HEY, WRITER TYPES.
What’s troubling you, lately? About craft, story, the industry, the culture? What difficulties are you having? Talk it up. Having trouble with a particular character? Or a genre? Or a business concern? What’s the state of your work-in-progress and what’s preventing you from getting all the way? Let’s whip out our scalpels, because it’s DISSECTIN’ TIME.
(Further, let this be a conversation amongst you — if someone offers up a question or a concern, someone else jump in and offer thoughts. Writing feels like a solitary thing but it doesn’t need to be. We’re all in this shit together if we allow ourselves the advantage, and so there’s no reason we cannot combine forces like WRITER VOLTRON and help one another out. This is a community if we want it. And what I mean by that is, I’m in your house right now. I’m watching you sleep. Also, you’re out of cereal. And industrial-grade sexual lubricant. GET SHOPPING.)
Mica Rossi says:
Time. I can’t find time enough. I know I’m burning too many candles at all of their ends, but right now that’s necessary. The problem is that my writing is suffering. So it’s the time factor. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself, and that right there is probably the real reason.
July 20, 2015 — 9:11 AM
Nick Nafpliotis (@NickNafster79) says:
Promise yourself 10 minutes a day. I know that’s not enough, but guarantee it no matter what. If you get more, great, but carve out that time 7 days a week so there’s always a launching pad IF you can manage more minutes…and so you write every day 🙂
July 20, 2015 — 3:19 PM
Kylie says:
Setting tiny goals (like Nick’s suggested 10mins) and rewarding myself like crazy works for me most days. No second coffee until I’ve written for 20mins tends to keep me motivated to get stuff done.
Sneaky writing moments also help. When I’m on hold on the phone, or waiting for someone I’m meeting for coffee, I pull out a notebook and start writing as much as possible.
July 21, 2015 — 3:21 AM
Krista Walsh says:
At the moment, my greatest frustration is book covers! I’m not an artist by trade, and I don’t have a handy graphic arts background that many of my other author friends have. Right now, I’m working with an incredible artist – he asks me what I’m looking for and I have trouble telling him. So I do the best I can, get some incredible pieces back, but am told by the person who does the typography that he doesn’t see any sketches that grab his attention. They’re too vague, not enough pop. He tells me to browse the covers on the best-sellers list, but, not knowing what I’m looking at/for, this doesn’t help me much. So how can I improve that particular skill?
July 20, 2015 — 9:11 AM
JT Lawrence says:
I insist that my designers read my wordsmithy first. Then they come up with different concepts until we find one we both love. Artists are not always good at graphic design — is that perhaps the problem? Alternatively if you are finding it too difficult with the artist, you can pay $5 for a half-decent cover from Fiverr.com
July 20, 2015 — 3:06 PM
JT Lawrence says:
I have realised in reading the other replies that you ‘Muricans call graphic designers ARTISTS. (Have committed to memory. Will not make stupid comment again.)
July 27, 2015 — 2:52 PM
Nick Nafpliotis (@NickNafster79) says:
I would whole-heartedly recommend David Mickolas. He did this cover for me in about an hour for $50.
http://imgur.com/DNT8ejF
A friend of mine saw the embarrassing cover I tried to create myself (I’m definitely not an artist either) and sent me his way. Here’s a link to his FB page with a lot more samples. He’s really cool and easy to work with.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004955670340&fref=ts
July 20, 2015 — 3:18 PM
ebrobinson says:
I hear you on that. I commissioned five artists to see who would get the job done right and only two came through. I learned to tap more than two or three and see how their mind works. The two artists came up with something amazing that I would never have envisioned. I went to art school and know graphic design but I do not have the time between working a job and writing. My advice is to put together a really good synopsis of your work and then slither around some artists whose work you like and tap their vein. Tip number 2: DO NOT PAY UPFRONT. I learned that the hard way on other projects. Good hunting.
July 20, 2015 — 7:58 PM
Chris H says:
Work. If I didn’t have the time-sink of my day job my output would increase tenfold. Not to mention the stress killing my mind-boner and the constant interruptions during my lunch hour sessions.
Nothing for it, though. I got to pay the bills.
July 20, 2015 — 9:11 AM
Kylie says:
A teacher friend has a loaded NERF gun on their staff room desk, and fires it at staff who interrupt their work prep. Another has a spray bottle, and treat their colleagues like misbehaving cats. Still better than the friend who lobs whatever happens to be on hand at people who interrupt her writing time (and nearly knocked her partner out with a dictionary).
I’ve hidden in a toilet stall to steal some writing time before. Mostly, though, I’ve just worked long and hard on my ‘if you speak to me I’ll kill you horrifically’ expression. Resting murderer face seems to keep at least some of the interruptions away.
July 21, 2015 — 3:13 AM
Blue Cole says:
Hmmm…. I guess I have two: What’s the best way to use your email subscription list? 1x a month? 4 x’s a year? I don’t blog on a regular basis, but I would like to reach out and touch those that honor me with a sign up. #2: How can one politely request a blurb from an author higher up the food chain? I’m getting ready to release novel #2, (woot woot!) and I want to put into place the things I screwed up with novel #1.
Take Care,
B.
July 20, 2015 — 9:11 AM
Mikey Campling says:
How about asking your list if you’re getting the frequency right? How much do you have to say? If your newsletter adds value in some way, people will like it.
July 20, 2015 — 9:16 AM
Samantha Warren says:
This is what I did. I thought maybe weekly was too much, but when I asked them, almost all the responses I received said they loved the once-a-week newsletter. So that’s what I do.
July 20, 2015 — 10:07 AM
jchines says:
What kind of content do you include for a once-a-week newsletter? I have a hard time keeping up with my quarterly newsletter.
July 20, 2015 — 10:23 AM
mskameron says:
Burnout. Burnout Burnout Burnout.
July 20, 2015 — 9:13 AM
Deborah A. Wolf says:
I’m writing a new urban fantasy series and I love it more than anything I’ve ever written. My difficulty lies with a particular character whose gender is ambiguous; I find that introducing and working with gender-neutral pronouns is a pain in my arse. They’re as clunky as a bad CV joint.
July 20, 2015 — 9:14 AM
Dorkthropology says:
The thing I’ve found from knowing nonbinary people is what seems awkward at first gets less awkward the more you use it. Yeah, it can be hard to get used to and might throw a reader at first but if you run with it, it’ll work out. I don’t know what pronoun you’re going with but I’ve encountered they and ze the most and since they sound similar to existing pronouns, they’re easy to use. I’ve also seen tey/ey used which has the benefit of sounding like they without being confused for plural they.
I hope some of that was useful. Good luck.
July 20, 2015 — 7:15 PM
ebrobinson says:
That tends to happen. I had an editor tell me that she was confused b my pronouns because my main character didn’t identify with just one gender. Funny thing is, many of my readers didn’t have a hard time at all, they got it. I think the English language needs to evolve again to include such things as gender neutral pronouns. Hope someone has a cool answer cuz I want to know myself.
July 20, 2015 — 8:02 PM
Kylie says:
I don’t have an answer for you, but I really love the idea of an ambiguously gendered character is brilliant. I always love seeing stories exploring the spectrum of gender.
July 21, 2015 — 3:23 AM
kessara says:
Yes, yes…I know I’m out of cereal – and there is no lube because I’m celibate. (Hush, it’s a thing!)
So, I’ve been working on this novel – urban fantasy – and while I’ve had non-fiction published, this one intimidates the hell out of me. I actually think it’s not bad…better than some of the other crap I’ve written – and I know…roughly…where I want it to go, how it will end, etc. I think, after spending some time pondering just what it is that is choking me up right now, that my fear is ‘what the hell do I do with it once it is done?’
I know about putting it aside and then re-reading it with fresh eyes later and editing the hell out of it and all of that, but I guess I’m looking for the ‘next step’ beyond that. How do you get it out to someone? I’ve read a lot of those ‘find an agent’ or ‘self publish’ articles. Been told that I need an author’s bio and a pitch letter – but from someone who has actually SOLD books, what do you do next? In the sea of ‘here’s how to get published!’ crap, what is the truth?
Thanks
Kessa
July 20, 2015 — 9:18 AM
Kelly Jensen says:
For me, the next step was considering markets. I didn’t want to self publish, but nor did I want an agent while just starting out. (We’ll call it control issues). But I did want help getting my first book published. So I researched publishers who were putting out books I liked and that were similar to mine. I read their books, I internet stalked the editors. I wrote a query letter basically stating I’d done both (without the stalking bit).
Also, finding a crit partner or group is really helpful. You’re not going to like or agree with everything they say–it’s your story and only you can tell it your way, right? But some of their advice will be practical and really helpful, or will highlight the fact you’re not communicating an idea clearly and effectively.
As with finding a market/publisher, finding a good crit partner or group might be a bit of trial and error too. 🙂
Good luck!
July 20, 2015 — 9:25 AM
PD says:
Yep, what Kessa said. Reading ‘how to’ blogs from those who haven’t finished a first manuscript or have but it’s unpublished or has a readership of two doesn’t inspire ANY confidence in me. All your ‘go and do shit (figuratively)’ books have been eye-openers and an absolute blessing to me, so I’m very inclined to listen to you. You’ve done it, successfully, so you’re a world apart from those who talk about doing it but haven’t done it themselves. YOUR advice I value, so lay it on me, Maestro.
I buy your books. I have cereal. I also have lube. There! I’ve fulfilled your criteria, now please fulfil mine. 🙂 And Kessa’s, but she’s not in the lube market. Thanks for everything, by the way. You’re a very gracious and generous if totally batshit crazy excellent author and inspiration to many.
