What am I insecure about with my writing? This question feels like it should be followed by a bullet point list. Ironically, when I started this writing thing, I thought I had a pretty good idea of how I wanted this story to roll out. I (mostly) wrote it consecutively. I wrote The Beginning, The End, and then started back where the beginning left off and wrote until I reached The End. It was really rough, but the plot points were good. The writing... needed lots of work. So, I spent a great deal of time figuring out to show, not tell, and other important writing stuff.
I thought I was close to done.
Turns out, I wasn't close to done. The first six chapters required a major rewrite that will ignite weaves of revision through the rest. I think I've already talked here about my process of write one day, delete it all the next day. I've stopped that. Felt very unproductive. Now, I'm just thinking. That sounds lazy. However, I think I might be gaining on a solution.
Once I have a more cohesive idea, I plan to run it by Bryan over at A Beer For The Shower (who's been invaluable to me on this writing journey!) and see if it works, or I need to spend more time thinking.
So, I'm insecure that it won't work. That I'll never be able to come up with the idea to make this novel a really good story. Bottom line: What if I'm just a lousy wanna-be writer? Isn't that the secret (or not so secret) fear that keeps us up late at night in a cold sweat?
If you have any other ideas to help me with this story snafu, I'm all ears.
Also, I posted a really fun battle for Battle of the Bands on my previous post. If you haven't voted, I encourage you to run over there, give it a quick listen, and post your vote. I think it'll make you smile:)
That was a good idea to run it past Bryan. He might give you suggestions that either help iron it out or take you in your own new direction. I have a critique partner I run things past, including letting him read the outline before I begin. It makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are not a lousy writer.
The "thinking" part is very important! It's the over-thinking that can get you into trouble. Have faith in yourself, in your writing and in the story. You can do this!
ReplyDeleteI wish you well on your writing journey, Robin!! I'm headed over to vote for the music. :)
ReplyDeleteHa, ha, ha! No, I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you. Seems I'm in about the same place, except for the thinking stuff. I'm typing away and hoping that I make a difference, but still wondering if I'm not just wasting my time.
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
It takes a lot to write a novel. But one of the biggest ingredients besides the actual writing part, is the sticking with it part. It's such a process but you have to keep believing in yourself. And you're not a want to be writer, you're a writer in the midst of the journey. Keep going. You'll bask in the reward of finishing sooner than you think.
ReplyDeleteI love to read what you write, no matter what it is. You have a way of expressing yourself that is so refreshing. My hope is that you will finish the novel, and we get to appreciate what "Beer for the Shower" guys are enjoying! Chin up, kiddo! (smile)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely comment on my post today.
I can confirm that I enjoyed the hell out of this story and think that others will enjoy it just as much, if not more when you've fully beefed it up.
DeleteI think having the courage to stick to the story as you have gives it a better than fair chance to make it a really well done, polished story.
ReplyDeleteI take thinking breaks. Otherwise I have a tendency to plow forward into marshy territory that ends up nowhere. Better to think it through first.
ReplyDeleteStick to it and don't let fears and doubts cloud your thinking. Friends are there for support and will help guide. I enjoyed your BOTB:)
ReplyDeleteSometimes we have to let our brain work through a solution.
ReplyDeleteBryan rocks. He has been an abundance of help teaching me so many valuable nuggets along the way. Even closing in on the end of my book, he's still teaching me. He is a blessing to have!
ReplyDeleteIt will be good to get some more input, but be careful about waiting for perfection as perfection will never come and striving for it can often just make us more frustrated and self-loathing.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hi, Robin,
ReplyDeleteKeep at it... I've been working on my first two novels for five years. So it does take a LOT of time. But remember with each new revision comes wisdom and you are leaning to hone your craft. Many of us have the raw talent, but we need to cultivate it and the only way to do that is by revision and listening to the advice of other writers who are much further along the way in their journey than we are...
Don't give up.
Hi Robin. It's Liza. I took two novel writing classes taught by author Lynne Griffin. One important take away (of the many) I've kept close to my heart from that experience? Lynne's words. "Thinking is writing, too."
ReplyDeleteYup. You sound like a writer. (That's a good thing.)
ReplyDeleteThe one and only idea I have for you, Robin, is this: Be persistent.
ReplyDeleteI crashed into a brick wall many times when I worked on the book I've finished -- after nearly 4 years. I didn't think I could continue many times. I changed the content and direction many times. I didn't think I had a good enough story - daily. Now, I feel good about it. Persevere. You have it in you. Keep dusting yourself off and getting back to business.
Keep faith and a smile.
I think we all fear we're just wannabe writers. It's one thing to be confident while you're writing alone with the laptop only for yourself, but exposing the story and the writing to others always brings on the feelings of insecurity. But it's better that you have doubts and are willing to revise and keep working toward a good draft instead of believing it's good to go as is. All the best writing is revising :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great plan. Keep going, no matter what. Never. Give. Up.
ReplyDeleteThe other thing you might try is working on another project for awhile. Even one you don't intend to finish. I have found that putting aside a troubled manuscript to play with another writing project often allows my subconscious to work on the problem. Eventually, the story will call me back, usually with solutions.
ReplyDeleteBryan doesn't want to read my book. It's called.... Academic Writing. Strange huh?
ReplyDeleteI think you'll get there. You're constantly improving the story and not settling for less. That's what it's all about. I mean, if you were just a 'wanna-be' writer, I wouldn't 'wanna-be' wasting my time helping you. I have better things to do than help someone craft a story that sucks!
ReplyDeleteI had it in mind to suggest you stop that "write one day--delete it next" strategy. I tried that once and the book stayed very thin. When I wrote The End I deleted that the next day, too, and I was back at page one. Therefore, I'm glad you're no longer using that strategy.
ReplyDeleteReweaving is tedious, but it can present some super opportunities for developing those threads and deepening the characterization. Good luck with it.