This post is for Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (click the link for details on what that means and how to join. You will also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge that are worth checking out. The first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers. The awesome co-hosts for the June 1 posting of the IWSG are:
SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Jacqui Murray (that’s me!)
This month’s question — When the going gets tough writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is and what do you think could help you find your groove and start?
BTW–if you aren’t a member of IWSG, but have thoughts on this question, I’d love to hear them. Just add them in Comments.
I know the answer to this because I’ve been in the middle of it for over four months. Editing has been beating me up, spitting me out, and then laughing. I can’t get it right and I have a feeling I’m re-editing back to what was an earlier draft (hate when I do that). What have I learned? Here’s the answer:
“If you’re going through hell (which in my case is editing), keep going.”
I didn’t say that first. This guy did:
How about you? How do you get through the rough times?
#iwsg #amwriting
@TheIWSG
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Natural Selection, Winter 2022.
Maybe the earlier draft is the one that works and that’s why the editing is taking you back there. Do you ever hear about musical artists recording the same song dozens of times and then going back to the original one? In any case, you’re right – keep going!
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I’m not surprised. Sometimes, what I write is inspired and I need to just LEAVE IT ALONE!
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Hi Jacqui,
I’m sorry the editing process is such a hassle this time. Sometimes these things flow and sometimes they don’t. What would help for me is take a long break from it and do something completely different. Going for lots of dog walks to clear your head. 🙂
For some reason, I haven’t been getting your posts on my inbox. I was just thinking about you (and seeing somewhere you were a co-host for the IWSG blog hop this month) and wondering why I hadn’t heard anything in a while. So, I subscribed to your blogs again.
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I have that problem with WP occasionally. It got so bad for a while, I started using the Reader to make sure I was getting posts. Then, it seemed to fix itself. I don’t get it.
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Ugh, editing hell. I feel for you, and I also hate it when I feel like I’m undoing my last round of edits or just moving words around in ways that don’t make any real difference. You’re right, though–the way to get through it is to keep going.
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That is a weird feeling–when you/I think we’re just changing something that was already changed. Sigh. And then there are the good feelings that I’m making a difference!
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Thank you for sharing!!.. some days one just has to follow the advice of Rose Milligan, as for me, I just follow my heart… 🙂
Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
to paint a picture, or write a letter,
bake a cake, or plant a seed.
Ponder the difference between want and need.
Dust if you must, but there is not much time,
with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
Music to hear, and books to read,
friends to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
this day will not come round again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
old age will come and it’s not kind.
And when you go, and go you must,
you, yourself, will make more dust!
(Rose Milligan)
Until we meet again..
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
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I did get here by following my heart. I wouldn’t undo that.
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I’ve been there, Jacqui and empathize. For me, the solution is to ease up on self-imposed deadlines and do less each day. For example, where I might have spent 2 hours editing one project, I’ll cut that in half (or more) and work on something else that satisfies me. It could be a new project, or a bunch of little things like blogs, reviews, and newsletters. I find that my motivation does return, but the time it takes for that to happen varies.
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That is good advice, Debra. I have this long list of ‘stuff’ that needs to be done!
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Ha, ha, I’ve heard that song. I agree, keep on going. You’ll get there. Sorry editing is getting you down. I’m just the opposite. With me, editing is the easy part. It’s getting the first draft down that’s hard.
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I am jealous of you, Lori!
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I forgot to say thank you for co-hosting!
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I really enjoy co-hosting. I touch base with lots of writers I’ve lost track of. It takes a while, but the pay-off is worth it.
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It’s true, the only way out is through! I need to recall this often! :p
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Said with a Western twang!
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I can feel your frustration, despite the humor. Just leave it for a few days and concentrate on something else. It will come together. 🙂
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Promise?
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Buenos consejos, te mando un beso.
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Thank you! Now if only I’ll take it myself.
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I’m not sure if anyone mentioned this, but if I’m stuck on a story, I like to shift gears and start another one in a different genre. It seems to loosen the creative bolts and get everything flowing again 🙂
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I know a lot of people who work on several books at a time, You’ve probably just explained why it works for them.
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Perseverance is a writer’s best friend.
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True in so much of life!
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I read in a book once that to get to the easy parts you have to go through the hard part first. I guess, you’re not alone in that sentiment.
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There’s a lot of truth to that. Thanks, Olga!
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When I’m not feeling particularly creative, I often find something else to do for a short time to clear my head. It’s incredible how many times writing ideas come to me in the middle of a walk or on an elliptical machine.
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I agree (but not about the elliptical machine–though it’s on my wish list). The mind is amazing.
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I’ve just started revising the first draft of my novel. As Dorothy Parker once said, “what fresh hell can this be?” 🤣
Love the video! That song could be my theme song for the last couple of years.