July 20, 2015 — 9:32 AM
lucie says:
Good questions. Do you need a literary agent? I don’t think so. Not initially, anyway. in Canada, there are only 30! I have several friends who are published authors ( 5 or 6 novel) and none of them have agents yet. Looking forward to others’ answers!
Lucie
July 20, 2015 — 9:50 AM
Jim Tigwell says:
Half lack of planning (what the fuck am I going to write? How do I connect random stupid threads?), half poor time management (when can I make time?), half lack of confidence (who the fuck would read this?). Half a poor understanding of fractions.
July 20, 2015 — 9:19 AM
Peg says:
Ha. Have you tried outlining? I think it goes a long way in the planning. Confidence, I have no clue how to deal with that, let me know if you figure it out.
July 20, 2015 — 1:21 PM
Jim Tigwell says:
I need to learn to outline better. If only there were a blog with resources for writers! Realistically, the time management is the biggest hurdle (which actually means the confidence is, because if you’re confident, you make time). It’s the first thing I sideline.
July 20, 2015 — 2:08 PM
JT Lawrence says:
LOLZ fractions.
Would you want to hit me upside the head if I said you must try to PLAN MORE? I find the more I plan my writing schedule the more writing I do (to meet my deadlines), and the more I plan my actual writing with outlines etc. the easier it is to write. The more I write, the more confident I become.
July 20, 2015 — 3:00 PM
JT Lawrence says:
The thing I’m battling most with at the moment is PATIENCE. Usually I’m a pretty patient person. I have decent EQ. Hell, I even enjoy the feeling of anticipation when I have submissions out there and I’m waiting to hear feedback. But my current (and dearest) manuscript has been out for submission at the 2 major publishers in South Africa FOR SIX MONTHS now. It’s just too long. SA slushpile = Slower than tumbleweed made from an octogenarian’s pubic hair. How is a fresh-hearted penmonkey supposed to wait that long? I’ve run out of nails to bite.
July 20, 2015 — 9:19 AM
parallaxduality says:
I completely understand this. . . even a couple of days can seem like an eternity. The only way I can keep from chewing off my own paw while waiting is to focus on something new and push on with a new project, either in writing or wood carving or something. But when I put my energy into something new it makes the waiting time a little easier. . . until late at night, lying in bed, and then it gnaws on me just the same.
July 20, 2015 — 10:45 AM
JT Lawrence says:
That’s exactly right parallaxduality — as soon as I’ve submitted anything I start something new (and usually enjoy the bright shiny newness of it) — I have an ambitious writing schedule and push myself hard. But still … the paw. It niggles and niggles. I’m surprised I still have both hands.
July 20, 2015 — 11:03 AM
parallaxduality says:
I usually switch to carving wood for a day or so . . . the switch up to a physical activity helps me separate the projects and gives my mind a break. After a day or so of working with my hands my mind starts to work on things and I can go back fresh
July 20, 2015 — 4:01 PM
Vicious Pen says:
What isn’t.
State of the industry itself leaves me feeling like I don’t know what the fuck to do with it. It’s like instead of getting better, the industry just shoves its head farther up its own ass.
Should you traditional? Should you indie? Wait is Amazon a massive bond villain?
Back in the day at least you knew to just toss stuff out there and hope for the best, now I’m not sure where you ever realistically start.
People can’t even seem to decide on if a thing is good or bad (do you indie? indie’s great! no it’s the devil! traditional is the only way! but traditional is too snobbish and will rip you off!)
And then if you do you just get to hear a lot of published authors talk like it’s a “we got ours, good fucking luck, kid” thing.
I prodded myself out of my cave to try and figure this stuff out, and to get connected to the writing community and I feel as if I still do not know what to do with either of those.
I find myself working more on video game development, because that industry is far easier to figure out and seems more encouraging of new people, but then, I don’t really have the option of NOT writing either.
boom
there’s my rantings
July 20, 2015 — 9:19 AM
Vicious Pen says:
It’s also hard because people just like to throw these bootstraps speeches at you and
well fuck, I’m here coming from the other side of a pretty serious trauma
you get these bootstraps speeches from people who haven’t had to deal with a fraction of the crap you have and don’t understand how these Hemingway speeches just don’t really help all the time.
July 20, 2015 — 9:21 AM
KimBoo York says:
You GET ME, Vicous Pen. You really do. Even being successfully published as a genre romance author (under a pen name with an indie publisher) I’ve still got so many other stories to write but I still need my day job and it all seems like a crap shoot — people give me the uplifting advice which is, uh, kind? But I’ve dealt with pretty serious trauma and I just had a panic attack this morning (locked in my office at work) and I just want to go home and ~write~ but then what? How do I figure this stuff out? Indie? trad? Self-publish? Amazon? No? Having choices is great but as I finish up the two current books I’m working on, I just feel so flummoxed. Especially as the publishing landscape keeps warping in change.
Established writers are all, “whoa I got into ebooks in 2011 and I’m SET, man!” which is great, of course, but doesn’t much help me now. Chuck really helps and inspires (thank you, Chuck!) but some days…some days are just PTSD days and there you go, another day lost to my writing career.
July 20, 2015 — 9:29 AM
kessara says:
Yes. This. It’s part of what is making me wonder what the hell to do next?
July 20, 2015 — 9:22 AM
AM Gray says:
Making choices is a big stressor. I read recently that authors are more stressed because we not only live our own life but also our character’s, and we make all their choices for them, too.
I think all we can know for sure is that things will keep changing. I reckon you should diversify as much as you can. Got a trad book deal? great! Put out other stuff as an audio version or an ebook with all the sellers. Go for foreign markets.
Don’t have a single agreement with one company and miss markets and opportunities elsewhere. More people are reading on their phones now than anything else and they buy from iBooks.
If all your wordy eggs are in the amazon basket and they decide to pull the plug on authors, or change the payment method, you’re toast.
July 21, 2015 — 11:17 PM
N'Elisaurus Rex (@NEligahn) says:
I feel silly bringing this to the table, but I haven’t had much luck trying to force the words. I’ve had a sort of constipation with writing…but it’s with the actual act of writing. I have entire stories written out /in my head/. Characters, settings, stories, all of that. But when I sit at the typewriter, PC, notebook, putting the words down fail me. It’s like my brain keeps playing these obnoxious tricks on me. Is this normal? If so, then I suppose I can just keep trying to end the constipation with some heavy pushing. If it’s not, any ideas? I’m endlessly frustrated because it’s not like I don’t have the time, environment, ideas, etc. but the act itself is a hurdle. Thank you.
July 20, 2015 — 9:19 AM
Peg says:
I know this is redundant, but do your character profiles (find a template online you like). Do your outlines. Have all your research done that you think you need (it’s a rabbit hole so learn when to stop researching and start writing). Then when you sit sit down, you follow your outlines and refer back to your character as needed. There will be no constipation because as soon as you get stuck, the outline is there telling you what comes next.
July 20, 2015 — 2:57 PM
Alyson Hart says:
I feel the same way. I don’t know how normal it is, but it happens to me pretty much every time I want to write something. I’ll have all these cool scenes and character planned out, but no idea how to actually make them into something coherent. I usually just keep trying different things until I find something that I like, then go from there. I know that’s not really specific, but I don’t know how else to explain it. Once you get the first few paragraphs down, it gets a lot easier from there. But if you keep finding yourself getting stuck like that, an outline would probably be helpful. Not necessarily for the whole book, but whenever you get stuck, you could take a break and spend some time really thinking about where you want to go next. Good luck!
July 20, 2015 — 5:07 PM
ebrobinson says:
I had a few snafus when it came to character and plot. A twitter follower steered my towards worldbuilding ( I write SciFi Drama) and it has helped me a lot. I also agree with Peg about doing a character profile. You are creating a person, regardless if they’re fictional. Get a book on characterization, it will literally change how you see them.
July 20, 2015 — 8:13 PM
Tee Morris says:
I lose a lot of time in my commute to and from work; and when I eventually do get home, I am wiped out. I try to force myself to write but most of time I am staring at Facebook, just trying to decompress. It’s a bad ritual that, I’m hoping, with the new and improved workspace I can break it. The problem is when I get home, I have little energy for anything else.
Another worry I have is what I fear a decline in “the value of writing” or what people want to pay for. While the “Grey” Twitter Party debacle illustrated how much people hate that book, it doesn’t change the fact that it remained on the #1 list of Amazon for over a month. Why? Is that what people really want?
I soldier on, though; but I wouldn’t mind being able to cut the day job loose. It’s not in the cards right now, so I still write. Carving time out when there is none.
July 20, 2015 — 9:22 AM
Kelly Jensen says:
I spend a lot of time wondering about the value of words, an my words in particular. I think at the end of the day you have to just decide that you want to tell your stories and if someone else chooses to read them and likes them, that’s great.
July 20, 2015 — 9:27 AM
Anneka Ever says:
Tee, I also find myself sucked dry by the time I get home from work. What helps me is carving out writing time during my lunch hour or getting up an hour earlier than I need to so I can write before work.
I’m with you on the Grey issue. There’s no accounting for taste.
July 20, 2015 — 9:27 AM
Vikki Jankowski says:
This is me. I have a 2 hr one way commute, 3+ hrs coming home depending on traffic and have been doing it for about 7 yrs now. BY the time I get home, get blood back in my legs, clean, eat, feed the pets and sit, its 9 and i have to be in bed by ten. I feel for you.
