I had an idea for a three book series and wrote the first book. Editorial feedback was basically this: cut a certain subplot, combine the three book ideas into one book and make the protagonist older.
Always up for a challenge, I started this task. Thankfully I'm in a season right now where I have big chunks of space to write, and basically that's why I've been sort of MIA this week in the blogosphere. I'V BEEN WRITING. And it feels great.
I whipped through part two, and almost completed part three. Then I have to go back and re-write part one, fuse all the parts into one whole and then of course, re-write, re-write, re-write.
I know from experience that writing isn't always like this. A lot of times it's hard slugging, so when you get a good slippery section, you just want to slide.
How about you? Are you in the zone, sliding along? Or are you in a time of slugging away?
I love finding that zone! And then no apologies for a lacking online presence! Sounds like fun.
ReplyDeleteSounds good! Isn't it amazing how much easier it is to get in the zone when you have good feedback?
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of slugging right now, trying to get my book finished so that I can begin the first rewrite. I've spent far too long writing it because I was running everything through my critique group first. NaNoWriMo taught me to write first. Oh well, I'm almost finished with it now and then will begin the work of my first rewrite. Glad you're sliding in the zone right now!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing both. Sliding with my revisions but slugging with a new wip.
ReplyDeleteWow, I have to admit, I'm jealous. That's awesome! I wish I were in a slippery time, when words are flowing like water. The WIP I'm on right now is coming out at the speed of molasses. Which, if you knew how fast I usually right, is so frustrating I can hardly stand to try some nights.
ReplyDeleteI've been in the zone too and haven't been blogging much either. I know it won't last, but damn it feels so good.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm slugging away. It's like walking through molasses, but I'm still gettin' it done.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your absence is for a happy reason! I have to just trust the zone will happen for me again, as it has in the past. Some slog is to be expected at points in the process. I've had to keep in mind that crummy weather and illness and a dead computer do not mean I should quit writing, they're just setbacks.
ReplyDeleteAmazing what bad weather can do for you. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAfter a period of the blahs, I've fallen in love with my story again and am happily revising.
I'm personally taking a break from big ideas.
ReplyDeleteBut you go! I know that's gotta be a good feeling.
I desperately want to be plugging away at my WIP! I steal whatever moments alone with it I can, but alas, my day job has me working at home these days and until I get caught up, my time is limited. Anyone want to help me type a transcript for a two day trial that includes criminal charges? Anyone, anyone? Bueller?
ReplyDeleteWell done! Nothing like a good writing session.
ReplyDeleteI've just finished my first novel and have to say I have very mixed feelings. One of relief; one of depression and one of reminding myself of the hard slog and achievement. Weirdly not feeling happy or exhilarated. Just a deepset fear that it's complete crap and what a waste of 3 yrs! I can only guess that all of this is normal and anyone who has ever created anything must go through self-doubt or they wouldn't be human. Jeez sorry... have totally banged on.
Anyway as I said good work! Keep going.
TGW
I'm stuck in the mud, underneath a pile of boulders, with six inches of snow and ice layered on top of that. I'm going nowhere fast! :)
ReplyDeleteYes! I've just had an epiphany writing-wise, so I am happily zoning. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Laura- Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJenna- Feedback is essential--I agree!
Sheila - It takes a while to learn how we want to write our own books.
Anne - I do the same at times. Sliding and slugging do often go in tandem.
Sara - sorry to hear you're on the molasses trail! Been there. Hopefully it will turn into a slippery slide soon!
ReplyDeleteLaura - yay for the zone!
Angela - Getting it done is the main thing!
Laurel - Yes, trust in the zone! Sorry to hear about current setbacks, but they will eventually pass.
Kathryn - You happy you have renewed story love!
ReplyDeleteChristopher - Big Ideas are overrated (until you get one, that is!)
nathalie - time limitations can be frustrating. I hope yours opens up for you soon!
TGW - these are perfectly normal feelings to have after your first novel. But hey, you wrote a novel!! You! Who cares if it's crap. Now just go write another one!
DL - I don't know if there's hope for you! Just kidding, I'm sure you'll get brilliant inspiration buried under there. :)
ReplyDeleteJanna - Yay--happy zoning!