Plot Bunnies

I learned a new word today that only a novelist could really appreciate. Well, maybe a short story writer, too.

plotbunnies

Plotbunnies. Oh how I know about those! One of the most puzzling, most incomprehensible questions I have ever been asked as a writer is "But how do you come up with ideas to write about?"

How do I not come up with ideas?

Plot ideas are like harpies or mosquitoes or pesky musical earworms or other plaguing things. Plotbunnies can be very dangerous, even lethal. You are going along merrily with the execution of some terrific story idea and BAM! another one. A more intriguing one. One you just can't wait to pursue.

Sweep them under the bed as you will.. it's no use.

Wait! I just remembered! I can drag out a plotbunny for NaNoWriMo!

OK, OK, OK.... phew.