Really honest...
With myself, first--isn't that where honesty begins?--and then with you...
I've been procrastinating again.
Although in my defense, I didn't think I was.
This time, procrastination has reared its ugly head in the form of things that feel like writing, but are really writing-related tasks.
Writing-related tasks--perfecting an outline, rewriting a synopsis, conducting research, etc.--don't put words on the page.
I've been called out by Suzannah of Write It Sideways in her post about "The #1 Reason You'll Never Finish Writing Your Novel". Suzannah, have we met? Are you spying on me?
Drats!
I've talked about my struggles with procrastination before. Here, here, here, here, and here.
Obviously, a major issue for me. Seems that I've found writing-related ways of covering it up.
Just yesterday, I nearly succumbed to the ultimate procrastination-- tossing the current story aside and starting something new. I won't...I don't think...I'm promise. Not until after the first draft is done.
Double drats!
Slinking back to the keyboard...
Peace & Blessings,
Patricia
Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.
6 comments:
Patricia,
You have to ask yourself if you really love writing. Perhaps you're really a reader who loves books but isn't supposed to be writing them. Also you could be a person who is called to help writers - reviewer, agent, etc.
If you ask yourself some hard questions, you may come up with the answer to why you can't finish writing a manuscript. You never know, you might be happier simply reading and promoting books like LaShaunda.
I definitely enjoy writing. I've had some challenges that I won't go into detail about online but have made it difficult to do things others take for granted. Writing is a dream and I know I have talent. My biggest challenge is directing my energy toward writing when so many other things are pulling at me.
It may be more of an issue of "not now", something I refuse to accept just yet.
Oooh, those sound articles I may need to check out,too!
Ah, we could be on the same page today with our posts! I mentioned this very thing. There are often VERY good writing-related excuses that keep us from working on our WIPS! So I can totally relate!
Patricia,
I've noticed that you do have difficulty completing your projects. Here's what I'd suggest: Work out the major plot points first: Their personalities and backgrounds, their conflict, the "black moment" or climax of the conflict, and how it gets resolved. In other words, make sure you have the major makings of the story before you do anything else. Ask yourself if it's feasible/believeable/been done to death. You'll need something done from a fresh viewpoint to break in, so the more original the better. Of course, include anything particular to the line you're targeting. If you do this, chances are you won't discover that the story isn't working after you've invested time in it.
I've been working on the same synopsis for a week now. I do a little each day. Sometimes I remove what I wrote the day before when I find something I like better. I've got more to do after this, so I'm trying to move quickly. If I'm really stuck I'll spend time on one of the other ones. The important thing is that my progress has been steady.
Good luck! You can always email me if I can help.
Thanks, Bettye! I actually do that, work out the major plot points and such, but it's when I get into the writing and begin to get to know my characters better than things start shifting. The kiss of death of me is that I go back and try to fix what I've decided to change before getting to the end of the story. Eventually, I get mired down in the middle somewhere, never to see daylight.
I will take you up on your offer, though, and email you. Thanks.
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