Before I launch into today’s post, there’s some business to deal with. Once again, it seems that WordPress AKA (!@#$!!!!) has eaten the comments on the front side of this blog. Also, you may not be able to post a comment here today. I’ve made my last contribution to GoDaddy to fix the problem, so if you’d like to stay connected you can hop over HERE. I’ll probably be switching to this new venue permanently, so if you subscribe to this site (it’s free) we can continue to share thoughts on writing.
And now for…
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and our hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the August 2 posting of the IWSG are Kate Larkindale,Diane Burton, Janet Alcorn, and Shannon Lawrence!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
August 2 question: Have you ever written something that afterward you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?
My Answer to This Month’s Question
I started to co-write a romance novel with a friend. It began over a very nice dinner and wine, so I wasn’t exactly fully competent to make the decision, and as it turned out, neither was my friend. We were well into the project when we both looked at each other over our printed drafts and decided that we were definitely not romance writers.
We had a good plot and some interesting characters but not the talent or courage to tackle writing romantic scenes. Agreeing to continue with the book, we switched it to women’s lit with Gothic elements–yes, we striped the story of those steamy moments and added a ghost. Why not?
The book’s finished. Now, we’re wondering what to do with it. We’re busy with other projects, so right now, our mutual endeavor is marinating on two C-Drives.
WEP
Don’t forget the next WEP is coming August 16-18, and the theme this month is yummy “Chocolat.” Sign up and put your unique story out.
Some News
Last month I signed up with Evernight Teen for another young adult novel, but while it’s contemporary, it’s not realistic. I think I have ghosts on my mind because this book has one of those, too. Maybe I needed a change of pace and this is the result. I haven’t started the edits yet, and I don’t have a cover, but I’ll share the progress as it unfolds.
Quote of the Month:
“…publication is not all it is cracked up to be. But writing is. Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do—the actual act of writing—turns out to be the best part. It’s like discovering that while you thought you needed the tea ceremony for the caffeine, what you really needed was the tea ceremony. The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.”
― Anne Lamott
Sorry, you’ve had trouble with posting comments.
Congratulations on finishing your romance novel!
I’m not sure what happened to my post here… I have often said and written things I would like to take back… that’s why when you’re writing a letter in a hostile situation, it’s best to not send it and wait 24 hours to see if you feel the same way. Congratulations on your new work.
Romance isn’t my genre either, though most of my books feature love stories. It’s always strange to hear people (who don’t know me!) trying to tell me I write romance when that’s not how any of my books are structured or themed. Would a true romance really be a doorstopper, have such a large ensemble cast and span many years, feature many more storylines beyond love stories, or have historical settings integral to the story arc? A love story alone isn’t reason to classify a book as romance.
(Sorry if this comment posts twice!)
Romance isn’t my genre either, though most of my books feature love stories. It’s always strange to hear people (who don’t know me!) trying to tell me I write romance when that’s not how any of my books are structured or themed. Would a true romance really be a doorstopper, have such a large ensemble cast and span many years, feature many more storylines beyond love stories, or have historical settings integral to the story arc? A love story alone isn’t reason to classify a book as romance.
… trying again. Maybe the second time it will go through.
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Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is important. I can’t write romance either – not my forte. I tried once to write a regency, and it came out OK, but I can’t write another story in that genre. It just doesn’t unfold in my head, so I don’t force myself.
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is important. I can’t write romance either – not my forte. I tried once to write a regency, and it came out OK, but I can’t write another story in that genre. It just doesn’t unfold in my head, so I don’t force myself.
Hi Lee – I wonder what everyone will say about my WEP Chocolat post … I don’t think I could write romance on a regular basis … or write with a partner … that I admire – but you seem to have sensibly divided the work load. Excellent you’ve got a few projects on the go … I enjoyed ‘Shattered’ a lot … all the best – Hilary
Hi Hilary, I love the chocolat theme, so I look forward to reading the entries. I’m sure they’ll be great. Thanks for reading Shattered. I’m really glad you enjoyed the story.