What I have found that works perfectly is that I carry a digital recorder in the car and ramble on about plot and character ideas, work chapter issues out, stuff like that. On days when I’m spent, I’ll listen to an audiobook to see what else is coming out in my genre (like the fabulous “Harvest” I just ordered.) On nights that I have a tiny spark of energy, I transcribe my recorder. Its mindless, you don’t have to think so its easy. Weekends for me are writing marathons after I catch up on sleep and laundry.
July 20, 2015 — 9:31 AM
Laurie Whiteley says:
Might there be a way you could carve out time before work? I’m an early bird (ptui!), but I’ve always found that doing even a little writing for me at the start of the day gets it done. It’s also got that wonderfully subversive ‘why-should-my-job-get-the-best-part-of-my-day’ feeling going for it…
If you’re a late starter, maybe carve out time at lunch? Run away from your desk – or wherever people expect to find you – and get a few words down. Every little helps, right?
As for the popularity of books of dubious merit, just channel your inner Flannery O’Connor: “There’s many a best seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher.”
July 20, 2015 — 9:31 AM
Ray says:
I drive 11 hours a day, 4 days a week. People keep telling me to just write my books out by talking, but I just effing can’t? I mean, I can throw out ideas, plot ideas, and work some things out, but I can’t write books without seeing my words. But man, I wish I could. I’d write like 2 books a week.
July 20, 2015 — 10:04 AM
Kelly Jensen says:
With you on this one. I can talk plot and character until I’m hoarse, but I need to see the words.
July 20, 2015 — 10:07 AM
Beth Tanner says:
I feel your pain, Tee. And I am not a morning person yet. So I too struggle with the BiC qualitytime..
July 20, 2015 — 10:05 AM
Carolyn says:
This. I work in the legal field and am just numb by the end of the day, and do the same – look at everything except for my writing. Netflix and Amazon Prime have just so many ways to do that numb thing. So recently I *thought* I paid my cable bill, but apparently didn’t, as it got cut off today. I have decided to just leave it for now. Am going to see if doing a bit of yoga (which I just started doing and it already has helped a lot) when I get home to clear my mind then pulling that laptop out, KNOWING I can’t depend on Netflix to entertain me, will make a difference. I also have been working hard at the weekend writer thing – Sat and Sun afternoon, I am either at B&N or Starbucks, working. That has taken at least some of the ‘but I should be writing during the week!’ guilt away. Got to have the day job to pay the bills, and I do love what I do, so I am trying to find what does work. (We need more of your books, so I hope you find a new way to get there).
July 20, 2015 — 10:22 AM
ebrobinson says:
Since I take mass transit sometimes I will take an actual notebook and start writing during my commutes. I get way more done than if I just sat staring at my computer monitor. I could longhand 1800 words in a little over an hour as opposed to 3-4 hours typing. If you could do that, I would try it and see. Maybe do a trial run on a weekend and see if “actually writing” helps.
July 20, 2015 — 8:18 PM
lucie says:
While everyone is out buying sexual lubricant, please think on this: I’ve been writing a serial fictional novel online which I publish once a week. Hitting Chapter 24 this Wednesday. Though I have some pretty awesome regular readers, I would dearly LOVE me some feedback – especially as the end of this story is in sight and a second draft is on the horizon. I’ve posted surveys, asked questions and invited comment many times but so far, no one has taken me up on it. How can I get my readership to open up? I’d love to know what people like and what people don’t BERFORE i start revising.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Lucie
July 20, 2015 — 9:22 AM
kessara says:
If Chuck doesn’t mind, maybe you could post your link here? I’m interested in what you’ve got.
July 20, 2015 — 9:23 AM
larryhogue says:
Kessara, just click on Lucie’s name up there, and you’ll go right to her Chapter 23. Lost dog story involving some nasty neighbors. Looks interesting!
July 20, 2015 — 9:47 AM
lucie says:
Hey Larrylogue! Thanks!
July 20, 2015 — 9:53 AM
gloriousmonsters says:
Ok, that’s a hilarious coincidence – I’ve also got a serial story that updates on Wednesdays. Good thing it’s just starting out and not nearing the end or it’d cross the line from coincidence to witchcraft.
July 20, 2015 — 9:45 AM
Ray says:
I put a story on Wattpad that involves Jesus and Zombies as I write it, sort of, but I find it’s really hard to get feedback aside from a ‘Great action!’ or ‘This is really interesting!’ Though, one person did say it needs a bit of editing, which is true since it’s all first draft material.
July 20, 2015 — 10:10 AM
fadedglories says:
Lucie I will read your chapters this week. I will give you some comment. How detailed do you want it?
July 20, 2015 — 11:23 AM
lucie says:
WOW! Very awesome offer and very appreciated!
Well, if you have time, I would LOVE to hear from you. I’m looking for general thoughts on my characters and their development arcs. I’d love to hear about the spots where you bumped up on plot, where the writing clouded the action or confused you, things you wish you could have seen see MORE of or LESS of. Let me know when your attention begins to lag and where it picks up again…
Just so you know, This is a first draft. I’m getting ready to publish Chapter 24 this week and there are ten more chapters ahead. I’m at ursaminorfilms at gmail dot com and I’m happy to reciprocate!
Best,
Lucie
July 20, 2015 — 11:42 AM
fadedglories says:
Okay. Gimme a few days to get into it and I’ll get back to you. houmeri02atgmaildotcom
July 21, 2015 — 9:19 AM
April Showers says:
Finishing my shit.
I always fizzle out anywhere from 1/3 – 3/4 of my way through my WIP, then it slowly starves to death locked in the basement with the skeletal remains of the others.
Oh actually, my mistake….the unfinished WIPs gather dust in the drawer – a less exciting but comparable fate I.
July 20, 2015 — 9:22 AM
Anneka Ever says:
Titles. Titles are the bane of my existence. I actually imagine titles mocking me with the voice of Bane.
When I do come up with a fantastic title, usually I discover that another author already used it.
July 20, 2015 — 9:23 AM
Peg says:
I love looking at old poems for titles. My current one is Smoke of My Breath, based on Leaves of Grass, which has so many awesome little nuggets that one could use for a title. I hear that often an agent editor will change it for early writers, not sure how true that is.
July 20, 2015 — 1:24 PM
morticia1313 says:
I wouldn’t spend too much time on it unless your self-publishing. Two things writers have no control over when they get published: the title and book art. That’s what the marketing department does.
July 24, 2015 — 12:10 AM
Salome Jones says:
So I have this fancy writing degree. And in fancy writing degree school, they eschew plot. They eschew anything that might be called a formula. And so … I have a hoyty toyty outlook on outlining, and writing to a three or four act “standard” structure. Every time I’ve contemplated trying to outline, I end up in a rage, wanting to through it out the window. And it’s holding me back. I really want to write something that’s not so literary and has a plot. Do i need hypnotherapy for this? But really, how do you learn to outline a plot and then write from an outline?
July 20, 2015 — 9:24 AM
Mikey Campling says:
I’m against anything formulaic but I’m enjoying “Take Off Your Pants!: Outline Your Books for Faster, Better Writing” by Hawker – she leaves a lot open to your interpretation while encouraging a workable approach. Hope that helps.
July 20, 2015 — 9:28 AM
Carolyn says:
This is a fabulous book! It absolutely helped me with my current wip’s outline – very, very workable and I recommend this book to a LOT of people. Thumbs up!
July 20, 2015 — 10:34 AM
Anneka Ever says:
I plot just enough to get a general idea of where the story should go. On sticky notes I write scenes that I know I want to happen somewhere in the book. I create my character sheets. When I’m ready to write, I grab a sticky note and write that scene. I don’t worry about where it falls in the timeline of the book. I do one sticky note per day. Once I have all my scenes, I start threading them together into a story that makes sense.
July 20, 2015 — 9:31 AM
gloriousmonsters says:
As someone who took a really, really long time to find a way of outlining I’m semi-comfortable with, I’d say: go looking for outlining methods. Make a pile. Then go through and try the different methods, seeing if any of them work better for you than others. Also, movies (Of the non-arthouse variety) can help – they usually have a very tight formula or plot structure, so watching them sometimes help me come up with a more exciting, natural ‘what happens next.’
July 20, 2015 — 9:48 AM
DeAnna says:
I, too, have a Fancy Degree. I liked the Save the Cat, Story Engineering, and Book Architecture books. Budrys’s seven-point plot outline. Plotto. Lester Dent’s pulp fiction formula. 2k to 10k by Rachael Aaron. I don’t grok “the story pyramid” or Joseph Campbell so much. Daniel Abraham also explained it once as plot being a joke, with the ouline just being a list of elements you need to get to the punchline.
I have yet to get rid of “literary” as a hoop to jump through, but it does get easer.
July 20, 2015 — 9:51 AM
Dangerfield5 says:
I don’t know if this will help, but the number one thing I’ve found that has tightened my plotting is reading and analysing good romance novels. The plotting in them is so standard – you have to have two people meeting and overcoming the obstacles between them and their happy ending – and it’s given me a real appreciation for how you can make the most of a formula. Courtney Milan is the tightest plotter I’ve ever had the joy of reading and she usually has a couple of books available for the Kindle nice and cheap.
July 20, 2015 — 10:09 AM
Ray says:
Well, coming from a dregree-less guy, I STILL have trouble outlining anything beyond a broad stroke. UNTIL NOW!
The only outline method I’ve found to work for me so far is Dan Wells’ 7 point outlining structure. If you google that you’ll find several places that lay it out, and he also has a series of videos on YouTube that describe it very well. Using this, I’ve managed to plot out half of one of my books so far, down to the individual chapters. That’s something I’ve NEVER been able to do before. Like you, I’d try to start an outline of something and feel like I was running headlong into a wall made of jello and bricks.
