Where are you, muse? Why have you foresaken me? The original premise was so promising, so full of suspense. But it's been weeks now that I've tried to craft the rest of the plot, fill up the arc and connect the dots. I've got Point A and Point Z, but the rest of the alphabet won't come out of the the shadows. Any storyline I think of is like a wisp of smoke rising from an extinguished candle, that fades the more I watch it, lost to the air. The frustration is terrible. Do I give up? Isn't there a time when writers just have to admit the project is over?Maybe I waited too long. The story's energy consumed me at one point. But now, I feel unoriginal, uninspired, and confused. I read an article once in Writer's Digest that the author presented as an open letter to his unfinished manuscript. He told it he was breaking up with it. Leaving it for another. He said he was done with their inability to communicate, done with the dysfunction. Have I reached a similar impasse? Have I been hanging on to a dysfunctional relationship I have with my story?
Writing a novel is a long process. I don't want to waste my time, spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. Or is this THE process? Am I going through something normal and necessary, some kind of first-time novelist's trial by fire? I'm so confused and so disheartened.
Does anyone remember a time they felt like me? Is this writer's block? It sucks. Whatever it is.
~Artwork above created by the talented Choiseul @ DeviantArt.com. View the whole portfolio here~
26 comments:
I feel for you, I really do. Because I am exactly where you are with my novel. I'd written a huge chunk of it a long time ago, and have been trying to go back to it.
And that is not happening. I can't get a feel for the flow and the rhythm of it, and it's hella hard trying to step back into my main character's head. It seems she's changed when I wasn't looking. :)
I wish I had some advice for us both. But I really believe it's part of the process, and if we can only wait it out, something will click and things will be better.
In the meantime I've taken to writing other things. The nine muses challenge has been eating up my time and forcing me to engage and be creative. Maybe something like that would help you, too.
Whatever you choose to help you get over this thing, good luck.
Do I EVER know what you're talking about! I'm just about to start my 2nd draft all over again and though I had a cool kind of breakthrough yesterday (see my blog post yesterday--I think you'll be able to relate), I know this isn't the last time I'll hit a block in the road.
No one can tell you whether to leave your WIP alone or not but I can say that I personally love reading your work and if your WIP is still full of life, I would keep at it. But a small break is never a bad thing, either.
For the record, I remember reading that article (letter) in Writer's Digest and it made me laugh. But I can totally relate.
I think part of the answer to getting through these struggles is to know that we're not alone. And, Nicole, you are most definitely surrounded by a gazillion people who really, really get it.
Oh Nicole, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I don't think it's writer's block per se, I think you're just stuck. Been there, done that.
The choice is yours to hang up or go on. Have you exhausted all the possibilities? Have you put pen to paper and played the "What If" game. Have you written a synopsis, yes, I know it's a crazy thing to do now but it might help get some of the original idea back. You say you have Point A and Point Z. If you write a synopsis (not a real one, maybe more like an outline) that might give you some creative inspiration. Do you have someone you could share the story with, maybe getting someone else's feedback might give you an idea. If not, I'd be delighted to look at for you, give you my insights.
Of course the final decision is yours. If you don't have the emtional energy to fix it, or find it, or give it whatever it needs, then perhaps you should move on. If however you think you might have an iota of feeling left for it, then by all means, do what you need to do.
Courage, my friend, in the face of adversity is what keeps us all writing. ((hugs))
PS did you get the snow they said was going down your way?
Thank you for sharing your frustrations with me earlier. I'm always here and happy to listen. Since I'm not a writer, though, I felt at such a loss when we talked. I'm so glad you have the support of these other writers who can encourage you in a way that only another writer can. You know I'll do whatever I can to help you along this journey!
Love,
Tonya
OMG -- I love each of you! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and breathing some energy back into my soul.
Sarahjayne ~ Hearing I'm not the only one going through this helps, but hearing your particular struggle, so similar to mine, has lightened my load more than I can say. I agree, finding other writing outlets is crucial to keeping the creativity flowing. I've got a couple projects going on Writing.com; thank God for that site! Thank you so much, and I'm rooting for you with your project!!