I’m not able to reply on many blogs these days (and I think it may be a problem with WordPress/go daddy), but at least I am able to reply here. I love Anne Lamott’s writings.
I’m ready to ditch WP. I’ll have to keep GoDaddy for my DNS since I’ve already bought that service for a few years, but I’m fed up paying for something that only works sometimes.
I tried writing romance too. I have a short story published but, romance is not my thing either. I like to read romance, but not write it. I do love anything supernatural, especially ghosts. Can’t wait for your new book.
Let’s hear it for the romance writers and for a good ghost story! Thanks, Cathrina.
It’s me, is that you? So far, so good, huh? Sorry you’re having technical troubles. Terrific post just the same 😉 Love the Anne Lamott quote. Writing is indeed its own reward.
WP is behaving today. Maybe that ‘s because I threatened to abandon it! Anne has a great perspective on what we all do in the writing world.
Must be fun to switch up the book with the addition of a ghost!! Love it and hope it reaches the world one day 🙂
I hope it does go out. It would be nice to write The End and really mean it.
Play to your strengths. It sounds like the book needed to be women’s lit anyway. Romance is a tough genre to write and write well.
You’re so right, Liz. I’ve learned that lesson and I’m glad I learned it before I was too far into the project.
Congrats on your new book. And it’s good your friend and you realized that you’re not romance writers. I’m not either.
The best part is we agreed at the same time! That was lucky.
I think it’s great that you stuck with it even if it wasn’t the romance you expected. Maybe it’ll turn out to be a best-seller. Why not, right?
Thanks, Joylene. I did like a lot about the story, so just tossing it didn’t seem right.
I wouldn’t know how to begin to write with someone else. How did you structure that? I love your quote. Writing is definitely its own reward.
It was a very different experience. Finally, it turned out that I wrote the chapters and my partner went through them with her contributions. Rough drafts followed by re-writes from both parties.
I am glad that I am able to comment.
And really looking forward to reading/guzzling your new works.
Heading over to your new site now.
You choose the best words, Sue! I’m noting “guzzling” for future use. 🙂
Let’s see if it will let me comment.
I’m all for adding ghosts to stories because why not?!
Indeed. Ghosts are intriguing no matter what.
BTW, I had a problem posting the comment (maybe this one will go through). It acts like a plug-in problem, something incompatible with something else.
Your first comment came through, so I’m not sure why it seemed to be a problem. I’ve checked the plugins and they’re up to date. As to compatibilitly, that extends beyond my limited ability. Thanks, Jacqui.
Signed up for Substack. Boy that was easy. I already had an account thanks to Jill Weatherholt. Best of luck there!
I hope I like Substack. So far I do. It even allowed me to import some of my old posts from WP.
Writing romance is definitely a tough gig. Glad you moved on to something bigger and better. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
I can’t write romance either!
Cool news with the new book. I hope it works out well!
Hats off to those who can.
Good thing you and your partner discovered the problem and found a solution. Love the Anne Lamott quote. She’s one of my fav.
Yes. We did catch our mistake in time, and for that we are both grateful.
Hi Lee,
I have gone over and signed up for newsletter on your new site.
Congratulations on finishing your Romance novel. I am surprised but I wish you all the best whenever it comes out.
Shalom shalom
While the novel’s finished, it’s only an “almost” romance. I did get in some kissing that seemed to be romantic.
I’m sorry the story is still just sitting there. I like the ghost idea.
I’m still wondering where that ghost came from.
Hi Lee. I’m heading over to join you in your new space. Congratulations for the new YA deal. I don’t think I’d be able to do romance as well. All I can think of in romance sounds cringe 😀
We’re in the same camp, Sonia. Fortunately, there are those who do romance well and can take up the slacke! Thanks for coming over and seeing me in my new home.
I couldn’t write romance either. I’m sure that doesn’t surprise you.
Not in the least. You’re a Sci-Fi kind of guy!