Try that one out though, maybe we’re cut from the same cloth!
(The way I did it was the basic structure of the 7-point outline, then under each point I would outline the chapters to get me from a to b just for that point. Hope that makes sense.)
July 20, 2015 — 10:17 AM
larryhogue says:
I’ve got one of those degrees too (though I focused on nonfiction), and some of the same prejudices. When I started my novel, I didn’t pay attention to any of the plotting guides, and didn’t even know much about three-act structure. I knew how my story would begin, a little bit about how my characters’ relationship might develop, and a crisis point that would happen toward the end. It grew pretty organically. I just tried to make sure each scene advanced the conflict in one or the other of the narrative arcs, and that all of the choices were based on the characters’ motivations. It doesn’t fit all of the plotting guides’ advice, of course, but I was surprised to find that the big crisis moment dividing Acts II and III happens at the recommended 75% point. I’d scoffed at all those recommended percentages for each plot point up until then, but maybe there’s something to them. (And maybe you don’t have to plan in advance, because this structure is deeply embedded in storytelling.)
Theeditorsblog has a pretty good post titled “Outline Your Story – Plotters and Pantsers.” It made sense to me, and I’m clearly a pantser. I thought Chuck’s post about making your plot like a roller coaster was great as well. Also, have you tried using Scrivener? It lets you develop your story in whatever way you want, and keeps it “organized” no matter how messy your process. It’s easy to shuffle chunks of story around, and you can also keep all your notes and research in the same project file.
July 20, 2015 — 10:55 AM
kessara says:
Scrivener soothes my OCD need to organize and reorganize and save Every.Single.Note…idea…etc… And it helps me make it pretty when I share it. :grins: Also saves me a fortune on post it notes.
July 20, 2015 — 7:29 PM
parallaxduality says:
the book by Williams Bernhardt helped me Story Structure. It is kind of formulaic in one way but you can build a scaffolding and then be creative once you have the basic structure. It is the first book that broke down outlining in a way that didn’t seem stagnant to me and made it seem more like common sense. I liked the Red Sneakers books. . .the way it is put is that you just start writing major points and then figure out how they come about and what has to happen for them to happen, etc. It builds the story from the story and that works for me.
July 20, 2015 — 10:57 AM
A Citizen of the World says:
I teach English to middle and high school kids to pay the bills and part of that is teaching them how to structure (read: outline) their essays. It’s really basic but it works.
For myself and my YA novel with an ensemble cast, I looked around at other writers who have successfully written ensemble-cast type novels (YA or not) to see how they handled it successfully and found one method that worked:
The JK Rowling method that’s basically using a spreadsheet – each character has his/her/its own column, bisected by the timeline.
This has really helped me keep track of what everybody’s doing and how the story’s moving forward. Of course, there are detours, but the skeleton of the story is there so I don’t go too far off-track.
Then again, this might be too anal for pantsers? I don’t know – I’m a cross between a pantser and a plotter and find that having a visible plot on a spreadsheet helps with the creative process.
Yes, I know I’m weird.
July 21, 2015 — 3:30 AM
AM Gray says:
Dan Wells is a proud pantser but he does kind of plot and he is aware of hooks, and plot points and so on. He has a series of youtube lectures with examples from movies like the matrix, and they are very easy to follow. I can’t find the link but it should be googleable… if that is a word… searchable… *more coffee!*
and ‘take off your pants’ is awesome…
July 21, 2015 — 11:24 PM
Mikey Campling says:
My current problem is trying to decide which project to tackle next. I have lots of ideas – too many to write. They include non-fiction. I have a short series out that I could continue but it doesn’t actually need another book as the latest one wraps it up pretty well. I have an idea for a new dystopian novel (stand alone) and also a steampunk series. How does everyone else decide – chase a market or pursue a dream?
July 20, 2015 — 9:24 AM
Kelly Jensen says:
I listen to the loudest voices and write their stories.
I’ve heard that the books which are HOT right now were probably written eighteen months to two years ago, so unless you’re a self-publishing dynamo, it’s really hard to hit the sweet spot of what’s a hot market. I think you can catch the periphery, or maybe you can try to predict what the next big thing will be. Or, you just just write what you want to write. 🙂
July 20, 2015 — 9:29 AM
Peg says:
I agree with Kelly. Find the character who has to tell their story. The one person who is haunting you. If your character is true and honest and you develop them well enough, I think the market becomes less important. I did an MSWL check list once, found what they were asking for, began to research and write, within three months everyone wanted something else. I still wrote the novel, but if you depend on what’s hot, I think it might be cool by the time you finish.
July 20, 2015 — 9:41 AM
Ray says:
I’m like you. If you peeked into my dropbox, you’d see probably 12 folders with book titles. The way I’ve decided on what to write right now is which one has the most words. Literally. There’s this dragon book I want to write, but ‘Jesus–Slayer of the Undead’ has over 32k words already, so he gets done first even if an agent will probably never touch it.
July 20, 2015 — 10:20 AM
Ray says:
Oh, forgot to add my reasoning for what I do!
Basically, it’s to have another finished book under my belt. I believe the more books you finish, the easier they will become to write to completion. I hope.
July 20, 2015 — 10:21 AM
ebrobinson says:
As a writer just jumping into the field with 62 Fiction WIP and 5 WIP picture books I feel your pain. When I came to that crossroad I decided to put together a few shorts into a collection which whittles down the count but barely. It’s a step in the direction of forward. Pursue the dream first and if it happens to fall in the current market, great. Ask yourself why do you write. Would it be awesome to quit my day job and write full time making lots of moolah? Sure. But I do it because I want people to love my work because I love it.
July 20, 2015 — 8:29 PM
urdith says:
I feel like I can’t write or revise fast enough. At this point, I’m thinking “Hmm, maybe a cocktail of Adderall, adrenaline and those illegal bath-salts won’t be so bad if it gets me focused again.”
July 20, 2015 — 9:24 AM
blackholly says:
This is my problem too — the challenge of getting out of my head and writing faster.
July 21, 2015 — 4:49 AM
AM Gray says:
talk it… that’s faster – try voice recognition software. Personally, I have to slow my head down to get it out in any kind of order.
July 21, 2015 — 11:25 PM
Vikki Jankowski says:
Writing a 3 book series. 3 different sets of MCs. I’m having no problems feeling and finding all of them, save one. They all have some kind of dark, edgey past that makes them really jump around in my head, screaming to be written, but him. Nothing. He’s the least screwed up of them all, but I don’t want to forcibly screw up his past just to make him stand up. He is, for all intents and purposes, the most laid back of them all. A sort of beach bum. He runs a roofing company and makes good money, but he’s ungrounded and has abandonment issues. Lives on a boat (a metaphor for a non-commital life if ever I saw one) He’s not intense until he needs to be, so I don’t want to just change that. I like who he is, but I just can’t get a grip on him. He’s an enigma to me.
July 20, 2015 — 9:24 AM
Kelly Jensen says:
Hey Vikki! (I haven’t emailed you in forever. We need to talk pirates!)
I like the quiet guys. Still waters can run deep, eh? Maybe try writing him outside of the story for a while. An episode from his past. Could be you just need to solidify his voice?
July 20, 2015 — 9:31 AM
Vikki Jankowski says:
Was thinking of you this weekend, know you’re uber busy with your book tour so I haven’t tempted you with an Assassins Creed marathon for good reason 🙂 Yeah, I need to smack him around a bit more. I like the quieter ones too. The ones with the fucked up pasts are easy to write, the rage is on the surface- easy pickins. But him, well, I like him the most and know the least about him. Maybe that’s the problem.
July 20, 2015 — 9:38 AM
blackholly says:
In my experience, characters like that are difficult to write because wanting change/wanting stuff propels characters forward and characters like the one you describe often desperately want to maintain the status quo. But why they are so desperate to maintain the status quo can be really interesting.
July 21, 2015 — 4:45 AM
kathleea says:
Interview your character. What’s his favorite movie? His favorite childhood memory? Pet peeves? You can get into a character’s head this way.
July 20, 2015 — 9:37 AM
Vikki Jankowski says:
That was the first thing I tried and it didn’t work. Maybe I wasn’t asking the right questions. Will have to dig deeper. There is definitely something there.
July 20, 2015 — 9:39 AM
Peg says:
Have you tried Proust’s 35 question character interview? I found that one opened up backstories (and thus motivation) better than any other interview out there.
July 20, 2015 — 1:26 PM
Ray says:
Ok! I had this problem, sort-of. In my current WIP, my MC is Jesus, but he’s a different version. (Think Conan, or Rathgar) but he’s in the modern day. To help me get a handle on him, I wrote some flash fiction with him! Like, scenes that could be in my book but inspired by something else. It was fun, and kind of helped me get a grip on him, so maybe you could try something like that!
July 20, 2015 — 10:28 AM
lucie says:
You obviously like this character, which I think is awesome but to find out how he ticks, maybe you should experiment a little and make his life a bit more difficult so you can consider his reactions. He needs a new truck. His dog is sick. One of his employees drinks. Someone’s wife is coming onto him. Then, REALLY throw him under the bus. 🙂
July 20, 2015 — 10:51 AM
Chris P. says:
Never know how to divide my time. Do I focus entirely on revising my novel and getting that ready for submission, or do I split off occasionally to work on stories for contests and publication elsewhere? If I’m not working on my novel, I feel like I’m neglecting it and loosing momentum in getting it into shapre. If I ignore or pass up opportunities for my short fiction, I feel like I’m cheating myself out of getting my stories out where they can be read. Thoughts or suggestions?
