Though it feels like I’ve been moving at a snail’s
pace over the past month or so, I’ve been building some story excitement in the
background. Along with editing one
story, I’ve been thinking about another and how I’m going to get through the
storyline to the finish line. The result of having the story simmering in my
brain for a bit is that I’ve completed two chapters over the last couple of
days.
I tend to worry when my story ideas aren’t coming
as quickly as I’d like and I’m not writing, but eventually things always work
out. The story flows from headspace to fingertips with little effort and I wonder
why I was ever worried (deadline aside). It’s great to be in that zone again as
I work toward wrapping up one project while dipping into the next.
I’ve been at this long enough to know that I have lengthy
periods when I don’t write, which doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. During the
time that I’m not writing, I’m thinking about characters, their challenges and
how those will work out on the page. The niggling worry I’ve experienced
because I’m behind with this book had to do with me wondering if I’d ever get
the story written.
I should know better. Writers write. Stories get told and the process repeats itself.
I should know better. Writers write. Stories get told and the process repeats itself.
So, d’you
get in a panic when your plot lines won’t show themselves and you can’t
visualize some of your characters? Is there anything that works for you in helping
the process along?
 |
| Euphorbia or Crown of Thorns |
The Crown of Thorns above has nothing to do with this post. Just a dash of colour via nature!
I did after my second book came out. I was trying to put together an outline and it just wasn't coming together fast enough. Thankfully, it did! And good to know others go through periods of nothing.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I tell people that I don't get writer's block. I just have periods where I don't write. It's always been that way. I think it's my muse's way of preventing me from getting burned out. When I really start to feel guilty about not writing, that when I usually get going again. The periods of getting nothing done can be frustrating, but I still haven't learned to just relax and go with the flow.
DeleteSometimes taking a break, reading or just sitting in silence. Glad you're in the zone J.L.
ReplyDeleteUSA, TNT & Discovery are good distractions for me. :)
DeleteI love the story of Flannery O'Connor, where she says she wrote every day but didn't expect good writing to occur every day. She claimed she would write for months only to throw everything away but never considered any of it a waste of time if, ultimately, it led her to the final result she wanted.
ReplyDeleteNow that's one industrious woman. I'm too lazy to write and then discard stuff. I'm delusional in that I believe that I'll eventually use everything I've written. :D I do believe thought that we should indeed work on our writing until we're at the point where we can't stand to look at it after editing it long enough.
DeleteI tend too work on something else. Usually, plot or characters not showing is a sign that my mind's not through with thinking everything out.
ReplyDeleteLucky me, I usually have five ideas ready for every one that isn't. :-P
Misha,
DeleteIt sounds like you'll never be out of ideas.Good stuff.
I find myself writing and then thinking. Writing and then thinking. It makes it slow. And the times of not writing are frustrating, but I see some things very clearly and other things through the dirty window. Until that changes, I cannot write. So happy to hear that you are moving right along!
ReplyDeleteIt feels good when you know exactly where the story's supposed to go and how to get there. If only that was the case every day.
Deleteyour progress and worries are making me want to get to writing! i feel the same way & you inspred me! thanks!
ReplyDeleteHope the words flow smoothly, Tara!
Delete