Index cards for plotting. 47 cards. Color-coded. Three acts. Perfect structure.
Window open.
Wind blew.
Order lost.
Spent two hours rearranging.
Beta reader: 'Best plot you've ever written.'
I don't remember the original order.
Neither does the wind.
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Writing cabin rented. Remote. Alone. Peaceful. Day 1: 5,000 words. Romance novel flowing. Day 2: scratching in walls. Probably mice. Day 3: scratching louder. Probably not mice. Day 4: submitted manuscript. Horror genre. Editor: 'This feels authentic.' Still in cabin. Send help.
Beta reader: 'The butler seems suspicious.' No butler in my book. Checked manuscript. Page 134. Butler. Serving tea. Has been there for three chapters. I didn't write him. He winked.
Author bio needed. '(Name) lives with two cats and regret.' Publisher: 'Maybe something happier?' Fine. 'Three cats.'
Fan mail received. First ever. 'Your book changed my life.' Hands trembling. Opened envelope. 50% off coupon for Domino's. Framed it anyway.
Wrote memoir. Publisher: 'Your life isn't interesting enough.' Became a hitman. Now it's interesting. Kidding. Just a barista. But I think about it. While making your latte.
My protagonist discovers ancient secret on page 47. I don't remember writing page 47. Checked draft. Page 47 blank. Checked published book. Page 47 filled. Different handwriting.