Remember when I set out to share writing a book from the first idea to the last revision . . . with some side excursions along the way? Well, I think that’s actually happening. If you’ve followed my bumpy journey, you’ve seen me travel from EUPHORIA, through the discovery of CHARACTER, to the MISSTEP in plot, the need for a PRINT OUT, and then a need for a break.
You’ve seen me attend to some life issues, like, planting seeds for my summer garden, a book signing and an interview with a self-published author.
If I’m close to accurate, this is Day 16 of writing. So what’s going on? You are not going to believe this, but it’s true. I’m revising an old story. It’s a middle grade ghost story that I set aside about three years ago and this morning I woke up thinking, “That would be much better as a YA.” Is this a way to continue to dodge the story I started last month?
Yep!
Guess I’m not ready to return to my edgy novel and my edgy characters. I’ll get back, but I’m taking another small detour. Hope you’ll stick with me. I still have faith I can bring that edgy story to the page. It’s just going to take some major slogging to do it.
What I’m sharing is as real as it gets and I’m wondering if what I’m going through is similar to what you go through as writers?
I’m also wondering if those of you who read, but don’t write books yourselves are thinking differently about what this writing business involves? After taking on this job, I totally relate to books in a different way. First I have to write in all the books, not just some anymore. It’s as if I’m having a dialog with the author along the way.
Well, off to chase some ghosts for a while. Wish me luck.
Detours> I like that. I think we're on the same page with projects. I'm tinkering with old ms and waiting for that new story to stalk me.
This is just happening to me now; I finished #1; started #2 and for some reason became obsessed with my #3. I was trying to do a little on 2 & 3 every day but it is not working..so #3 is becoming #2. I think it may be because my #1 Bristol Stomp about the murder of my young brother took so much of me(my heart & soul went into it) and #2 was supposed to be the story of my step son's suicide and his brother's reaction to it(another project that will take my heart and soul) #3 is just a happier subject. Enough rambling..I love ghost's they are calling on you for a reason!
I think your detour sounds lovely! So much of the creative journey is out of our hands, as writers. You're wise to let things flow. If you like books about writing fiction, you've likely read "From Where You Dream" by Robert Olen Butler. (pulitzer prize winning author) He truly believes we shouldn't write from ideas, per se, but from a deeper place within. The ghosts might be surfacing for a reason just now! Best of luck.
Thanks all! It is nice to know the zigzag journey is one a lot of others take.
I'll get back to that edgy YA one of these days.
Have fun with your distraction!
I think the MG sounds fabulous! I'd love to read it. One of mine on sub right now is a YA ghost story. And yes, I too read differently now!
BTW, you might want to, um, take a peek at my latest post when you get the chance…
I put my wip aside to tackle a revision to a story I wrote 2 years ago. I feel very much in control of this revision unlike the lack of control I felt working on the wip. Doesn't mean I won't come back to it – it just means that for now, this revision is what feels right. Go with your gut and have fun with the ghosts!
Nelsa
Yup. I've got three WIPs now. I'm pushing ahead with the one I'm on (the youngest/newest of the three) because it's got the "wow-est" premise. I guess what it all means is that writing isn't always linear. Most people probably think you begin and finish book 1, begin and finish book 2, etc. But there's more hopscotching around than that.
Sounds like a fun project. I find that I sometimes need a break from a story to gain the proper perspective to do it right.
Boy do I know about getting destracted by another story…I think it's something that happens to a lot of us.
I think the main point is to have fun.
Have fun chasing the ghosts! Go with the one that won't let you go 🙂