"The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day, hosted by Alex Cavanaugh.
"Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!"
Last month I was struggling with end stage ennui. That issue still persists, but I've been moving forward, in fits and starts, to complete the end stage. One helpful change I've made is that I'm letting myself do a little revision of the bulk of my WIP. Instead of adhering strictly to the model of writing from start to finish, without returning to what I've written before, I'm allowing myself a little wiggle room to satisfy my revision urges. Doing so has helped me move forward, and it's a great reminder that whatever system or method I use to help write the WIP is just that--an aid. It's okay to veer a little off course, if doing so helps me move forward.
My other big discovery over this past month is that I've been restraining my urge to create a story that takes big risks. I'm writing a paranormal YA thriller, so you might assume that the issue of suspension of belief is one that I've accepted. But it's taken me a while to get comfortable with plunging fully into the central idea of reincarnation in my WIP. I suppose I've tried to be restrained because I was afraid that future readers wouldn't get on board with the world that I'm creating. But that fear just holds me back. I've realized that as long as I concentrate on world building and allow the reader to feel comfortable believing, then I can create a story that asks a lot of the reader. I'm writing the kind of book I would want to read, so it only makes sense to trust readers to get on board with the kind of outlandish ideas that I enjoy as a reader and viewer.
Last month I was struggling with end stage ennui. That issue still persists, but I've been moving forward, in fits and starts, to complete the end stage. One helpful change I've made is that I'm letting myself do a little revision of the bulk of my WIP. Instead of adhering strictly to the model of writing from start to finish, without returning to what I've written before, I'm allowing myself a little wiggle room to satisfy my revision urges. Doing so has helped me move forward, and it's a great reminder that whatever system or method I use to help write the WIP is just that--an aid. It's okay to veer a little off course, if doing so helps me move forward.
My other big discovery over this past month is that I've been restraining my urge to create a story that takes big risks. I'm writing a paranormal YA thriller, so you might assume that the issue of suspension of belief is one that I've accepted. But it's taken me a while to get comfortable with plunging fully into the central idea of reincarnation in my WIP. I suppose I've tried to be restrained because I was afraid that future readers wouldn't get on board with the world that I'm creating. But that fear just holds me back. I've realized that as long as I concentrate on world building and allow the reader to feel comfortable believing, then I can create a story that asks a lot of the reader. I'm writing the kind of book I would want to read, so it only makes sense to trust readers to get on board with the kind of outlandish ideas that I enjoy as a reader and viewer.
Sometimes you have to give yourself some wiggle room. I normally write start to finish without revising, but there's once scene I've had to pause on. I have to make myself believe it so my readers will, too.
ReplyDelete"I'm writing the kind of book I would want to read, so it only makes sense to trust readers to get on board with the kind of outlandish ideas that I enjoy as a reader and viewer." -- Love this.
Thanks! I completely know what you mean about making yourself believe it. I think that's the key to a lot of issues with plot, characterization, etc.
DeleteI think if your world makes sense, readers will come on board.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are making headway, keep at it! I still have a
hole in my wip that I can't seem to plug at the moment.
I agree that making sense is key. And holes are the worst: they just sit there, waiting to be tackled/filled.
DeleteThe reincarnation stuff is like my favorite element of the story (as I know it). From a purely creative standpoint, writing or anything like that is trying to bring into the world something you felt was missing, or at least something there wasn't enough of -- so be fearless! RAWWWRRR!!! And for what it's worth, I think there's a bigger audience for challenging, outlandish material than is generally supposed.
ReplyDeleteMy new mantra: I am writer. Hear me roar.
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