Hello . . . hello . . . hello
Wow. Did you hear that echo?
Yeah. Things have been awfully empty and deserted in my blogosphere. I am still here even though I haven’t been “here” posting on the blog (poor neglected thing).
I’ve spent the summer in frustration and confusion and a bit of depression. I totally expected to have a new novel finished before the kids go back to school (which will be on the 29th of this month)-and-well-I don’t. Not even close. I’ve started and stopped several, but haven’t even made it to the midpoint on any of them.
I HAVE been writing and completed two picture book manuscripts so at least that’s something (right?). But the rest of my summer has been spent studying my craft. I’ve attended a couple of webinars, purchased many books about writing (probably too many), and have been reading blogs and books in my chosen genres and learning-and trying to figure out where I’m going wrong in my process. Because the rejections I keep getting tell me that something is obviously broken.
I even had a couple of industry professional critiques-which had helpful feedback, but not enough to get me that “yes” I want. So where am I going wrong? Yeah. I wish I knew. Even with all my studying and learning and trying to figure it out, I don’t have an answer.
I did learn quite a bit about plotting and structuring and characterization (some amazing revelations occurred), but I haven’t been able to move forward. And it’s not for lack of motivation. I’m definitely motivated.
I have an unopened package of Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates (my favorite treat) just waiting for me. And all I have to do to open the package is reach the midpoint of a novel project. That’s it!
I want to open that package and enjoy a bite of chocolate heaven, believe me!
And yet, I can’t seem to reach the goal.
It’s not the fault of the stories I’ve tried writing-the concepts are good, the characters are good, the structure and plot and everything is all planned out (turning points etc.) and it is good-but me? I’m not so good.
And I don’t know why. If I knew what it was that’s holding me back, I could figure out a way to annihilate it and move on.
Have any of you ever gone through this? What is it? And how do I get myself out of it?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Write on (if you can)!