A few months ago, I decided for Lent I would give up writing. It was hard, so hard, to not write anything, but it really gave me time to focus and think about my own writing projects. That means my short stories, my WIPS, the manuscripts slammed with edits, and those ideas you have to hurry up and jot down because you will forget them within two minutes. And I do, and will, forget something great given two minutes without pen or paper.
Giving myself nothing was seriously harder than I imagined. I would have those violia moments, the times everything you write makes perfect sense, but would not type them out. Instead, I examined them. I thought about those characters/stories/plots for hours, heck, even some days on end. And when I wasn't thinking about things to write about, I checked out how to improve my craft.
I was researching how to write a better story with an engaging plot, show someone the world I created from my POV by using just the right words, figuring out how to make the reader cry for joy when the characters realize they're no longer just friends, amongst other points. All of us have our weak points, some can make believable characters, but just can't nail a solid plot line. It happens. It's hard. Writing is easy, writing the best damn book you can is the hard part.
That's where I find myself today.
I believe I have a solid outline to base a story on. It's taken me months to get this far, especially with the finer details. I'm going about this WIP completely differently and slowly, which kind of bothers me, but I hope taking my time will prove to be worthwhile. It's kind of like coming back to a refresher course in school. You know what you're supposed to do and learn, but you've discovered a new way to go about it.
From here on out, I'm going to try to do a monthly post and I'd like them to vary, so bear with me! On the brighter side, I am really excited to see what you all have been doing and am hoping I will find some people landing an agent or a publishing contract!
It's true. Writing the book you feel inside, without any weak points, is hard. It's also fun. I can't think of anything more rewarding that creating something just right.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I'm at the point where I'm touching up my manuscript and readying myself for the dreaded query.
My blog Amish Stories is having its first ever contest this week. The First prize winner will win 2 tickets to tour the farm where the 1985 move "Witness" staring Harrison Ford and Kelly Mcgillis was made in Strasburg,Pa . This farm is now Amish owned, and the family has given permission for folks to tour their farm. This may be the last time anyone will be able to walk and see the same things that Harrison Ford and the other actors saw during the making of "Witness". The Witness tour should last about 2.5 hours. In addition to the Witness farm tour tickets, 1st prize winner will also receive 2 tickets for Jacobs choice. There will also be a 2nd place prize, which will be 2 tickets for the Amish Homestead. Please go to My blog www.AmishStorys.com for contest details, and more information on the prizes. Richard from the Amish settlement of Lebanon county.
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