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Despite its message, it’s upbeat don’t you think? Good luck on the revision! I know what those are like.
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Absolutely upbeat! The lyrics made me smile from the first line!
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I hire an editor – har har. (Yes, I know, I know, we also have to edit our own work, both before and after we hire someone!) I usually edit iteratively while drafting. Then by the time the draft is done, it’s fairly polished, but of course I am too close to it to see any problems, so it’s beta readers, then editor, then fresh eyes.
As for how I get through hard times: self-pity.
Only half kidding.
By “self-pity” I just mean recognizing that, even though sitting in a chair in front of a computer may look like there should be nothing to it, this IS a process that is difficult, draining, and emotional, and other authors have found it so. So no, you are not being a huge wimp if it is eating your lunch. In the past, I have been helped in this by books by other authors such as The War of Art (I know there are some issues with that book, but I think it has some insights too). I also recognize that anyone trying to create something good is in a spiritual battle. I pray and ask friends to pray.
Actually, everything I just said about writing also applies to motherhood.
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Pressfield has written quite a few books on the art of writing. Of course, what works for one doesn’t work for everyone, but if Gates of Fire is an example of what comes out of his method, I’m a fan!
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“Keep going” is the best life advice there is. I always like to keep going except when it comes to writing. In that case the motto becomes “keep finding excuses or distractions not to keep going”. It’s kind of sad in a way, but maybe there is a reason behind it all. Maybe my motto should be something like “keep doing what you’re doing until you have to do something else”?
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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Hehee. I like your motto. I am trying to take life slower. Not sure it’s working.
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But seriously, if you are reverting to the first draft, maybe it was the better of the two? I’ve thought about this after editing and going back to the original plot.:)
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It’s more a deja vu sort of feeling than a good swift kick in the pants.
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Love the quote! Best of luck to get through the tough writing patch.
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I’m feeling better about it. Maybe being around all my writerly friends has helped!
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I know what you mean. I usually write through, let it sit for a couple of weeks, then go back and reread it. Sometimes, I’m good with editing on the same document, but other times, I need to open a blank slate and drag things over. It just depends.
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It does vary, doesn’t it. Writing is about all I like doing so ‘sitting for a couple of weeks’ usually rhymes with writing something else!
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Great song for the editing process 😉 No harm in taking it slow, though. I read a newspaper headline that had me wondering just how much time (if any) the writer spent editing the piece: “Local Shopmart vandalized by tractor-trailer this morning” May we never run out of strong coffee and sharp editors 😉
Hang in there, and thanks for co-hosting!
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Hehee. Those pesky trucks!
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I actually like editing, Jacqui! And when I had a chance to work with Diane (Wolfe), I learned so much. Hell for me is the first completed manuscript, because I find my story through writing my story, and it’s a circular, never linear, path. I loved the Atkins’ song! Thanks for co-hosting to day!
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My pleasure–hosting–Louise. I agree–editing can be fun if it is gratifying. Thanks for stopping by.
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You have to keep pushing… but also getting away to a quiet spot without distraction which includes the internet helps.
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Well, truth, I don’t know how to quit. A special gift from God…
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Hi Jacqui, a lot of authors don’t like editing. I like it a lot. Editing means you have finished writing something and that is fabulous. At the moment, I am so busy at work I am not getting a lot of time to write. I have set my novel aside and am writing short stories instead. I feel like I’ve accomplished something if I get a short story written in a couple of weeks, but if I add 2000 words to a novel in 2 weeks I feel like I am getting nowhere.
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Definitely a matter of perspective. Nicely said, Robbie.
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Would change of scenery help? I find myself taking the laptop to different rooms when I get stuck.
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I did try taking notes while dog walking. That actually worked better than I hoped!
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My mind seems to be relaxed and works better when I’m on a walk.
We’re heading home via Seattle will be home late afternoon.
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Just write, then edit. Or give up and start all over, but don’t just stare at it for days on end.
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The staring thing–no good. I agree.
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I love that song. I used to listed to it every day when I was going through a really bad time.
Right now, it’s not quite that bad as back then, but I’m struggling, too, lately. I want “normal” back so badly, and I don’t know if we’ll ever get it. It seems like our leaders actually want to keep our world in conflict. Compared to this, writing seems irrelevant. I’m going to give it another whack once I get my acreage fire-safe for the summer, but it’s very much an uphill battle.
So all this to say–keep plugging away, my writing friend. Our words matter, and they’re worth polishing. Someday, your editing purgatory will end, and you’ll be glad you made it out through the other side. I believe in you–you can do it! : )
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The crazier this new version of America gets, the more I want to lose myself in my writing. There are some interesting classes I’d like to take on natural navigation (without any sort of technology) that would apply to my storyline and also make me feel like I was doing something!