July 20, 2015 — 9:28 AM
Peg says:
I can write fast, 3000 in 6 hours is my standard when I have an outline. 50k words in two weeks is not an issue. I’ve written 5 first drafts in the past year. So why don’t I finish my shit and submit? Punctuation. It’s killing me. It’s like math to me.
I know the basics, but beyond commas and periods, I forget half the shit I learned in school and I have an English degree. It takes months and tons of research to get through a second draft because I can’t remember what I researched last week and have to search again. It’s like I have punctuation amnesia.
I finally set it aside to start something new and never finish a second draft.
Help!
July 20, 2015 — 9:28 AM
Mikey Campling says:
Peg – it’s fine to stick to the basics. Try reading it out loud and see if it all makes sense. If it isn’t clear then it isn’t the punctuation, it’s your grammar and sentence structure. It’s very common for editing to take a lot longer than a first draft.
July 20, 2015 — 9:34 AM
Peg says:
Thanks, I can always pick up on voice issues/grammar, but I wonder how important that semi-colon is and it paralyzes me.
July 20, 2015 — 9:43 AM
Ray says:
I feel you. So hard. I never got the foundations for various reasons, but I feel you. I read that the semi-colon, the comma, and the em-dash are all pretty similar. The semi-colon is when it could stand alone as its own sentence if need be… I think. I could be wrong. In my novel I had a ton of semi-colons, and my wife read like a third of it and said, “These should mostly be colons” and I punched a kitten.
July 20, 2015 — 9:53 AM
Kelly Jensen says:
I agree with the reading out loud. It really helps. When my editors speak grammar at me, I hear a buzzing sound in my ears. They’ve learned to teach me by example. But keep in mind that not all sentences need to be grammatically correct. Voice is more important, which is why reading out loud is such a great way to feel out where the commas should be, and so on.
As a reader, I find semi colons and colons choppy. Em dashes make a smoother transition (and I think they’re preferred by more current copy editing standards).
July 20, 2015 — 9:59 AM
Ray says:
You know what problem I have with em-dashes? Ending a bit of dialogue with them, but the quotation marks don’t cooperate.
July 20, 2015 — 10:29 AM
Kelly Jensen says:
Here’s what I do. I insert the dash and then type ‘a’ right after it. I insert dashes in Word by typing two hyphens, anyway, which Word will convert to an em dash when you type the first letter of the next word. So the ‘a’ completes the dash. Then I add my closing quotation marks. Then I go back and delete the ‘a’.
I’m sure there’s another way to do it, but that’s what I came up with!
July 20, 2015 — 10:46 AM
Peg says:
The big question: will an agent or editor turn you down simply based on not formatting your dialogue correctly, using just basic punctuation?
I have an awesome personal copy editor that has decades of experience and just finished a stint at a major lit mag, but he’s not free. He’s one of my core reading group, as I am for him, and we will read each other’s work for voice and story and what brings us out of the “fictional dream,” but actual copy editing, even with a hefty discount, is pricey and I am already on a ramen noodle budget.
July 20, 2015 — 11:54 AM
morticia1313 says:
If you’re struggling over punctuation in your novel, I highly recommend Noah Lukeman’s A Dash of Style. You can stick to the basics or get creative but he really, really helped me understand how to use punctuation to great effect in my writing.
July 24, 2015 — 12:18 AM
NDCortright says:
I am finding that my work-life-writing balance is really off kilter. What suggestions do you have to do a reset?
July 20, 2015 — 9:29 AM
Peg says:
I pay my husband and kids in word counts for doing the mundane chores I used to do. 1000 words gets the dishes done, 500 gets trash taken out, 2500 gets dinner made. But, of course, this only works with a willing partners. Getting up an hour earlier, writing on lunch breaks, using the digital recorder on the way to work. It’s not easy, but if the people in your life know it’s your priority, I think they will help make it theirs, too. Except your bosses. They probably won’t care.
July 20, 2015 — 1:34 PM
Scott says:
I think I’m at a point just slightly past kessara. I have the finished product, I’ve had some great feedback from a beta reader or two, I’ve adjusted and tweaked and tinkered and really like what I’ve got. So I’ve sent queries about it off to a number of agents, one of whom actually requested the full manuscript, so yay!
Except everyone else I’ve heard back from is a “no”. I’ve sent 29 queries, and have received 16 “No thank yous.” Like I said, I’ve still got that one agent who requested the full manuscript, but the biggest challenge I’m feeling right now is how to keep from becoming discouraged. I’ve got more to send, I have a list in a spreadsheet to which I continue to add potential agents.
But how do you shake it off each time another “No thank you” lands in the inbox, or, even more fun, you just assume after 30 days or so that the agent isn’t interested because their site says “No response if we’re not interested” (I have a fair number of those about to hit)? How do you shake it off, keep believing in your work, and keep pushing forward?
July 20, 2015 — 9:29 AM
kessara says:
Hey Scott – 1. You got one yes. THAT is huge! Someone likes it! Yay! :happySnoopydance:
2. Did you write it because you felt it HAD to be written? Who did you write it for? You? Or someone else?
(yeah, I know…crappy question, but it’s what I keep asking myself, and answering. I write for me. Because I -have- to. If I don’t write, the voices will take over and I’ll never get any sleep!)
July 20, 2015 — 9:40 AM
kathleea says:
You start a new project or binge watch a show on Netflix. Or both. Workshop your query if you aren’t getting requests. If you are getting requests but no offers take a look at your first three chapters.
July 20, 2015 — 9:41 AM
Tori says:
Right now work is sucking my creative juices dry. There’s a massive, high-profile project and I’m on the team. But my brain has been so toasty that I can barely stand reading, let alone writing, and my brain squishes out of my ears when I stare at a WIP. There is hope I will recover. Eventually. In the meantime, I wish I was writing.
July 20, 2015 — 9:32 AM
Vikki Jankowski says:
Sometimes you just need to step away from the keyboard until lifes little icinveniences pass by. Trust me, I can relate.
July 20, 2015 — 9:41 AM
Vikki Jankowski says:
inconveniences. Oy.
July 20, 2015 — 9:41 AM
Alyssa says:
I agree with Vikki that stepping away might be the best avenue, but another possibility is setting aside just a few hours, one day a week (on the weekend, maybe?) when you write. If you spend the week building up to a two-hour writing bonanza, maybe you’ll be able to accomplish a solid number of words in that time period. This way, you’re still making progress every week, and you also have time to relax and recuperate from your day job.
July 20, 2015 — 9:49 AM
addy says:
although i should be using it for me time i use my weekends to write. Just an hour or two a day to keep me and the WIP going. I have accepted that this takes longer but hey at least its moving.
As for getting in the imaginitive zone, i take a walk, especially at night when things are quiet and there is definetly nothing following in the darkness.
July 20, 2015 — 9:54 AM
todddillard says:
I’m about 20k words into my WiP, but stopped writing it to finish plotting the whole thing. The thing is, I’ve noticed there’s a lot of downtime in novels that I like to read, however I’m not plotting much (if any) downtime in my book. I guess I’m scratching my head figuring out how to bounce between action, rest, action; deciding when characters should get a “break”; saying eff it and throwing more and more conflict at them.
I realize, reading this, there isn’t much specificity to my issue; I’m just stuck in plotting land, gazing at what I’ve already written, unsure of where to go from here–> to outline, or to write?
July 20, 2015 — 9:35 AM
Mikey Campling says:
I’d say finish your outline really quickly – it’s always good to finish what you’ve started – but remember that it isn’t set in stone. You can always change it later.
July 20, 2015 — 9:42 AM
Alyssa says:
Hi Chuck! I’m currently in a writing group, but lately I’ve been questioning its usefulness. I write young adult fantasy, while the other two guys in the group write high fantasy, and I’m worried that a lot of the feedback they’re giving me is inappropriate in terms of what the audience of YA fantasy actually wants. While they’re both well-read and they definitely give some good feedback, I’m not sure I should keep meeting with them. How important is it that the people in your writing group read or write exactly the same genre as you do?
July 20, 2015 — 9:36 AM
Peg says:
I teach a writing class, and we have poets, memoirists and fiction writers. I have noticed that what one group tells another is wrong for the other genre about 80% of the time. I finally convinced the community center to separate the groups. I don’t think you need to all be in the same genre, but it sounds as if this particular group you’re is not on the same wavelength as you and I do think THAT is important.
July 20, 2015 — 1:38 PM
Alyssa says:
Great to hear your perspective. I know so few people who are involved in writing groups that it’s hard for me to tell if I should follow my instincts or if I’m just being too picky. Thanks Peg!
July 20, 2015 — 5:43 PM
Nathan says:
I’m at the “try to make it not suck” stage with my WIP and every time I make one part not suck, it seems like two new sucky parts pop up.
July 20, 2015 — 9:37 AM
Julie says:
Just keep writing. Finish the project, even if you think it sucks. Then get some beta readers. Who knows, maybe you’ll find out it doesn’t suck after all. Or if there are indeed some sucky parts, maybe they can help you figure out specific reasons why they suck so you can improve them. One thing I’ve learned after several years of this is that, with each project, I seem to suck less.
July 20, 2015 — 11:20 AM
Nathan says:
Thanks Julie, appreciate that … I am pushing through the wall of suck and I will stick with it until it’s at a point I would let some friends read it … the poor souls
July 21, 2015 — 11:26 PM
addy says:
OK not a big business question but it is important. I have been reading and focusing in books to fix this but i struggle.
my question is: what is the best way to describe a location or specifiacally a structure?
