, and you’ll have something beautiful to show for it.
Various Spirograph Designs, by Anonymous
It’s what I call “epicyclic thought.” In other words, the kind of multitasking that mothers get used to doing, without their even knowing it.
And that’s Life in the Parallel Universe … the Place where Novels are Real….
Cassini Apparent Astronomy, Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1st ed., 1777
IRISH FIREBRANDS: A Novel ~ and Other Works by Christine Plouvier, Indie Author 
Cool post! And I remember having one of those spirographs when I was a kid in the 70’s…lots of fun! And paint everywhere lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ali! I probably had one of the first Spirographs to come out, in the 60s. That toy was a hit with me – no wonder I think like that….
LikeLike
I LOVE this post! Your analogy is brilliant, Christine, and your “epicyclic thought” hypothesis is spot-on. I’m more of a pantser than anything else, and I love how described those of us who are more “organic” in our writing. Thanks for a great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, phantom! I still remember how it felt, the first time I noticed that I was carrying on 5 conversations at once, while I was cooking supper – YIKES!
LikeLike
Haha!! Yep, that sounds familiar. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome post, I can see how the diagrams relate to this kind of writing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, I REALLY like this and can relate to it! Thank you. As a newbie writer, I’ve wondered if my non-linear way was wrong. I’ve read advice for writers that is good, but some of it hasn’t clicked with the way my mind works. There are several projects, or conversations, going on in my head too all the time, and I know what you mean about feeling refreshed returning to earlier on going work after making time for new ones. Thanks for a super post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome. I hope you’ll be able to find time to explore more of my posts about writing. If we’re not having fun, we’re not doing it right!
LikeLiked by 1 person