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Learning something new can be good–there’s something inherently positive about it. I’ve been trying to improve my stargazing abilities this past year, which has something in common with no-tech navigation. I’m looking forward to the Perseid meteor shower this August. : )
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I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out star gazing and how it would tell me what time of night it was. It can, but not simple. I hope you write about your efforts.
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That’s an idea. I’ve noticed that over time (months) the angles shift a lot. As a for-instance, in the fall Gemini looks more like a spaceship (turned on its side) and now it looks more like twins, with the stars Castor and Pollux facing up. Casseiopeia can look like a W, an M, or a slightly crooked P. I don’t think it’s a set of skills a person acquires quickly. It may take some time before I have anything particularly helpful to say.
I may come up with another star story in the interim, though. : )
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That’s interesting. Something to think about. Thanks, Cathleen
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I know what you mean. I can take hours reconfiguring one paragraph, and even a sentence. Sometimes, I feel like it’s never right, and it’s never truly finished. There is a moment when I have to say enough!! Let it go!
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Yep–so agree. Then there are the rare times when all that jiggling results in the perfect sentence. One of 10,000 in the book!
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Ah editing, my old nemesis. Despite hating it, I find myself constantly doing it as I write. Maybe that’s why I never reach The End.
Thanks for co-hosting!
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I enjoy it, but this last book–I couldn’t seem to get things right. Just the last few weeks, I’ve felt a bit of a breakthrough.
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Being stubborn sure helps 🙂 I hope editing goes better for you!
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I think it is, these past few weeks. I’ll see when I do the first of several full read-throughs. Thanks, Denise!
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Great advice, Jacqui! Love the song!
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Western music always sounds so upbeat even when it talks of failure!
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Perfect advice! Keep going. Don’t go back. You’ve already been there. Thanks for co-hosing this month, Jacqui!
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It’s what works for me. I’ve also read some great ideas on other blogs.
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I’m sure it will never be enough, Jacqui! There always seems to be one more thing! Glad you are making progress!
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I will reach a point when it feels done and that’s good enough. I do hope that is soon!
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Rodney is so right. Happy IWSG day, Jacqui. Thanks for co-hosting.
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Anything shared via music sounds better, doesn’t it?
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The only answer is perseverance Jacqui. Wishing you all the best.
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Thankfully, I like that approach!
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YES! You just gotta go through it before the devil stops you! LOL…Thanks for sharing the video. Is he related to Chet Atkins??
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That’s a good question. Hmm… No! I will resist going on a Google search!
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Well said indeed! There is nothing like persistence to help me push on and pull through. 🙂
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And it does feel good when I reach the end.
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Right on the nose. Just do it. Easier said than done. Thanks for cohosting this month.
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My pleasure. I love staying in touch with fellow writers!
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I so understand what you’re saying about going around and around during the editing process. It’s a challenge, but you’re right. You just plow through. Thanks for hosting today, Jacqui. Great job.
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Yep. It finally seems to be breaking lose. I’m thankful for that. Did your hiking rejuvenate creativity for your next book?
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It made it possible for me to finish up a first draft of one and get another one in shape for submitting. Fingers crossed the energy and enthusiasm lasts.
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It’s that simple, isn’t it. Great answer, Jacqui. It might be grueling, but eventually, it gets where it needs to be. 😀
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It does! I have trouble quitting even if it’s taking a lot longer than I’d hoped.
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I haven’t written any books and don’t expect to. I write essays/articles and humor pieces, and find that hard enough. So, I tip my hat to all the book writers in the world.
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I tip my hat to humor writers. That’s a lot harder than it sounds!
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I’ve started jotting the major plot points on a save-the-cat style beat sheet before I start, and that has helped a lot. When it comes to plot roadblocks, I ask ‘what if?’ and keep carrying out different scenarios in my mind until something clicks. Thanks for co-hosting!
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I did that ‘what if’ exercise in a writing seminar once. I came up with a lot more than I thought I would! Glad you added that.
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I experience writing as cup of creativity. As I write, the cup empties. So I wait. Sometimes I take a walk, do chores or exercise. At the same time I bless the writing project and listen. The story wraps itself around me and fills my creativity cup. With music on Pandora, I sit and allow the words to flow. I trust my process.
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That’s a great process, Grace. Don’t force it–let it come to you. I will remember that.
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It’s rough, but I tough it out and bulldog on. Sometimes it takes far longer than I would like, but it’s rare for me to toss in the towel.
I know you’ll get through those edits. I just finished a lengthy round. My work is in the “rest” stage right now, but I plan on tackling it fresh in a few weeks (new eyes and all that 🙂)
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No quit in you, either! It makes the end result sweeter, doesn’t it?
