Brittany: Writing the Climax
It occured to me yesterday that the chapter I’m working on is the climax of my novel, which isn’t the most earth shattering realization ever, but it has put me into full blown panic mode. In all my years writing, I don’t think I’ve ever written a climax before. Now that’s a scary realization. When I think about it, I’ve written a lot about stagnation and the inability to move forward. It probably says a lot about how I felt in my 20s. But now that I’m in my 30s, I’m ready to embrace change–figuratively and literally.
I’ve learned a lot of things writing my perpetual novel. Among them, that I avoid writing about conflict and tension, I rely heavily on dialogue to move the plot forward at the expense of exposition, and my secondary characters probably need a book of their own because they’ve hijacked the plot. I’ve made a conscientious effort to improve on all these points.
And now the climax. I feel like I need to match the energy and intensity of the chapter, but instead I feel drained. When you write, do you ever feel like the conductor of an orchestra? Physically directing the art with your very essence? For me, writing is an endurance sport. I am completely depleted after a productive writing session. But right now, I feel exhausted without having run the marathon.
Part of this may be the pregnancy. Lately, after lunch, I practically slip into a coma. And I could understand it if I felt physically tired, but I don’t. It’s my brain that feels sluggish. So I turn to those of you with energy to burn. How do you all build up your energy reserves? And how do you prepare yourself for writing the big scenes?
Studio Mothers: Life & Art 
Well, for one thing, my brain turned to total mush when I was pregnant with my first. It wasn’t so bad with my second, but it still wasn’t great, because the fatigue got to me too.
To build up energy reserves, I go someplace I know will energize me – preferably a bookstore or a coffee shop in, say, the arts district of a nearby city. I don’t know if this is an option for you, though, during the week (I usually have to wait for the weekend).
I can’t say I “prepare” myself much… I try to do something of an outline. Not a rigid one, just scene goals and significant character conflicts. I’m a big-picture person, so this helps me map it out and gives me a framework for how the characters will develop the scene(s). This is different from outlining at the beginning because by now you know your characters, you know how they’re likely to handle something. They can still throw a curveball or more, but at least an outline helps you handle it. At least it does for me. 🙂
Then I just go for it. And I don’t worry too much if it sucks at first. I won’t write myself into a corner, but I’m a dialog-er too, and if that’s what it takes to get the scene down, then go for it – fill in the blanks later! A draft is like a sketch. You draw the basic lines and then fill in the detail and color once you know more about how the picture will turn out.
Good luck!
Now the cheerleader will come out in me.. just watch! 😉
You need to psych yourself up for this part of the book. I agree with Christa. Write out the BASICS of this chapter. Write what needs to happen, and in the order it needs to happen. Maybe a who does what, when sorta thing. And then write what down what happens at the very HEIGHT of the climax and what triggers the ball rolling down the hill. Got all that?
Then, for a full day (or night) before you write this part… psych yourself up with positive thoughts. Think about this chapter, how FUN it will be to write (I mean it should all be down hill from here til the end! You are almost done!). And get yourself MORE than ready to write. As fast as you can to get it over with. Don’t worry about perfection… just write it, for fun. Use your outline points, and just go for it.
For me, that day of extra pumping up makes a world of difference. It is like the last hour of studying lines before a big (special) performance. You just want it to be fun, gratifying, and definitely a blast. Approach this part of the book the same way. You’d be surprised what positive energy can do to your writing and motivation to do so!
Wow! As a science writer, I’m SO jealous of those who get to write something from nothing… just their brains. I am completely constrained by facts, little leeway anywhere. I would not presume to offer you advice on something I know nothing about, aside from saying, “trust yourself.” And I’m sure you’ll astound yourself. Good luck!
I retired from writing about 12 years ago because I got burnt out mentally. Had published seven books previously. With regard to a mushy brain and no energy, as you say you had, I find that a writer needs good physical stamina to provide the necessary mental stamina for your writing. This means good health. I didn’t have it any more.
With pregnancy, a person is bound to have less energy. Perhaps you were demanding too much from yourself.
The advice from Christammiller sounds good. Or you could merely “brainstorm.” State your problem very briefly and type anything that comes into your head. Keep typing till the well runs dry. When done, read it back to yourself. Lots will be garbage but there is usually one nugget that spurs you on and makes it easier.