The Wizard of Haecceity

Michael Moorcock was a true haecceity wizard. This guy churned out novels faster than most of us can type a grocery list, and he did it all without sacrificing an ounce of depth or detail. How, you ask? Two words: lists and haecceity.

Moorcock's secret weapon was his meticulous list-making technique. Before he even put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), Moorcock would create exhaustive lists of every single element he needed for his story. Characters, settings, important objects, plot points – you name it, he listed it. And these weren't just any old lists; they were categorized and organized with the precision of a surgeon.

Why go to all that trouble? Because when it came time to actually scribble pages, Moorcock could refer back to his lists and pluck out the perfect detail at a moment's notice. It was like having a custom-built encyclopedia at his fingertips. And the result? His stories were always coherent, consistent, and rich with specificity.

Take his Elric of Melniboné series, for example. Moorcock's descriptions are so vivid you can practically feel the weight of Elric's sword, Stormbringer, in your hands. He describes it as "a dark force that had a mind of its own and drank the souls of those it slew."

But Moorcock didn't just rely on lists; he also knew how to wield haecceity like a master swordsman. In The Dancers at the End of Time, he creates a decadent, surreal future world that feels so tangible you want to reach out and touch the characters' lavish garb.

So, how can you channel your inner Moorcock and become a haecceity wizard in your scribbling? Make like Moorcock and create detailed lists of your story elements. Categorize them, organize them, and keep them close at hand when you write.

Next, outline your plot before you start scribbling. Identify your key turning points, climaxes, and resolutions. This gives you a roadmap to follow as you type so you can focus on crafting those juicy, specific details without getting lost in the weeds.

Don't be afraid to go all-in. Moorcock was known for writing in intense, concentrated bursts – sometimes even finishing a whole novel in a few days! While you don't necessarily need to go to those extremes, the principle applies: set aside dedicated scribble time and use your lists and outlines to guide you.

By embracing Moorcock's meticulous preparation, vivid specificity, and focused writing sessions – you too can become a wizard of haecceity!