I have tried giving small details like smell and sounds, as well as give rough describtions to let the reader’s imagination do the hard part. I think it is great for forrests and meadows but i struggle with structures.
Like a large stone castle or a broken and ancient keep. Things which arent so basic but in fact tend to be unique in their own ways.
p.s. i have tried drawing the place (good god i cant draw)
July 20, 2015 — 9:38 AM
kessara says:
When you put your character in the place, what do they feel/smell/see/taste/sense? Leave the rest alone. Back to the ‘show, don’t tell’ thing. “Sarah slid her hand along the wall, the chill and damp of the stone seeming to seep into her bones…” etc.
July 20, 2015 — 9:43 AM
addy says:
i do try to use that method and i see it a lot. I’ll practise more with it. Thanks!
July 20, 2015 — 9:58 AM
Lisa Regan says:
I have time in my day–nothing continuous but I do have 15 or 20 minutes here that I could be scribbling in a notebook but instead I am on the internet, surfing and looking at dumb shit. I can’t seem to stop myself. It’s almost an OCD habit at this point. If I actually used those 15 to 20 minute slots each day, I’d probably have a shit-ton more books written. I was thinking of trying some kind of meditation. I can’t get rid of my phone or my PC. I mean that was kind of the idea behind a notebook and an actual pen–no internet temptation. But it doesn’t seem to be working anymore. I may be suffering some burn-out too. The industry can be so frustrating and it’s hard to separate the publishing bull-doody from the writing at times.
July 20, 2015 — 9:38 AM
DeAnna says:
Pacing, snd the micro and macro subtleties thereof.
July 20, 2015 — 9:39 AM
morticia1313 says:
I posted this elsewhere but I thought I’d share it here for you too!
Scene Sequel is helpful for understanding chapter breaks and pacing. If you Google Scene Sequel, many sites will pop up with helpful articles and explanations. Dwight Swain’s Techniques of the Selling Writer goes over this in depth plus a lot more a writer needs to know. The gist is this:
A Scene has the following three-part pattern:
1.Goal
2.Conflict
3.Disaster
A Sequel has the following three-part pattern:
1.Reaction
2.Dilemma
3.Decision
Also, Noah Lukeman’s The First Five Pages goes over this too (pacing) and A Dash of Style is great.
Good luck!
July 24, 2015 — 12:46 AM
Anthony W. Eichenlaub says:
My biggest issue right now is finding an agent to rep my YA urban fantasy. Being part of the slush pile is fun, but I have my doubts about its efficiency. I’m hoping to meet people and make contacts at Gencon next week, so that’s probably a good thing.
I’m also having trouble deciding which limb of Writer Voltron I want to be. I’m thinking Left Foot, but if someone else wants that maybe I could be an arm.
July 20, 2015 — 9:41 AM
kathleea says:
YA UF is a hard sell these days unless it’s unique. I know many writers who’ve gotten their agent from the slush pile. Check out writing contests online. Use Querytracker to find lists of agents to query. They also have a forum free to use where you can post your query/first pages to get feedback.
July 20, 2015 — 9:47 AM
Anthony W. Eichenlaub says:
Thanks! Querytracker looks really useful and it’s always good to get input on my query. Query writing is still a little bit of a mystery to me.
I know YA UF is a tough market. I may be falling on the ‘too unique’ side rather than the ‘not unique enough’. Either way, if it doesn’t find a home I’m not going to be too terribly devastated. I’m already working on my next project and really excited about it.
July 20, 2015 — 9:55 AM
Selfmanic says:
As an introvert and newbie writer I’m terrified of the querying process for finding agents. I self published my last book after spending almost a year paralyzed while trying to send out queries. Any tips?
July 20, 2015 — 9:41 AM
todddillard says:
The best way to gain confidence while querying is to know your stuff. Nail the query letter down, research agents, sample their clients’ work, read agent interviews, read query tracker reviews, etc. I spend about 1-2 hours researching agents and then fine-tuning my query letters.
July 20, 2015 — 9:51 AM
Sam says:
How do I stop feeling like garbage because I didn’t write
July 20, 2015 — 9:43 AM
Peg says:
Write. I know, not that easy. On days I can’t write, I use the time to talk to my characters in my head or mentally rewrite a single line over and over while I shower, cook etc. So, even if I am not writing, I am thinking about writing.
July 20, 2015 — 1:43 PM
Leslie Aguillard says:
Sam – feel like amazingly lucky to be alive at all in an inexplicable universe where 96% of it is wholly unknown to us 4 dimensional living bits on Earth. What you do with your time you must decide and then do. Feeling bad about wasting it, though I understand and suffer also from same, is a bigger waste. Catch yourself, say uh oh there it is again and then do something that needs doing. Getting things accomplished (from washing dishes to watering the plants to sewing on that button) frees up psychic energy for bigger things on the to do list. Just keep moving.
July 20, 2015 — 2:04 PM
Ray says:
My problems probably make me sound like a whiny bitch, but whatever. They are mostly self-doubt (shocker–a writer having self-doubt? Ahaha, pretty little snowflake.) But they stem from a real place. I had to drop out of school when I was 15 to get married and help raise my son and start working. Long story short, I write, but when I stack my writing up, or rather my credentials up, against other people I see things like, “B.A from Yale in Writing Better Than You,” or “Masters in Haha I actually took 4 years of English so I know what a compound fractured verb splice is and you don’t.” So When I send out my query letters, I’m all like, “Uh, I drive a big truck four days a week, have four kids, AND I LOVE BOOKS!”
Pretty much, I see success around me, and I’m probably attributing my lack thereof with a flaw in my writing that stems from my lack of proper education, though I’ve read the hell out of books since I was 12. I tell myself that when my wife (new wife, not the wife of my youth) gets her PHd in 3 years (god i hope it’s 3 years) maybe she’ll make enough for me to take some classes somewhere, but who knows.
I’m going to go write some more about Jesus and zombies.
July 20, 2015 — 9:49 AM
Kelly Jensen says:
In my opinion, the only qualification you need to write is the ability to put words on a page–and maybe have them make sense. 🙂
(Self-doubt is a killer, but when you’re lost in your own story, you can only hear the voices of your characters and they don’t care who you are and what you do.)
July 20, 2015 — 10:09 AM
Amber Kallyn says:
I don’t have a degree in writing. Around 24, I became a stay at home mama to my four kids. Didn’t get my bachelors (still not in writing) until I was 35 – after I’d been writing and published 😀
It doesn’t matter <3
July 20, 2015 — 12:19 PM
morticia1313 says:
Publishers don’t care if you have a degree in writing. They care about whether or not your book will sell. A lot of books sell in spite of the author’s average writing ability because they have a great story! J.K. Rowling is a great example of this. She got better over time with subsequent books but my, what a great story.
July 24, 2015 — 12:35 AM
Clementine Danger says:
I don’t know what to do with my feedback from an online writing workshop. I’ve written a novel fairly light on plot, heavy on character, and I’ve had some people read the first chapters. Just two chapters in and about half of them are telling me that the main plot should have kicked in from the first paragraph. It’s not that there’s no conflict or character/world-building in those first two chapters. There’s tons of it, and the first hints of a mystery plot. I know I wrote adventure science fantasy nonsense, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need a page or three to get things going. I’M SETTING THE SCENE HERE. IT NEEDS A MINUTE.
Now I can’t decide whether these people can be safely disregarded because there’s the possibility they have no patience for character-driven narratives and want a car chase and an shoot-out on the first page, or whether my book is a wretched mess of boring people sitting around being boring. Sure, the pacing needs work, it really does, but I’m doubting very much whether there’s any room left for a light plot with a slow build that’s secondary to the character’s lives and arc. That’s what I wrote, a bunch of people who are influenced by events, not the other way around.
Or, most likely, something in the gray area between those possibilities; that there’s something very wrong with the first four chapters that neither they nor me can put their finger on. It all gets very exciting a couple chapters in, but I can’t start this plot with a bang. It just doesn’t work.
Bleh.
July 20, 2015 — 9:49 AM
Julie says:
These days readers have little patience for a slow start. I don’t think you necessarily need a lot of action in the opening, but maybe you just need something a bit more intriguing in the first page(s) to grab the readers’ attention. Is there something happening, or some dialogue, rather than a lot of telling? Many agents/editors only read the first page (Donald Maas says he only reads the first paragraph-yikes!- before deciding if it’s slush pile material) so it’s vital that the opening hooks the reader. I think people are more likely to put up with some world-building etc. if you have hooked them on that first page with the promise of something really good to come.Hope that helps. I’m just learning the ropes myself.
July 20, 2015 — 10:59 AM
Clementine Danger says:
There’s a lot happening. A professional editor did say that the first paragraphs set up an interesting, if small, conflict. And that there was a hook that kept him reading. So that’s good.
I think this is more down to my insecurities and my paranoia about what sells and what doesn’t. On the one hand I know that that first sentence, paragraph, chapter is so very important and that readers tune out at the drop of a hat. Sink your claws in them and all that. On the other hand, character-driven, slow-boil books do get published. But then maybe those are for established authors who can get away with a gamble like that. I CAN write fast-paced, plot-heavy stuff, I’ve done it before, but my heart just isn’t 100% in it.
American Gods keeps coming to mind. Excellent book, one of my very favorites, but fuck-all actually happens in it. It’s all character interaction and setting, don’t even ask me what the plot was all about. Didn’t matter. You just follow a guy and see what happens to him. That’s the kind of stuff I like to read and write. I’m shit out of luck if there isn’t a market for that.