Erin ~ I'm heading over to your site when I finish. Your support and compliments are so very appreciated. I'm excited to hear you had a breakthrough yesterday...maybe if I reread some of my drafted chapters, something will jumpstart my muse. Good luck with your story!!
Piedmont ~ You've hit the nail on the head. I need to go back to the beginning, maybe after I reread some of what I've already written, and map out what I already know about the story. A synopsis is a great idea and a logical place to start. And hearing you say, "Play the What-if Game," was a lightbulb moment for me. I realized I was doing just that in the shower a few minutes ago. Something shimmered across my consciousness...the shadow of an idea. Maybe...
This conversation has given me hope. I realized as I read and responded to you that this isn't the time to drop back ten and punt. There're still avenues to pursue. I haven't followed the process to the end. Not yet.
Thank you, dear friends. From the bottom of my heart.
((hugs)) Nicole
Tonya!! You have no idea how much you helped me. Just by being a friend, letting me ramble on about my problems, you lifted my spirits. That is a rare gift, to be able to encourage someone even though you don't share the same understanding or passion for whatever has your friend's panties in a bunch. You're the best -- I'm blessed to have you in my life!
((hugs)) Nicole
I'm sorry, Nicole! I know exactly how you feel because I'm in the same boat right now with my WIP. I hate feeling so excited about a story at the beginning and then slowly losing momentum. What usually helps me is taking a break and either writing something else or just read. I wouldn't say give up completely because you never know when you want to come back to this story someday :) Inspiration often does have a second wind. I hope it comes for you soon!
Oh geez. I've been there. The best piece of advice I received when I was going through this was to just write. It could be related to my WIP or something totally different. But, just write. I did this and it worked for me- I ended up cutting most of it, but as as I was writing the plot came back to me, better. The only thing I did was world build. I took a look at the world I was creating and build it, more. That helped too.
Good luck!
Hang in there, Nicole. This is a common problem. As much as we'd all love to ride a creative high every day, it doesn't always happen.
I agree that reading helps, especially books on craft. Research helps. Writing something else fun helps. Playing with creativity tools (like writing prompts) helps.
When I'm most stuck in the middle and can't see where to go next, I sometimes spend time with the beginning of the ms. and look for threads I've laid there that could be picked up and explored a little more. Walk-on characters who could be more important than I'd originally thought. Circumstances that could suddenly swerve. Chances are the answers you seek are in what you've already written.
Hang in there, Nicole. This is a common problem. As much as we'd all love to ride a creative high every day, it doesn't always happen.
I agree that reading helps, especially books on craft. Research helps. Writing something else fun helps. Playing with creativity tools (like writing prompts) helps.
When I'm most stuck in the middle and can't see where to go next, I sometimes spend time with the beginning of the ms. and look for threads I've laid there that could be picked up and explored a little more. Walk-on characters who could be more important than I'd originally thought. Circumstances that could suddenly swerve. Chances are the answers you seek are in what you've already written.
Wow, it seems to be an epidemic this week. Hopefully, next week the hormone fairy will sprinkle extra estrogen upon us all ;)
Seriously, I feel you. It's so difficult. Sometimes I need to just step back and give the WIP a break altogether. Sometimes I need to force myself to start reading again from a favorite scene to get in the mood. Other times, writing exercises help. My two favorites: stream of conscious character writing and getting to know my character better (taking MC and placing them in a situation they'd never see in the book and learning how they'd react).
Best of luck. And remember, above all, never give up.
Keep writing. Write something new. Try flash fiction. Try poetry. Free write. Stream of consciousness write. Just write. Leave the story be for a while. Take a walk. Take a shower. Let it marinate. It'll still be thre when you get back.
Just my two cents. :)
Keep writing. Write something new. Try flash fiction. Try poetry. Free write. Stream of consciousness write. Just write. Leave the story be for a while. Take a walk. Take a shower. Let it marinate. It'll still be thre when you get back.
Just my two cents. :)
ugh. i got stuck like that once. it took me over 2 years to get out of it.
my advice, don't let a stalled WIP ruin your relationship with writing. It's ok to put it aside. putting it aside doesn't have to be a permanent thing.
Julie ~ I hate that you're in the same boat as me, but it's so reassuring to know I'm not alone. Thanks for the great advice, that we both should take!
