Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Wordless Wednesday and Insecure Writer

This is a dual post. 1st my wordless Wednesday, followed by this month's Insecure Writers post.


 The view of the sunset from the Michigan side of Lake Superior.

Sure months ago a dear friend tells me about Wordless Wednesday, knowing I love to take pictures, but failed to mention anything about a linky list. Grrr. That list can be found here.

 Insecure Writers Support Group

I've heard about this but it was only recently that I decided the time had come to really check it out. Since it only posts once a month, I decided to give it a try.



I started a new project last weekend, and for the first time ever, I’m actually excited. Normally I can’t stop thinking about all the things I should be doing. But not this time. For some reason I’m relaxed about this project, and don’t mind taking time from other projects and working on it.

I’d like to believe my new attitude means I’m becoming a stronger writer and that fiction is getting easier, but I doubt it. I suspect the reason for the change is finally realizing the value of different types of writing projects. I think it’s finally sank in that taking a break from writing endless pages of web content and editing DWARFED, and working on a completely different project is good for my mental state, hopefully it will prevent me from the severe burnout I developed during the tail end of 2012. 

I do wish my writing is stronger, or that I’m the kind of person who could ignore the flaws until the first draft is completed. I’m bugged by my tendency to use characters over and over again.  In a single paragraph I mentioned the same character’s name five times, in a single paragraph. Ugh.

When it comes to DWARFED, I’m dealing with a lot of anxiety. More anxiety than I care to think about. I know I have a good concept, interesting characters, and the quality of writing keeps improving. When it comes to plot, I’m not so sure. I’m taking a month away from it, letting it age a little bit, and at the beginning of March I  read through it again and start yet another round of edits.                                                                                                                                                                             
 






11 comments:

  1. I am in the revision process, UGH! However, reading books on craft help me feel more like a writer than trying to fix what's broken on the page. I love Save the Cat. by Blake Snyder and just finished Plot and Structure by James Bell. Both books gave me a method for starting over; plus, a badly needed boost of writer's confidence.

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    1. It feels like I've been revising DWARFED for forever. It's maddening. I read Save the Cat last year and it was helpful. I'll have to check out the James Bell book. Thanks.

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  2. I love that photo. I want to be on that beach right now.

    Sometimes, if you've been working on a project for a long time, you fall out of love with it for a bit. Taking a breaking, working on your next project, and then coming back to it later might inspire you again. Good luck with both projects :-)

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  3. Annalisa's advice is spot-on. I've got a love-hate relationship going on with my current WIP. He's resting right now, too, and I'll be looking him over soon with refreshed eyes. It all works out.

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  4. Great picture!

    I know exactly what you mean, I'm still working on my NaNoWriMo project from two years ago. Wanting to produce something good and entertaining does come with some level of anxiety but, my advice would be to use that anxiety to help drive you to make it the best story possible. Don't let it get a grip on you, use it for motivation.

    Easier said, than done, I know but you've come this far so now it seems just like a matter of following through.

    Best of luck!

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  5. Great pic! I love the colors.

    Mixing it up and diving in to new projects is great. I think taking a break from something you've spent a lot of time on is good for not only you but the project itself...you will come back with fresh eyes!

    ps-great to meet you!

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  6. Beautiful picture!

    I agree that it's healthy and important to take a break from a book if you're just not feeling the spark, or if you're feeling overwhelmed by it. The writing will be better because of it.

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  7. If you don't have an editor, at least pay for one to do an initial read through. This will save you from numerous revisions and the frustration that comes along with them. I pay my editor for initial read through and this allows me to fill out my WIP and go straight to the editing stage.

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  8. Ooh, it's really pretty there! As for the writing, plot is the hardest element to master, in my opinion. Interesting how different projects have their own personalities almost. Good luck!

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  9. Jess, I think your writing is getting stronger.

    There is a lot of frustration that comes with writing, well, that comes with creating. It's not so much in the initial process--that's generally pleasant. It comes when we are hip deep in the process of trying to make it fit for public view. It's common to have a case (or several) of burnout, and to decide you really don't like your WIP.

    And something different works for everyone to combat the ills that come with being in a close relationship with your WIP for too long. ;-)

    Do whatever works for you, Jess. I'm happy for you that you have a new project you feel passionate about. :-)

    Oh, and your photo is nice, too!

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