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You just have to plow on.
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That is my usual, Herb, just keep going. I’ll eventually get where I need to go.
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Hi,
I like editing but it is still a tough one for me. I keep seeing so many ways to style a sentence or whatever. But I persevere. I keep moving forward. I don’t give up. Thank you very much for co-hosting.
Shalom aleichem
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That’s the problem, innit. There are a lot of ways to say the same thing. But which is perfect? Thanks, Pat!
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Thanks for co-hosting with me. I love editing so don’t usually get stuck there. My hard times are with the first draft. I’ve committed to writing for at least 30 minutues four to five days a week, and I’ve found that I make progress. Maybe setting a short goal for your editing till you get back into it would help you. Also, sometimes I put an “X” in a spot in a chapter where I’m stuck and move on. Then I go back to it when I’m in a better space to tackle the problem I’m struggling with, like writing hated descriptions.
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That ‘short goal’ is so against my nature, Natalie–not to say it wouldn’t be the right move. I’m that person who refuses to quit, regardless.
I like the X–done that one, too, something that needs more research…
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You gotta do what you gotta do…
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I couldn’t say that any better. Thank you!
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Drafting is the bugbear for me. I’m using the page-a-day method to get through it. My mantra is get through the first draft, and you can start the revising–which is my favorite part of the writing process.
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OK, had to look up two things from your comment (I love when that happens)–bugbear and page-a-day… BRB
Bugbear–“A bugbear is a legendary creature or type of hobgoblin comparable to the boogeyman”. Well that fits!
Page-a-day–exactly what it sounds like.
You’ve started my day of spectacularly, Liz!
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I admire your courage and determination. As I read the IWSG comments, I see the compassion and understanding expressed by folks with similar experiences. Solutions vary widely and it’s exciting when one idea clicks! Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month.
Lynn @ la-vita.us
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IWSG is a great group of people. It’s an opportunity to chat with like-minded writers who love talking their craft. Thanks for visiting!
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Editing — the bane of writers, Jacqui. Yeah, when you’re sweating through the Valley of Editing, no one wants to stop and admire the scenery! Ten two-letter words rearrange my tail feathers and nudge me forward: if it is to be, it is up to me.
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That’s clever, Grant. Love that. And it will be easy to remember!
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That little sentence got lodged in my brain decades ago. A very productive an ear worm!
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That’s when I know I’m done editing – when I put back the way it was in the first draft.
Thanks for co-hosting today!
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Hehee. I am definitely there with this draft. Too many instances of deja vu.
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I agree. No point in stopping in the middle of hell. Gotta keep going. Whatever it takes.
Sorry you’re having troubles right now.
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I’m feeling better about it this week. And that better feeling–it makes it all worth it, doesn’t it?
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Yup, I believe it was Winston Churchill who said it first. But it’s a good one and the good ones always get picked up and run with by other people. My sympathies on the editing. I am about to head into that particular hell and that what you speak of (returning to a previous draft) is on the cards in a significant way.
@DebsDespatches posting today from Fiction Can Be Fun
Normally found at Debs Despatches
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Or maybe Mark Twain (jk–he seems to get credit for every great quote!) Good luck with your editing. I’ve been at it for about six months, maybe 5, really tired of it.
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Hi Jacqui – perseverance … keep going and keep going, perhaps write another aspect and come back to your ‘sticky’ point … go out for a walk for some fresh air and exercise … the year’s half way through – now’s the time to push through. Cheers Hilary
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Great ideas, Hilary. That going for a walk–I’ll do that today with the new dog.
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ooooh little puppy!! … delightful – enjoy it … cheers H
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Yesterday, his darling sharp-as-razers teeth ripped up my pants, shirt, and right hand. Such a cutie!
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ooh … remember to remind him in a few years!! Choice for new clothes?! always fun memories – happy days …
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I just keep plodding along once I start, Jacqui. Chipping away at it each day. The hard bit for me is the initial story idea. Toni x
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The story idea–that’s my easy part! How funny.
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I feel your pain, Jacqui. For me, it’s music that keeps me pressing on. Good luck with the edits!
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I love music, but during writing, it distracts. I wish that weren’t so. What kind of music do you listen to?
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When I get stuck, I usually listen to John Denver and The Carpenters. 🙂
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Ha, ha, I’ve heard that song. I agree, keep on going. You’ll get there. Sorry editing is getting you down. I’m just the opposite. With me, editing is the easy part. It’s getting the first draft down that’s hard.
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Oops, my comment ended up in the wrong place.
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It was Winston Churchill who first said it. Bit it’s a good quote and I have used it often.
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But did he sing it? Hmm???
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Although he was an amazing orator, I don’t belive he had a good singing voice. LOL!
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Hehee!
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for sharing, Michael!
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