Like many writers, I find there are times when I just don’t want to write but I need to write. It’s not writer’s block but more of a writer’s ennui. During such times, I fall back on a method I call Ogre writing in order to get my page count or scene from my page to the paper.

I’m sure many of you have watched Shrek and remember how he’d compared ogres to onions because of their layers (And donkey’s rebuttal about being a parfait instead). Ogre writing is exactly that, writing in layers. The funny thing is that which layer you start or end with doesn’t matter, all that matters is that all of them get there eventually.

For me the process goes something like this:

1.) Dialogue–since I usually hear voices in my head, this is a great place for me to start. It also means that the words have to have multiple meanings so that more than just what’s being said is communicated. Of course, dialogue is an easy way to get pages written. So I’ll start with this:

“When will you know something?”
“A couple of minutes.”
“Oh.”
“I don’t think we should watch it.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Come with me.”

2.) Blocking–Where are the people when the conversation is taking place? And how can I use the description to add to the scene?

David stared at the computer screen on the diningroom table. The only light in the great room thanks to the power outage. “When will you know something?”
“A couple of minutes.” Mavis partially closed the laptop as crimson bled into the white glow of the screen.
“Oh”
“I don’t think we should watch it.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Come with me.” She held out her hand.

or

David stared at the little white stick on the marble countertop. “When will you know something?” HIs voice echoed around the immaculate bathroom.
“A couple of minutes.” Mavis washed the soap off her hands.
“Oh.”
She dried her hands. “I don’t think we should watch it.”
“What do you suggest?” He eyed the early pregnancy test.
She stepped closer, ran her fingers up his chest. “Come with me.”

Okay, so now we know where they are and a little about what’s going on but the reader still needs more.

3.) Body language and internal dialogue. While a bit of body language is included in blocking, a bit of tweaking will make it obvious what the hero/heroine is feeling and the internal dialogue will drive it home.

David stared at the little white stick on the marble countertop. The little window in the thing remained clear. Nothing. Yet. But that would change soon. And so would his life. For better or worse.
“When will you know something?” His voice bounced off the bathroom’s warm, beige walls and black designer towels. Carefully planned, like his life.
At least it had been until now.
Not taking his gaze off the EPT, he raked his hands through his short hair. What if the result wasn’t what he wanted? Hadn’t the box included two tests?
“A couple of minutes.” For the third time, Mavis washed the soap off her hands. Her smile did not reach her eyes. She sucked on her bottom lip before carefully turning off the tap.
David set his hand on the small of her back, relished the feel of her soft skin against his palm. They had talked about this. About what it would mean to him–to them.
She dried her hands on the towel before straightening it, returning it to the proper place as if she’d never been there. “I don’t think we should watch it.”
“What do you suggest?” He eyed stick. Was something happening? So much rode on a simple line.
She stepped close enough that the tips of her silk encased breasts brushed his bare chest. Her fingers danced lightly down his belly before hooking his briefs and tugging him back toward the bedroom. “Come with me.”
David smiled and allowed his wife to tug him out of the bathroom. What did it matter what the test said? They were having a hell of a time trying to conceive.

Of course, it still isn’t done. There’s parts that could be cut, and there needs to be a bit more reaction. But those tend to be a little more energy intensive and can wait until later, it’s enough that most of the scene is done.