When I started writing Baron Britpop Blastfurnace, I had the first two chapters and the ending. I made the barest-bones outline imaginable. It went something like:
Britpop sails for France
Encounters Captain Peanut Butter
Adventures In Spain
Adventures In Venice
Adventures In The Caribbean
Adventures In France
Returns Home
The outline fleshed out as I began writing. All except Adventures In France. It remained the same right up until I started writing it. I had no ideas other than Britpop meeting King Louis XVI.
When I reached that point in the story. I hesitated. Then I decided to just start writing and see what happened. It turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the novel.
Well, I have reached that “third act” in Elise Boissonneau. And true to character, I have little idea what will happen next. But I have been brainstorming ideas (instead of writing) this week.
SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD
Currently, the French navy and other pirates are pursuing Captain Peanut Butter. The British navy is gearing up for war with the Colonies (the novel is set right after the Declaration of Independence), making a safe return to Kapri via the English Channel unlikely. So The Jellyfish, with Britpop and Andelbert onboard, will sail to the newly-declared United States Of America.
This opens up plenty of fun possibilities (like encountering the Founding Fathers.) I have been writing down several ideas. They will not all make it into the book, but it is good to have options.
That said, I will probably just let Britpop and Andelbert take the lead as they did in France during the first novel. And enjoy finding out what will happen as I write.
Now you know (almost) as much as I do. 🤣
Sail on!