July 20, 2015 — 10:51 PM
Rob Kriner says:
So, that was your breath I felt on my neck last night Chuck? Whew… I thought a creep broke into my house.
I guess I’m wondering what the consensus is for working on more than one project at a time? For where I am in my journey I’m just trying to write as much as possible. I set a goal over the last two months to finish a short story every week. Over the last seven weeks, I’ve written four stories. Life doesn’t stop just because I want to write stories, so I’ve been making a conscious effort to write, and write, and write when the time allows and this is the best I can do.
Could I do better? Maybe. I’ve been keeping myself focused on the story at hand and finishing it before I jump to the next, but sometimes I think it would be better to work on two stories at the same time so I can keep words flowing. Interested in hearing everyone else’s take on this and what your “process” looks like.
-RK
July 20, 2015 — 9:50 AM
Peg says:
I usually have one I am editing and one I am writing fresh. Two different parts of the brain at work, but I find myself wanting to write more and edit less because writing refreshes me, editing wears me out.
July 20, 2015 — 3:02 PM
bonniegill says:
Hi Chuck,
I’ve sold my first book in my Romantic series and I’m writing the second. The story continues on from the first with my secondary characters as the main hero & heroine. My problem is backstory. How much is enough or too much?
I love your blog. Thanks for all your precious advice.
July 20, 2015 — 9:51 AM
Peg says:
Yay! Congrats on selling that first book. HUGE congrats. Maybe read some other series and what the standard it? I get irked if there is too much back story, it should come naturally, preferably through dialogue, but I know in Mockingbird, Chuck fit backstory in pretty seamlessly for Miriam and other characters he literally had them tell their story.
July 20, 2015 — 3:04 PM
bonniegill says:
Thank you Peg.
July 20, 2015 — 10:21 PM
Fred G. Yost says:
So, two big (to me) things:
1) How much should I worry about building an audience, and when should I start? I’d like to only put my best stuff forward, which I know means I need to wait until I’m producing higher quality work, but I’d also like to have more than 5 or 10 hits on each short story that I post.
2) How do you decide when it’s better to go after Shiny New Thing than continue to pound your head against the wall with the Current WiP? I’m a chapter and a half into a rewrite that now seems painful, and I’ve got three other projects bouncing around in my head trying to get out.
July 20, 2015 — 9:51 AM
Jim C. Hines says:
Re: #2, I can’t think of anything I’ve written where I didn’t reach a point of wanting to throw the damn thing into the puma pit and jump over to the Shiny New Idea instead. I think that’s a normal part of the process, unfortunately. So the question becomes, how do you know if you’re just at That Part of the writing, or if the current project really is unsalvageable?
I don’t have a great answer to that, but I think the goal should be to finish at least most of what you’re working on. YMMV.
July 20, 2015 — 10:53 AM
strugglingwriter says:
Outlining, or plotting, is my biggest problem. I’m quite good at writing shorter stuff, but am struggling in finishing. I’m also a “pantser” but I realize I need some type of outline if I’m ever to actually finish a novel. I will not start another one until I’ve done this.
I get bogged down trying to map the “dramatic structure” into some type of chapter outline. Like, around which chapter should each occur. Like, around which chapter should the turning point occur. I know it varies and I know nothing should be etched in adamantium, but on average when?
July 20, 2015 — 9:52 AM
Clementine Danger says:
I’m exactly the same. I’ve been forcing myself to do the basic legwork before I jump into the fun stuff for about a year now, and I does pay off in spades. There’s a bunch of things you can do.
The three-act structure is a classic for a reason. I’m not saying anyone should take it as gospel and cling to it no matter what (some of my favorite stories don’t do that at all) but it’s a great starting point. Look at the three-act structure with your story in mind and just fill in the blanks. What’s the first turning point? Climax, low, second turn, the works. Like I said, it’s not set in stone, but I found it’s a great handhold when outlining a story. Create the bare bones, then tweak as needed.
What helps me, by the way, is doing this physically. By which I mean, I’ve got a magnetic whiteboard with notes and scribbles and timelines and all that good stuff. It sounds silly, but it does help me to actually see it sitting in the room, instead of being tucked away in some file on my laptop.
And I’m another one of those people singing the praises of Scrivener. That thing was a lifesaver for a disorganized mental slob like me. It’s a fairly complex program, but I got the hang of the basics very quickly and I wouldn’t use anything else ever again.
July 20, 2015 — 10:06 AM
strugglingwriter says:
I get too distracted by all the “stuff” inside Scrivener. I think I’d be better off with MS Notepad or like a stone tablet and a chisel (because I think they haven’t figured out how to get the internet on stone tablets, yet).
Thanks for the reply 🙂
July 20, 2015 — 10:14 AM
L. McVay says:
I’m so with you on the physical manipulation of the story. My wall is COVERED with post-its and 3×5 cards and sheets of paper. Sometimes I feel a bit like a conspiracy theorist, but I swear it helps.
July 20, 2015 — 4:03 PM
todddillard says:
I feel you, and am continuing with the same struggles myself. I have this structure currently:
Chapter 1: Inciting incident
Chapter 4: Break into Act 2
Chapter 13: Midpoint — character has everything they want
Chapter 15: Things get a lot worse
Chapter 18: Everything is lost
Chapter 20: Break into Act 3
Chapter 21: Character starts figuring stuff out
Chapter 23: Climax
Chapter 24: Final conflict
Chapter 25: End
There are about three scenes per chapter. It’s very structured, but in my brainspace I’m not too attached to the structure itself, just the idea of the structure.
July 20, 2015 — 10:10 AM
strugglingwriter says:
It’s a start! Thanks!
July 20, 2015 — 10:17 AM
Fred G. Yost says:
I’ve found the outlining tools in Scrivener to be super helpful, though you could probably get the same result with a pack of index cards and a cork board. Just writing the events out and being able to move them around as I get more and more detailed is nice.
Todd, I really like that framework. I’ll have to run it against my WiP to see how it falls and see what happens if I shift things around to fit that.
July 20, 2015 — 10:26 AM
todddillard says:
I use Amazon Studios–I’m told it’s like Scrivener, but with Studios I can log onto any computer (like my work computer) and fiddle with outlines and stuff. Studios has the added perk of being free, but I bet Scrivener’s waaaaaay better if you’re only writing from one computer.
It took a long time for me to figure out this outline–still not sure it works bc I just started using it, but it’s a helluva lot more specific than many blocking/plotting articles I’ve read. Hope y’all enjoy!
July 20, 2015 — 11:33 AM
dave says:
Amazon Studios looks really interesting (though yet another shiny new tool to tinker with!). Cheers!
July 20, 2015 — 1:36 PM
mattblackattack says:
That’s kind of awesome, thanks!
July 20, 2015 — 11:21 AM
Scott says:
Also, maybe check out Larry Brooks site http://storyfix.com/, and his book on how to construct your story, http://www.amazon.com/Story-Engineering-Larry-Brooks-ebook/dp/B004J35J8W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437401971&sr=1-1&keywords=story+engineering. Pretty good stuff about outlining.
July 20, 2015 — 10:21 AM
Peg says:
I just make a three column table in google drive, as many rows long as I need. Label the columns as chapters, middle column briefly note main action, third column: When, Who, What happens with Protag.
So: Chapter One/ judge’s orders are given/Monday July 20, Tom, Dick, Harry, Harry is held without bail.
If you know what happens in your story, know what the turning point is, you know which chapter it goes in. If the climax is Harry escaping prison, that fits in a chapter somewhere, right?
Not sure if that is what you are talking about, but it’s a very simple set up that keeps me on track to keep going.
July 20, 2015 — 3:16 PM
McKenna says:
I’ve been sitting here writing and re-writing a post for about 20 minutes. I write about something, then think “Oh, that’s not a big enough problem to talk about.” or “That’s just whinging.”
Maybe it’s just getting a decent perspective on what I do, why I do it, and what my goals are that’s my issue. I’m one of those dreaded ghostwriters…people who write for people who can’t. Faceless, nameless talent working for the money.
I do work for the money. I support myself with my writing. But I love the work, love the writing, love almost every minute of what I do (some minutes I detest beyond imagination.)
But it’s pretty demoralizing to read posts by writers I respect that degrade and make fun of what I do. Being a writer is hard enough; being a writer that other writers look at as second class is truly painful.
Why don’t I publish on my own? Good question. Fear, self-doubt, same reasons everyone encounters, I guess. Don’t know where to start, don’t think I’m good enough.
So again I want to delete this post. But I’m going to leave it because for once I’ve put down in words how I feel. And yeah, it sounds like whinging. And self-pity.
July 20, 2015 — 9:53 AM
Peg says:
I think ghostwriting is pretty cool. I’m envious. Not whining at all here, we all have that self-doubt over something. I wonder if joining a local writing group would help you test out your ideas and get some feedback. I’d ghostwrite in a heartbeat if I could.
July 20, 2015 — 3:27 PM
Silent_Dan says:
I’ve spoken to an agent about a contract I gots in the emails. I figured it’d be fine, but the agent raised quite a few questions. Apart from the little aspect of “who the hell do I publish with”, things are going great! :p
July 20, 2015 — 9:54 AM
Knishnik says:
Trying to build tension , fear, suspense in a character that’s about to be attacked by a tiger
July 20, 2015 — 9:55 AM
Alyn Day says:
Writing something longer than a few thousand words (meaning it takes more than one sitting) I often have issues keeping the same tone.
July 20, 2015 — 9:55 AM
addy says:
remember that it is a first draft. i tend to come back to something on a second sitting and see this. trick is dont look back. just run. when you are finished then fix it up.
