There are times when writing is exceptionally frustrating. This is especially true when you hit a plot hole or a snag, or you get overwhelmed following dead-end tangential plotlines. It can be downright fatal to a story in process.
And then there are the other moments. The moments when you read what you've written and it feels like magic. "This is the story I wanted to write!"
I have been taking full advantage of some spare time that fell into my lap to tie up loose ends and revisit old stories that desparately need to be "shopped." The rewrite/10th anniversary edition of St. Paul is all but done and I'm still expecting to get that out there for people to load onto their new Christmas Kindles. :-)
I've also picked up Living Canvas again, which has been sitting idly by while I got lost in those aforementioned tangents and plot holes. I have a clearer vision of what forward progress looks like with that story. I've contacted an editor to check me (of course, I have to complete my edits first) and then I can decide if I want to keep pulling out the "resting" stories on my shelf or move ahead with something fresh.
And speaking of the a new story - I'm anxious to get to it, but I have an overdeveloped sense of order. Compulsive finisher. This might work to my disadvantage, not that I'm worried I'll lose my inspiration, but as I wrote a year ago, I've always wanted to write a Christmas kind of story. My concern is that if I don't get started on it now, while the season is bright and inspiring, I might lose the Christmas angle that might fit in with this one. Waiting for the new year could potentially lead to post-Christmas burnout, kind of like how the first snowfall is awe inspiring, but after a couple of months of persistent snow, it becomes tiresome. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas. Christmas Crazy. I'm listening to carols now, and it isn't quite December. But would Christmas feel as special if we celebrated it 365 days a year? Too much of a good thing, doncha know.
I digress. My point today is that in all things there is both joy and disappointment. Even the moon waxes and wanes. I'm in a waxing period now where my writing brings me joy and feels a little less like work. Fortunately, right now I have the time to put into it while this feeling it is on the rise, because too soon, it will be over and the waning will begin. These phases help maintain a sense of balance, and it reminds me that through it all, writing is always one of the joys in my life.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Focus pocus
Yes, I know I'm behind in blogging again. Sorry. I'm very focused on finishing St. Paul again - I love the way the story still pulls me in! It WILL be available by Christmas, so all those folks that get new Kindle Fires or some other e-reader for the holidays, be ready to buy the updated version!
I'm also excited to start a new story, although I'd still like to dust the cobwebs off the work I haven't queried/submitted yet, so the next few weeks I'm planning a flurry of activity sending out queries and outlining the new work. My creativity has been a little low with the "life events" that have been going on the second half of this year, but as I get back into routine and "everyday" things, the creativity is tapping me on the shoulder again, reminding me that's it's still there, right where I left it. I'm thinking it's not necessarily a bad thing that the juices have been a little thick and not free flowing - it helps with the editing to be more objective and not try to free associate into a new story arc on something that works fine as it is.
I've added new books to my TBR pile - it's helpful to move forward when you read something you enjoy. As a writer, reading someone else's work reminds you of those lessons easily forgotten, and it also reminds ME that you can't please all the people all the time, so stay true to your own writing. I just read two books by one of my favorite authors, and then I went back and read the reviews on those books. I enjoyed them - flawed though they may have been - but I read some very unfavorable reviews. Still, this author knocks out new stories and has a loyal following (me included).
Okay, feeling a little rusty here. The creativity needs a little tuning to get back into clear focus. Will try to get back to regular weekly posting - thanks for sticking with me!
Anon
I'm also excited to start a new story, although I'd still like to dust the cobwebs off the work I haven't queried/submitted yet, so the next few weeks I'm planning a flurry of activity sending out queries and outlining the new work. My creativity has been a little low with the "life events" that have been going on the second half of this year, but as I get back into routine and "everyday" things, the creativity is tapping me on the shoulder again, reminding me that's it's still there, right where I left it. I'm thinking it's not necessarily a bad thing that the juices have been a little thick and not free flowing - it helps with the editing to be more objective and not try to free associate into a new story arc on something that works fine as it is.
I've added new books to my TBR pile - it's helpful to move forward when you read something you enjoy. As a writer, reading someone else's work reminds you of those lessons easily forgotten, and it also reminds ME that you can't please all the people all the time, so stay true to your own writing. I just read two books by one of my favorite authors, and then I went back and read the reviews on those books. I enjoyed them - flawed though they may have been - but I read some very unfavorable reviews. Still, this author knocks out new stories and has a loyal following (me included).
Okay, feeling a little rusty here. The creativity needs a little tuning to get back into clear focus. Will try to get back to regular weekly posting - thanks for sticking with me!
Anon
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