Putting pen to paper - Insecure Writer's Support Group
On Monday, I went to the launch of Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor in London. It was an amazing night, with free cocktails, strange foods and great company. I got chatting to some of the guys from Hodder & Stoughton, and they asked me about my blog. Then one of them asked,
"So, are you a writer as well as a blogger?"
I wanted to say immediately "hell, yes!" but then I realised I can't really count myself amongst the ranks of writers here. I've not actually written anything in months. I've ideas, sure, I've got about 4 different story ideas running through my head right now, but I've not actually started the process of writing the damn things.
I'm not quite sure what's holding me back. I attempted NaNoWriMo last year, but I stalled within a few days. I also have a habit of not being able to complete something unless I start it in the right way. I love planning and outlining, so that bit I'm fine with. I just never seem to be able to begin the grind of writing the story in full, and then keeping that momentum.
Is it a case of 'just grin and bear it'? Do I just push myself to write, in a similar vein to NaNoWriMo, where I have to complete a certain number of words a day? Do I start of smaller: write up flash fiction pieces that tie in with my main novel idea, then build up gradually into an epic piece? Or do I write in an expansive way i.e. sum up my entire story in a single sentence. Then split that sentence and flesh it out into 2 sentences, then 4 then 8, then 16 etc. until I have a finished novel?
I think once I have a substantial amount of written story under my belt I'll be able to carry on under my own steam, it's just getting to that point that I'm having trouble with.
What do you think is the best option for me? How have you overcome similar problems with starting to write something?
Be sure to check out some of the other participants below, and if you're tweeting about it, use the hashtag #IWSG to let others know.
I write something even a 100 word story every few days and somehow it builds up from there....but unless you get the pen on paper or fill the screen, it just gets pushed to another day. I am attempting NaNo this year that too science fiction, lets see how it goes, last year I registered well ahead and then forgot all about it till halfway through Nov. :) Whatever works for you, not all of us can get published but its the dream that counts.
ReplyDeleteI think you're a little like me. I thrive during revisions, because I'm more creative when the words already exist on the page. I love to mold them into something special. The first drafts are really tough for me. You really just need to do what's right for you. Even if it takes you a year to finish a first draft, so be it. Just let it happen that way, but you have to stick to it, no matter how long it takes.
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't ever force it. I write when the inspiration is there. Then I end up writing way too much, and have to spend a lot of time paring it down.
ReplyDeleteThat's what works for me, but everyone is different.
Perhaps you would benefit from the type of extensive outline that is essentially like a first draft. You basically work out your plot, setting and characters in the outline without worrying about prose. Then you have a coherent whole to work your good prose draft from.
ReplyDeleteIf you have ideas, just start jotting down anything. If you can get an outline formed, just plow ahead. Took me years to write my first book, but I wrote most of the second one during NaNo last year. I struggled in the beginning. First week was hard. Then I was flying. But writing is personal, so it just depends on your style.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are a writer. You wrote this blog post, didn't you?
I will write when inspiration decides to stop by. Forcing it doesn't work for me. I end up irritated. But I'll write a few lines of dialogue here and there and then weave them into something bigger and better.
ReplyDeleteBut like others before me have said, you have to find what works for you. Experiment.
hi there,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog :) I am a bit of a latecomer to the insecure writers group. I just thought I would say hello and keep up the good work
Eve. :)
I've had that! My well ran dry when I had no ideas - so if you've got story ideas, I'd say you're a step ahead already. I find writing prompts and exercises help me get into a groove.
ReplyDelete