Craft & Process

[annaguirre]

Since I live in Mexico, I don't get to chat with other authors too much about how they do things. Sure, I email and IM some, but that's not quite the same as attending a meeting and talking. There's some of that at the conferences I attend, but you know how those are as well. So quite often, I'm just laboring along on my books like a hermit crab

Comments

[tessagratton]

You know, I was just dealing with this today. I realized the reason I'd been struggling to move forward was that I didn't know the end. Without a goal, I hardly knew which turns to take, etc.

In general, when I'm stuck I assume that my subconscious (my muse, I suppose!) is trying to tell me something. If I push on without figuring out what, I'll end up deleting huge chunks. So, I take a step back and think about the book on a meta-level. (This usually involves going outside to walk my dog, babbling at my CPs online, and lots of scrawling in my notebook.) For my ending-lack, I looked for themes, for patterns, that kind of thing. Why am I writing this book? Am I experimenting? Asking or answering a thematic question? Where do I want it to end for my MC, emotionally and mentally? I know where he is at the beginning, how do I want him to change? What will it take to get him to the new/end place?

It doesn't always help right away, sadly, but eventually this kind of meta work gets me unstuck.

Tessa

[annaguirre]

I'm doing some of that (brainstorming, other activities) and it's helping, but it's playing hell with my schedule.

[tessagratton]

Heh. If anyone ever invents a way to work through this kind of thing on a schedule, they'll make millions.

[annaguirre]

I'm making my weekly word count, but it's tough. Last week, I wound up working the weekend to stay on target. I'm supposed to have this book drafted by the end of March. (Self-imposed deadline. The actual deadline is My 15.)

[tessagratton]

Good luck! :D

[ljcblue]

In order to stop beating yourself up, you need to consider this kind of brainstorming as part of your wordcount. It *is* progress towards the end and will let your fingers fly on the keyboard when you get it sorted out.

So, let the process be what it is.

[annaguirre]

Heh, how did you know I live by those numbers? I don't knock off for the day until I've updated the word meter on my blog. Yes, I realize nobody else cares if the blue bar goes up by 3K, but I feel as though I've had an epic fail! for the day if I don't get my work done.

[jeanne_stein]

I think not knowing the end was my problem, too. Which is why I had to discover it by writing that synopsis.

And Ann, I do the same thing. My book is due August 1-- MY deadline is June 1. Helps to keep me focused.

Jeanne

[annaguirre]

Wow, that's so cool to know, Jeanne

[jeanne_stein]

Business issues keep whizzing about my head like a cluster of deranged bumblebees. Sigh. Multitasking is not my forte.

This, I must say, only gets worse. To me, it's the hardest part of the process--balancing creativity with the day to day promotional activities. I love the writing. Not so much the marketing.

Like you, I have Beta readers and a critique group so finishing early is a definite plus. I do understand, though, that finishing one book while you get ready to launch another is a daunting task.

My only suggestion is to take a few deep breaths when that black panic sets in. Remind yourself how lucky you are to be following your dream. And think of the thousands of others out there who would love to have your problems.

J.

[annaguirre]

"My only suggestion is to take a few deep breaths when that black panic sets in. Remind yourself how lucky you are to be following your dream. And think of the thousands of others out there who would love to have your problems."

Oh gosh, yes. None of this was meant as a complaint in any form! I was just looking for a little guidance as to how other people handle it (if they go through it.) This thread has already helped a great deal, and by following a couple of the suggestions, I think I have a handle on the end now. Yippee!