Writing about writing

I'm going to write about something that I don't normally discuss on the blog, or with anyone really: my creative writing. I haven't completed a project on my own, written a story from start to finish since I was 12 years old (it was called 'Jenna's Homework', my Mum thought it was quite good). I've started loads and I've abandoned them all so far. I have notebooks filled with ideas which have amounted to no more than that.


Thankfully, this is not the end of things. Since about October/November 2010 I've been getting to know a few characters (in my head) who wouldn't go away like all of the others have. I've been learning about them, their families, their world, their voices and I'm begining to learn about how their story is playing out. I started to write my main charater, Mel's, introductory short story at the begining of January, but have temporarily had to shelf that as work and study comitments have taken precedent. I've been doing research, both by reading popular and academic texts on magic and by reading novels in a similar genre. I celebrated Samhain and Yule with a friend and followed the handwritten instructions on the gifts she gave me for these sabbats.

All of this adds up to one thing: I am ready to write this story. My characters are clamouring about my head to have their story told to the exten that I'm often silent, listening to them and ignoring other things going on in the real world. If my other half has ever wondered what I'm thinking about in the car when he's said, "you're awffy quiet, what's wrong?" that's the answer. The problem is, nothing has changed in terms of my work and study comitments. I have academic writing to do and that has to take priority, but how do I get on with this story before it too gets shelved indefinitley?

The answer, it seems, is the blog. I'm wary of posting my actual writing on the blog, and if I had the time to do that, then I'd just get on with writing. I do, however, have the time and inclination to keep up with the blog posts. So, next Wednesday I think I'll introduce you to Mel and maybe follow that up with some of her friends the following Wednesdays.

What would you like to know about Mel? How do you know when you're ready to stop thinking and start writing? Are you a 'plan to within an inch of your life' or a 'fly be the seat of your pants' kind of writer?