Kelly ~ I know you're right! Keeping up with daily writing, even if it's on something else, is critical for my sanity and my motivation.
Lauel~ That's what I keep thinking, that if I read through what I already have, I'll see something there I can twist, expand, or bring into the light. It may be as easy as changing one character or bringing into the story someone new. GREAT advice!
Tara ~ I hope so too! And it's Friday, when I usually do stream of consciousness exercises for my MCs. Maybe that's my answer today!
Simon ~ Great advice I WILL be taking. Thanks!
Sarah ~ That's all it is, right? A stalled WIP. It's just a hurdle to get over. Thanks for the encouragement!!!!
Oh Nicki CAN I ever commiserate. I have hit this same point a couple of times and am ashamed to admit that I have not been able to work my way through it. I pray you will, and then maybe you can share the secret with me!
That's a rough place to be. I didn't read the other advice, but I'd suggest you keep writing. Maybe change up the pov and try it that way (1st to 3rd or the opposite). Or write about something completely different. Or write the story from the villain's pov. Just don't quit! :)
Good fill someone in on and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you on your information.
So there! I don't even have point Z, so you're ahead of me there...And I love the art in this post; where did you get it?
You'll pull through. Step away, give it some time off. Come back and if it still doesn't click, move on. And you can vent again to us either way!
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
Hi Michele! So nice of you to visit and comment!! I appreciate your encouragement, and after all the wonderful support I've received since making this post, I feel much better. I've got some ideas and new strategies; I'm not ready to give up!
The artwork on this post is by an artist's portfolio on DeviantArt.com. I searched for her name yesterday, and couldn't find her again -- but I found it tonight. The artist goes by Choiseul. I'm adding the copyright info to this post now.
Have a great evening!
Hi Mara! You ALWAYS make me feel better!!!! I love ya, sis!
Hi Jemi~ Great advice! I'm definitely going to play with POV, and also embrace the possibility I may have to change/eliminate/add some characters.
Hello Anonymous ~ Glad I could help!
Hey, Nicole! It's great to meet you! Thanks for coming by Write in the Way! I look forward to getting to know you!
I know that feeling so well. I'm still waiting for b-y too. It's definitely not a fun stage.
Kristin~ It's great to see you here! Thanks for following:)) And you're right, the journey through b - y can be tough, but I'm starting to appreciate how rewarding staying the course will be. Thanks for the encouragement!
Nicole ~ In my short time(two years now) writing, I've experienced wave after wave of self-doubt about my work. It has been so frustrating because I have never come up against anything like this before. Self-confidence (about my work) has never been an issue. But just as the wave engulfed me, so did it eventually recede and I could see the worthiness of my efforts. I have read many interviews of published authors who still experience this! So don't let it get you down. Realize it for what it is...a phase. Like a previous commenter said, don't let it sour you on writing. You may need to put it aside for a while. Are you using a critique group? If so, maybe they can assist you.
Wait a sec, I wasn't following your blog already??? :0 I am now. :)
I have definitely experienced writer's block in which my story is still there but I'm just not in a "writing state of mind", but I have also felt like you do now about some of my past stories. I've even plotted the entire thing and then just couldn't get it out.
I've given up on stories when it came to a point where I felt like I was forcing them too much.
The good news is that they are still there. If I do decide to go back to them, maybe it will be with a fresh perspective. Maybe I'll never go back to them.
I always worry about ideas... I am chugging along very happily in my current WIP but what will happen after that? None of my previous ideas has turned into a full novel. I have high hopes for this one. What comes next? Is my brain creative enough to come up with ANOTHER fully original novel idea? Yikes. Good thing I'm still pretty far from that point.
Anyway, I agree with the others who said it's ultimately up to you. Maybe do some brainstorm writing or hop on over to Sunday Scribblings or something to get the creative juices flowing and see if you want to get back to it or focus on something else for a bit.
I'm sorry you're in a frustrating spot. It sucks. :(
I have been feeling like this lately. I think I am starting to come out of it though. I had to step away from my WIP and try and put it out of my mind--hard but true.
You will get there --it will come.
I like your writing style. Keep on!
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