July 20, 2015 — 10:01 AM
kdrose1 says:
How the hell do I *get* a following? Or anyone to sign up to follow anything? Marketing has not worked. Writing good books has not worked. Having backstock has not worked. I can try to write the next literary masterpiece to mankind but, you know I can only do so much.
PS. Peg, if you can write that fast I hate you. Not really, just wow! You don’t know how lucky you are. Hire a proofreader for goodness sake and make them do the work and stop letting it stymie you.
July 20, 2015 — 9:56 AM
Peg says:
I have no money, Daughter is getting married in November, son is heading to college in August. Husband just got a demotion because of massive layoffs, but, that is on my agenda when we get them settled.
As far as followers go, I would start with twitter. Just use the #amwriting hashtags, follow chuck and other writers and spend 10 minutes a day retweeting and connecting. Have a blog with your book info pinned, talk to agents, talk to editors, follow MSWL, be part of the community. Rinse and repeat on FB. Update your blog with something to offer: writing tips, lists, make it do people can give feedback in comments. It might take a while, but every writer I know and buy from does something similar on social media.
July 20, 2015 — 3:23 PM
Christopher B. Wright says:
These days it’s just focus.
Once upon a time I could sit down, say “I will write” and the entire world fell away and I would write and write and write and write and then three days later I would be interrupted by the Saint Bernard they sent in after me (hard to ignore a Saint Bernard).
These days I say “I will write” and then SHINY SHINY CLICK THIS CLICK THIS OOOOH IT MAKES NOISES and then three days later I remembered I was supposed to be writing, dammit.
July 20, 2015 — 10:03 AM
Fred G. Yost says:
I’ve actually been turned on to Rescue Time by Max Temkin (of CAH) thanks to a podcast that he does with Pat Rothfuss.
It tracks what you consider to be ‘productive’ work (mostly word processors), and ‘distracting’ computer time (for me, social media and entertainment like YouTube) and gives you a daily report broken out by site. If I stick my phone and tablet on the other side room, then I have to be super conscious of my choice to go down the shiny wormhole of clicks and noises.
You can set goals (I’ve got a nine-five and I’m a runner, so mine are pretty short) on the minimum amount of productive time you want, and the max amount of distracting time you want, which is great if that kind of thing drives you.
If nothing else, tracking your time lets you be aware of where it’s going and how much time you spend on IshouldBeWritingButI’mDoingThis dot Com.
July 20, 2015 — 10:35 AM
Fred G. Yost says:
Point of Clarification. Rescue Time is its own thing. Max Temkin was the one that turned me on it it, not the one that created it.
July 20, 2015 — 10:41 AM
mary says:
I’ve lost my mojo
July 20, 2015 — 10:08 AM
Leslie Aguillard says:
Mo Jo? Here’s some gris gris and ju ju to lure it back!! Make some gumbo. Enjoy the hell out of it while watching your favorite movie. Take a shower. Get a good nights sleep. Wake up early with a cup of coffee and don’t look at email or any social media…. just write the first 10 pages in your head fast.
Repeat.
July 20, 2015 — 2:06 PM
dave says:
My troubles are no doubt fairly common. I’ve got a good idea (I think) for a story. At least the start of a story. The middle kind of wibbles around in a flabby incoherent mess, and I’ve no idea where it’s going to end up. Character motivations are lacking, and I keep reading advice stuff where people talk about your story’s THEME and shiz.
Theme? No idea. They’re mercenary space pirates trying to rescue their captain from a bad-ass bounty hunter and steal a sentient ship AI with homicidal tendencies.
Also finding time to write. Because watching season five/six/seven of Castle is SO IMPORTANT. Also, sleep. Sleep is good.
July 20, 2015 — 10:09 AM
Dangerfield5 says:
I’m really struggling with plotting at the moment. I have the beginning, I have the end, but I just cannot get into the things that, y’know, actually happen. I’m struggling with how to maintain tight theme/character/setting while putting in events that feel like they’re just passing the time between beginning and end.
July 20, 2015 — 10:13 AM
Ed says:
Ok. So crawling out of my own dark pit of “oh God is this just me”, but how on earth are you supposed to get an “online presence” when there are (and i looked this up) 289million twitter accounts…..who is going to care that i have something new and exciting to read? I remember Chuck saying its like throwing pebbles into a pond the ripples go far and wide. But lets think about the universe, 13.7billion light years of vastness. Our planet is one of countless trillions and may be the only source of life. Throwing things into the abyss is fine but y’know its an abyss for a reason. Its a void that devours everything and to be fair would or does anyone notice?
July 20, 2015 — 10:15 AM
dave says:
Things NOT to do:
1. twitter feed which consists entirely of “[TITLE] out now on Amazon! ”
2. auto DM response to new followers saying “Hi, [TITLE] out now on Amazon, check it out!!”
Go on twitter. Be yourself. Be interesting, and more importantly, interestED in people. Mention books occasionally. Interact.
July 20, 2015 — 10:39 AM
Fred G. Yost says:
Near as I can tell, all you can do is be active and engaged on sites like this and post interesting things on social media. Eventually more people will find you and pass you on to people they know.
From what I’ve heard, the most successful thing is to stop worrying about reaching new people and work on creating a great product. I’ll let you know if I ever actually figure out how to do it.
*All this is coming from a guy with 93 twitter followers, so I may not know what I’m talking about. I’m mainly parroting things I’ve heard about bad attempts at viral marketing being discussed on the Nerdist podcast.*
July 20, 2015 — 10:45 AM
Jim C. Hines says:
In my experience, it’s very much a long-term process. Unless you’re already a celebrity or your book hits #1 on the NYT list, it takes time and ongoing effort to build a presence online and collect all of that tasty, tasty internet attention.
A lot seems to come down to: Be interesting, have fun, and don’t let it devour your soul.
July 20, 2015 — 10:49 AM
parallaxduality says:
My online presence only seems to attract spam bots. . .How they find me when no one else does is a mystery that I think I shall submit to Ancient Aliens. . .I am sure it is some alien conspiracy. . .
July 20, 2015 — 10:47 AM
Shiloh A. Ohmes says:
I’m still learning this, too. I think the main thing is to pull out of the cinemascope and start small. I started a blog about two years ago and I’m not that great at keeping up with it. I’ll get enough steam for a couple months and then have to pull away because I burn myself out. It’s just a balancing act, I think. You do what you can but don’t over do it. As far as Twitter, I’ve found that it’s kind of a hit and miss thing, but the hits add up the longer you’re at it. I’ve decided to do a one blog post a week schedule, and then tweet about it several times on twitter throughout the week using hashtags. The hashtags help a lot, as far as getting visibility. I figured out I gained followers by retweeting stuff other writers tweeted, and posting a handful of my tweets about writing, how my writing was going, etc. It’s been kinda slow, because I’m still figuring a lot of stuff out and trying not to sabotage myself like usual, but it’s building. I just tell myself, “Aim small, miss small,” because trying to take in the grand scope is the surest way to get crushed before you ever start.
July 20, 2015 — 11:01 AM
Satan (Mel) says:
gah. my major problems are twofold, and probably don’t have easy answers, but i’d appreciate any thoughts/comments/similar struggle advice:
A, i am Bipolar and i’ve been struggling so much with depression – it’s hard when most of my mental power is taken up with “Reasons why my brain SUCKS and suicide is not an answer, goddamnit, brain,” and also the mental fatigue that comes with depression.
B. it’s becoming glaringly obvious as my body falls the fuck apart at 30 and i’ve become effectively disabled, that i clearly have a connective tissue disorder and between the (MOAR) fatigue that it brings and the large amount of chronic pain i’m in, it’s sometimes hard to make it from bed to couch. pain makes thinking more difficult, and sitting in the same position to write’s become difficult.
so far i’ve kicked around the idea of a Patreon to monetarily incentivize myself, cuz god knows i need the money, and it’ll give me a bit of helpful “YOUR AUDIENCE NEEDS YOU” hubris. so i hope that could be helpful, if i can attract people to even read the thing! i don’t exactly have a huge social media following, but i’m hopeful that it could be helpful.
uh. thoughts?
July 20, 2015 — 10:17 AM
Kylie says:
Hola, fellow bipolar!
Writing through depression is hard. So is writing through mania, for me at least. I can write, and do, but holy shit looking back over it later hurts like a kick to the crotch. I know that the usual writing advice is to write daily, but sometimes I’m more focused on reminding myself that depression thoughts aren’t reality and I do not suck that mightily. My brain? It doesn’t work like the other brains. Which is helpful in some ways (resistant reading makes life far dirtier and more hilarious than reading things the intended way), but an epic pain in the ass in other ways.
I divide my writing life into manic, depressed, and normal phases. Normal phase, I can write daily, I can achieve stuff- it works the way it seems to work for others. Manic phase, I don’t care what I’m writing as long as I’m writing and not buying stupid shit I don’t need, or being an all round asshole. Depressed phase, I just do whatever I need to in order to get through it. If that means a pillow fort and Disney movies, then by god, that’s how I’ll spend my day. If I write, it’s mostly scrawls in a journal. It blows to have to let go of that idea of being the ever-productive writer, but I’m getting better at laying off the guilt that comes from not writing when depressed. I’m starting to call it research into negative moods, to better explore them in my writing. Anything to put a positive spin on it, y’know?
All in all, the way I interact with the world when depressed is nothing like the way I interact with it when I’m not depressed. Pretending that’s not true doesn’t work for me, it just makes me feel worse about it.
July 21, 2015 — 4:25 AM