Reading and Writing # 1

I've decided to start a series of posts that I'll do from time to time about my experience as someone who reads a lot, and also is attempting to write their own stuff at the same time.

So, I'm currently plotting and planning a YA novel and I think I'm getting to the point where I just have to start writing it. I tried to hold off writing until I had worked out where I was going with it, but then I needed to write something for my Creative Writing subject at Uni and so I wrote the first chapter.

I got lots of positive feedback, and it's helped in fine tuning that first chapter, but at this stage, that's all I've got done. And I know it's going to change by the time the books done, because as I write the rest, facts and happenings in the first chapter will have evolved, but I also have to hand it in as an assignment in a few weeks. So I'm currently working through that thoroughly, making it as good as it can be as a first chapter of a book that doesn't exist.

The dilemma I'm facing though, is with my reading...

I'll be reading for work, or for uni, or for pleasure (when time permits) and I'll find that my eyes go through the motions, following line by line, then I'll read the bottom of the page and realise I have no idea what just happened in the book because for that whole page I was actually thinking about characters and plot points for my own story.

Is this my mind telling me it's time to write?

I think so.

I think I need to take the time to, at the very least, write out a plot plan.

Oh where do all the hours in the day go?