I'm sharing two things today:
Item number one:
So back when I was gathering "question ideas" for career day, someone anonymously asked me if I always enjoy writing or if there are days I want to throw my computer against the wall. I love how questions often share so much insight to the person who's asking them. But that's another topic altogether.
The truth is that the writing is sometimes sluggish and dull for me, but more often it's the writing business that's brings me down. To the point where on Saturday I actually said to my husband, "I'm thinking about giving up writing." Followed by a complete breakdown that involved those big, hot, embarrassing tears that aren't becoming at all.
He receives major husband points for not saying a single thing when Sunday morning I bounced downstairs for breakfast and asked, "Hey, what do you think of 'Playing Kitchen' for a title?" He also kept quiet when that afternoon found me plotting out a new story idea.
So while I do on occasion want to throw my computer against the wall on the days the words aren't magically flowing from my fingers ... I more often consider throwing my business cards in the trash and declaring myself done with the business.
Item number two:
Anything you'd like to share? A handy link you've come across? Some writer-doubts? Writing tips you've come across that have revolutionized the way you write?
Sure! I'd like to share that I'm a third of the way through the sequal to my first novel!! I'm completely excited and enthralled with the story (haven't exactly hit those first-draft blues, yet!!). Thank you, Stephanie, for all the great tips you've posted throughout the year (keep 'em coming, please!), as I have learned a lot! I especially loved Jill Williamson's advice about breaking up story ideas into five Acts. I used that while outlining this novel and it worked stupendously!
ReplyDeleteOkay, back to my writing now!
Way to go, Rachelle! I'm so glad you've found a system that works for you.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best things I've heard is that the writing process is different for everyone. There is a lot of excellent advice out there, but don't freak out if you're not doing things exactly as a certain blog post says you should! :)
ReplyDeleteI really like plotting out each chapter before I write it. I just started trying that method out, and WOW!! Humungous difference! Even when I feel like my writings dull, I just give the notepad a glance and think "Okay, just keep the the storyline, you can go back and spice it later.". It keeps me on track and gets me pumped up even sometimes to keep writing! =D
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that a me, a seat-of-her-pants writer, has now taken to plotting out the chapters lol.
I think might want to try the plotting out the book next on paper, that might come in handy! -D
I have a confession to make. Every story I write I get really in to it and I'm really happy with how it is going until..... I have to show it to someone! I wrote a short story( about 1000 words) and I thought it was the worst thing ever! I was sooooooo sad at how it turned out. Well, I entered it into this competition and came 1st! Can you believe it!!!! I got $100 spending money in books and I got the chance to read it out to a group of people.
ReplyDeleteHeidi, yes that's absolutely true. Every writer's process and journey have potential to be very different!
ReplyDeleteJazmine, that's a great idea! Keeps you focused, and would also help clarify the point of each scene. Great job!
Anonymous, good for you for being bold and entering your story! $100 for 1,000 words is a good deal!