I woke up well before my alarm this morning, gradually waking to a cinematically vivid dream. I don’t usually recall my dreams to this extent, or experience lucid dreaming often, so it was memorable in that regard. But it was also a good story.
I lay in bed for a while, picking out details I could remember. The first scene was foggier, presumably right as I was becoming aware of the dream. It segued into the second scene, at which point it had become crystal clear as I had some control over the character decisions. I lay in bed, piecing together the parts that were clear, certain that I needed to write this down. I noted some places I would need to change because I couldn’t remember the details, and others where changes would make for a better story.
Forty-five minutes later, still half an hour before my alarm, the cat (Arwen) relinquished my arm as her pillow and I got up, intent on writing down the details. I grabbed my water and phone (which doubles as my alarm clock) and rushed to the living room, turning the lights on low as I booted up the computer. I realized I needed hand lotion, partially because of a cat scratch (Zuko) on my knuckle, and headed towards the bathroom. And promptly stepped in some cat grass vomit. (Probably Diane.)
A few minutes later, I had cleaned up the floor – and my foot – and was back at the computer, writing away. I skipped my morning workout, needing to get the details on paper (figuratively) before they faded.
And I pondered why this idea didn’t arrive two months ago, when I could have prepared it for NaNoWriMo.