As I wrote, I discovered Hope needed to learn to draw. To support that, I tucked a few statements and paragraphs into key locations to show her being taught.
I plan extensively for most of my stories using mind-maps and outlines. Nevertheless, that planning doesn’t cover everything. The details are discovered as I write. That spontaneity and creativity often produces my favorite scenes. My plan’s structural foundation keeps the story on track as discoveries are made. If a discovery requires updating the plan, the plan is updated.
Little discoveries are a lot of fun. They add to the pleasure writing gives me. I hope they add to the pleasure readers feel when they read the story.
When Hope finished her sketch, Mister Emery said, “That’s good. What is the creature?”
“It’s a dragon … like what’s in story books.”
“It looks like a real creature. I like how the wings are spread in a horaltic pose.”
“Baby doesn’t always do that. Normally, he keeps them closed, folded tight to his body, but that doesn’t look dramatic.”
He gave her a sideways glance. “Indeed.”
— Dragon Universe Hope (working title, work-in-progress)