Question: Did you ever say “I quit”? If so, what happened to make you come back to writing?
I’m not sure I said “I quit” but I did walk away from a book for almost a year. It just wasn’t coming together. So I attempted other things, like short story writing and flash fiction.
Changing genre and style helped me complete the book. I think stretching, whether it’s writing or other creative outlets, can make all the difference when a blockage occurs – you know that thing that some say doesn’t even exist (writer’s block).
What about you. Does your writing flow like water or do those pesky dam building rodents sometimes clog up the works? What's your solution?
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43 comments:
Oh, gah, InLinkz is down. Hope it all comes back soon! Yep. I quit writing for a long time, but am back with a vengeance now. :-)
Hi Denise and Yolanda ... the link is back up as you'll see! It's excellent that you've both broken out and are writing stories and books once again - essential to keep going .. good luck - cheers Hilary
I think sometimes the best thing to do is put a story aside for a while, then come back to it with a fresh mind. It's worked for me in the past, anyway!
Putting a story aside for a while is sometimes the best thing. I spend a lot of time discussing my ideas, listening to feedback and creating the story in my head before I sit down to write. I find the 'talking prep' so exciting. Have a super month Yolanda.
Sometimes, it is necessary to put a story aside and there are times when it is necessary to put your writing on the back burner because other things, like caring for a person, has a higher priority. I can say for myself that such periods have always boost my creative spirit and given me new perspectives on my writing.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Everything Must Change
Hi, Denise:
I think it goes in phases. Can't wait to read the result!!!
Actually, I have quit a book before. I was going to do an Overcoming Obstacles for teens, took notes and planned, but it just never came together.
Hi, Hilary:
Moving forward sometimes slowly, almost feels like a stall, but always forward! :)
I agree, Laura, it's always worked for me too!
Hi, Nicola:
So much goes into it, doesn't it. A breath once in a while is a good thing! Wishing you a super month too!
Life does make the difference. Our choices have nothing to do with it, except that we use what were given to make the writing better. You amaze me with your kindness and positive attitude. Blessings!
I've done that too, it's disappointing, but you never know that muse may arise again!
Frustration has gotten the better of me at times, but I always come back. It does help to try something different like with flash fiction. It's a great way to nurture the muse back to her passion!
I just keep on keeping on. Sometimes I have five books on the go, but I get there. So far never had any writer's block.
I took a long break between poetry and fiction writing, but it was filled with journalling. I don't know how to stop. Is there a group for that, I wonder. :-)
Anna from elements of emaginette
Glad it worked. I think I'm more comfortable with one genre.
Walking away from a difficult project is often the right decision for the writer and the story.
I agree with you about the beneficial effects of changing genre. When I get bogged down in a project (mystery, women's fiction, romance), I write another speculative-fiction short story. It's fun and refreshing.
Most of the time it's those pesky rodents for me. The fast writing only comes once in a blue moon.
Stretching creatively can be such a huge help when we're stuck. During the Story A Day challenge I participated in, I played with some prompts that I most likely would never have tried otherwise. Some of those stories actually turned out better than expected. :)
Yep, I just signed up for the June Challenge and hope to make it this time. Life has been chaotic, but sometimes that's the best time for me to write, at least it's when the best ideas come. So my advice is if you feel like quittting, just create some chaos in your life and the ideas should start flowing. Ha!
Hi, Renee...
Nice to see life is moving along for you. ANOTHER WEP.... If I just had the energy. LOL. As you know, too much going on. But one day, I hope.
Saw your last review of THE SNOWMAN... EXCELLENT. Congrats. So proud of you!
Changing genres definitely helps. You start looking at the world differently, and view you stubborn story with fresh eyes.
Good point about changing genres. I never expected to write a children's book, but I think trying something so different helped me get my enthusiasm for my other stories back again.
Love your new blog header - so great to see all those great books together! I have Snowman on my list and I'm almost afraid to read it and meet Stowy. ;)
I've set a book aside but I've gotten better at working through problems that make me stop.
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Hi, Christine:
I agree it does get frustrating at times, but changing course does help!
Then your creativity flows like water, congratulations! Mine gets dammed up once in a while but never for long. :)
Journaling is a great way to keep the thoughts and ideas flowing. I have a collection of journals. :)
To each his own, what works for you is what works for you! You're very good at your chosen genre too! Loved CassaFire!
Sometimes you just have too! But I think I may have figured out a rescue for that book! :)
It does help, doesn't it! Hi Rhonda, thanks!
LOL, I know what you mean! Good luck, Ken!
I think trying something new is exciting too! Your stories were amazing!
Short fiction is great for if you're stuck on a longer work because it reassures you that you can pull a story together. I wrote the first short stories I was proud of while on an impasse with my first book.
Cool, so glad to see all the sign-ups! So exciting!
Sometimes obligations are good, because it can become too easy to just walk away. Trying hard to avoid that and keep on keeping on! :)
So true, Olga, it does!
Thanks, Julie, I needed something new. I love trying new challenges too!
At first I had a hard time with short stories, they ended up at book length, but soon I found the secret and now love flashes - the shorter the better!
Cool, working through is what it takes!
With me, it's not the damming rodents; it's my damned characters. They act like it's THEIR book or something. :)
The WEP on bridges sounds intriguing. I'll have to cogitate on it a bit...
Have a super weekend!
Been there and dealt with that too, found out they usually know better than me! Oh, do, please! We'd love to see you post again for the WEP!
Have a great weekend yourself!
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