After a long hiatus, I'm finally writing again. (Yea!!!) My time is still limited, so - of two planned WHR projects - I chose the WIP that required less research than the one I had originally planned to write next. (Seriously. I was so sure the other WIP would be first, I had already had a cover mock-up made.) The one I ended up choosing is the less inspiring one, but the one I knew would be quicker to finish.
I'm kind of glad that circumstances forced me into this change of plans. I learned something about myself and the writing process. I discovered that it's actually easier to plot and plan when I'm not as invested in the characters and the story.
Don't get me wrong. I'm excited to be writing again, and I'm certainly no less invested in turning out a quality product! I'm just not as... picky.
With the current story, it was easier to make decisions because I'm not in that "OMG, I love these characters!' and 'It has to be PERFECT!' mindset. It just has to be good. Does that make sense?
I know the more an author writes, the faster he or she gets, but I think this plays a role, too. Though I don't think I could ever turn out a finished book every month or two, I'm beginning to see how authors who write to the market do it so prolifically.
On a totally unrelated note...
Someone posted a question about writing curse words the other day. It made me think of this. Enjoy.
Have you discovered things about writing you didn't expect?
I'm kind of glad that circumstances forced me into this change of plans. I learned something about myself and the writing process. I discovered that it's actually easier to plot and plan when I'm not as invested in the characters and the story.
Don't get me wrong. I'm excited to be writing again, and I'm certainly no less invested in turning out a quality product! I'm just not as... picky.
With the current story, it was easier to make decisions because I'm not in that "OMG, I love these characters!' and 'It has to be PERFECT!' mindset. It just has to be good. Does that make sense?
I know the more an author writes, the faster he or she gets, but I think this plays a role, too. Though I don't think I could ever turn out a finished book every month or two, I'm beginning to see how authors who write to the market do it so prolifically.
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Someone posted a question about writing curse words the other day. It made me think of this. Enjoy.
Have you discovered things about writing you didn't expect?
Worry about perfection not only slows me down, but can totally block me up. I always tell myself to just write- even if it's garbage, we can fill that in later.
ReplyDeleteI mean fix that later, lol. It's after 3:00 am. Time for bed?
DeleteIf anyone understands the wee-hour zombie brain, it's me. LOL
DeleteYes, it can be blocking.
I don't even have to watch that clip - even though I did! - to start laughing. We watch that movie every Christmas. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that clip!
DeleteI agree with Liz, just write. Don't worry about perfection.
ReplyDeleteWell, I need to worry about it, just not in the early drafts. LOL
DeleteYou're more relaxed - good! Just enjoy the ride.
ReplyDeleteStrangely, I am. And as these characters show themselves as they slowly develop in my head, they're growing on me. :)
DeleteLol! I need to follow your advice and try that.
ReplyDeleteIt's strangely freeing. :)
DeleteWhen you don't care, it's easier to write.
ReplyDeleteI do care, just not as much. ;)
DeleteI'm able to be more creative and just write when my mind has other things to concentrate on!
ReplyDeleteMe, too!
DeleteI'm hoping it's true that I'll write faster when I write more. Because I sure need to write faster.
ReplyDeleteIt does get faster. And for me, the research slows me down. If I would craft a series in the same area and setting year, so I could use the same research for most of it, I could write my westerns much faster.
DeleteHey, having yourself forced into making certain decisions does have its advantages. I should know. :)
ReplyDeleteIf I could write one book a year, I'd be in heaven.
I hope your life is going better than the last time we crossed cyber paths. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteI think that's why it's so easy for me to pants a story, but takes forever to finish something that's been in my head for decades!
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteI need a general outline, at least.
I gave up on perfection a long time ago, but I'm still a slow writer. I think I must just enjoy being immersed in the story.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I get sucked in, too. It's my therapy. :)
DeleteI totally get you on this. The way I care less is by reminding myself that I can always rewrite the whole dang thing if the first try is a wreck.
ReplyDeleteGlad you figured out a way to jump back into the writing game in a way that works for you. I'm certain you'll become more and more vested in the characters as you create them - just don't let that slow you down!
They're already growing on me, but in a good way. :)
DeleteI hope the more I write the faster I will get. :-)
ReplyDeleteOMG! That was a great video!
You will.
DeleteGreat Clip! Started my day on exactly the right footing. Thank you so much for visiting my blog. xxx Margaretha Montagu
ReplyDeleteI love that scene! Makes me laugh every time.
DeleteOh my goodness! I love that movie. I need to watch it again. It's impressive Chevy Chase got all those words out. I wonder if there was some improv going on.
ReplyDeleteYou know there was. LOL
DeleteSuper congrats on getting into the writing groove again :) Keep it going, girl!!
ReplyDeleteSpring break was a speed bump, but I'm not giving up.
DeleteDo you think your writing suffered because you weren't as in love with the characters? I always wonder. But I can definitely see how not being invested would allow you to write faster. Congrats on getting your piece written! Hopefully the next one goes as smoothly for you!
ReplyDeleteI haven't started writing in earnest yet (just a few dialogue exchanges that have popped into my head), but these characters are definitely growing on me. I'm sure that once I start writing the story, I'll give it my all.
DeleteGood to read this Melissa. I struggle to write faster, but I don't want to let go of my characters.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm not letting them slide. I'm sure once I begin writing, I'll flesh them out just fine. What went faster was the research and plotting.
Delete