Plot Building the Glynis Smy Way

We have been told our electricity schedule should return to normal at the end of August. This is a pleasant surprise, however I suspect there will be a rise in the bills to pay for a new power-plant. In view of not just saving a few cents, I am of a mind to continue the laptop shut down each day because I have found my writing has benefited. My plot building notes are improving.

 I have noted I am jotting down notes more, am sitting quietly with pen and pad drafting up ideas and sketching little scenes. I cannot draw but sometimes it is easier to scribble out a scene than try to describe it. Later I see what words form for the scene and hope they pull together. I used the technique in Ripper, My Love to design a haberdashery shop for Kitty.

I wanted a beach scene for Elle in The Man in Room Eighteen. (If you really want to get excited by my scribbles click to enlarge).

The little black rabbit is in fact a little black dog stranded upon the rocks.

These are a few words inspired from the drawing. See how some spark an idea. Seaweed = bread. I remember my gran making bread from the salty strands, so want to find out more. Then I realised my girl could survive by the sea when I thought back to the shrimps etc. we used to collect when I was a child.

I have several 'scenes' like this in my pad now and if I do not use them for this book I will save them for later inspiration.

Do you draw out scenes or do you dive straight into writing?