How Do I Reach Pants

[damselfish]

Alyc gave me some vital writing advice today while I moaned about being stuck in a scene.

me: …you did help me and also tipped me into an existential chasm

Alyc: oops. I’m sorry

me: “What is the purpose of this scene? …I should cut this sequence and have them attacked during their date. I still spoil the date and then they’re chased back home. Yeah. Much better. …I just need to figure out a way for Gavin to put his pants back on.”
then
"…what is the purpose of this book?"

Alyc: bwhahahaha
I love that the issue is needing to get Gavin back in his pants
as for the purpose of the book, that’s something you don’t figure out until waaaaay after the book is done

me: bahahahaha
well I’m glad it’s not just me then

Alyc: No really. Stephen King says so
so does Neil Gaiman
And Samuel Delaney
you aren’t allowed to argue with them
well, you’re allowed… but you’ll probably be wrong :D

me: and yes, it’s very important for Gavin to have pants before throwing lightning at some mermaids
oooooh

Alyc: yeah, having lightning thrown at you isn’t nearly as daunting when it’s done by a guy without pants

me: yeah it was a cute date Niamh took him swimming. And the pants problem always stymies me
"how do I get from merman meetcute to dude in pants for big battle showdown"
merpeople! so vexing

Alyc: he could be wearing a kilt?

me: bahahaha

Alyc: this is why scottish people wear kilts
for proper mermaid meet-cutes