Rome - erm, Books - Wasn't Built in a Day

So there's that old adage, Rome wasn't build in a day. Well, neither are books.

Unless you're superhuman, or can somehow keep your fingers typing for 24 straight hours (and even then I'm not so sure it's possible), you can't write a novel in a day. In the midst of my WIP, there are days I wish that it was just done - that today I could just sit down and finish it (even though it's only halfway done). Not because I'm not loving writing it, but because I want to see it all put together, then tear it apart and make it better.

But here is what I realized - it's a really REALLY good thing I can't write it all in a day.

How many times already have I come up with a scene idea while walking to the bus stop, or reading something at work, or hearing a song? A LOT, in case you were wondering.

While the fundamental idea for my novel has stayed the same, the little bits and pieces that (hopefully) will make it come alive and seem real aren't things I could have come up with writing the whole thing in one sitting.

I have a list of all the major things that are happening between where I am now and the end, and some of those scenes are even somewhat written because they wouldn't leave me alone. I also have sticky notes of various ideas pulled from those life moments that I was just mentioning, followed by lots of question marks. Because there's still so much to be written, and I'm glad there are a lot of days to live between now and when it's done.

Rome wasn't build in a day. My opinion? Embrace it.

So, I'm curious - what are some of the ideas you've come up with when you weren't actually writing? Are there times you wish you could speed up the initial process, or do you enjoy it?