Welcome to another month of the Insecure Writers’ Support Group Blog Hop.
Thank you to the awesome co-hosts for the June 1 posting of the IWSG: SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Jacqui Murray!
June 1 question – When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?
I’m a pantser – that means I don’t plan my stories out before I start writing. I may have a sketchy idea of what I want to say, but I ‘discover’ what happens as I write.
Most of the time. That also means that sometimes I get stuck along the way. Who am I kidding? I get stuck lots! How do I keep myself writing towards the end?
There are two techniques I use. The first one is to go back and read what I’ve already written. Just read. That frequently puts me back in touch with my characters and shows me where the story wants to head next. But it isn’t perfect. Sometimes I have to take it an additional step and start editing.
That puts me in touch with the deep core of the story as I prune and cut words and sentences I don’t need. Even whole scenes may disappear. What I’m left with is stronger, hopefully more compelling, and clears the path to move on in my story.
As far as not getting started writing? My problem is finding the ‘right’ place to start. I think it took me six attempts to find the beginning of my WIP. What started out as a full chapter is less than a page of a prologue. I’ve got a few other stories waiting in the wings that I’ve written and re-written the first few paragraphs but don’t feel as if I have a good grasp on the story yet.
And don’t forget – that ‘rule’ about writing every day is only a suggestion. It can be good to put your pen down for a day or two and allow your story and you to have a break. Life can interfere with the creative process, and it’s okay to acknowledge that.
At least that’s how I see it. Check out the suggestions of some other authors. Just follow the links below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe!
That part about reading what you’ve written–that is so true. It does put you back into the feel of the story. A little like reconnecting with a friend you’ve lost touch with. You remember why they once were so important. Great answer to this question!
That not finding the beginning–absolutely understand that. I had my latest book all figured out when a chance comment by someone in my critique group told me I was starting in the wrong place! They were so right.
I usually assume that my beginning will have to be radically rewritten, possibly several times. Usually the image I have of the start is okay, but too much else goes on. I have trouble going back and reading without tinkering, but the problem with tinkering, of course, is that it prevents the kind of fast read that will give me a picture of the whole.
My problem with beginnings is that I usually start too soon. I have to figure out what the reader needs NOW and what can be included later.
If I’m reading correctly, you prune down to see where the main plant is and follow the vine to the end. So into gardening right now. hehehe
I do much the same. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
Being a pantser, it’s easy to be drawn off the real story. Keeping on the main vine can be a struggle.
Writer friend planned a log cabin escape, in Lapland, in winter. to write the last seven chapters of a book, and knew what would happen in each of the seven.
Nature or nurture, my brain just isn’t that organised.
, Luckily or not, fairly major events interrupted my current WIP . Coming back to it, after a very long break has been interesting
“They” say to step away between first draft and editing to see your work with a fresh eye. Why not during the writing process?
I think a lot of us start our stories too soon and have to find the “real” beginning in revision. I also read sometimes to get back into my groove. I also often jump ahead to a scene I have a better sense of, then come back to the other one later. That keeps me making progress and helps me see the previous scene from a different perspective.
Hi PJ!
It’s good to put the pen down for a day or two and allow the story to… gently simmer… bubble away… and when you come back to it, things start to (hopefully) fall into place. That happens sometimes.