Someone once said that "Writing a book is a journey--don't get lost along the way." How many of you feel lost? Maybe you've come to a point in your WIP and you aren't sure which way to go. Or you've come through a time when you didn't think your book would be finished because you lost your focus. But you finished your book and now you are subbing to agents and/or editors. How did you drive through the roadblocks, face the long revision process and get through that dang, mushy middle?
What you have to say will help folks who are feeling disappointed that the process is moving slower than they'd hoped. When I first started my book I had only written picture books. Picture books and novels are two totally different entities. I wasn't use to the freedom of description that we have writing novels. I love it! So tell us about your journey. It is a meaningful trip to take. And one that I don't want to miss.
Revising is a very long journey and during the writing of a book I definitely feel like I get lost along the way. but, first, I'm driven by the fact that I REALLY want to have my published book on my shelf. The idea of that is so thrilling to me that it keeps me going. Another thing is that I am always writing short stories and publishing them to feel like I'm finishing things. Without that, the process of writing a novel might be too hard to handle.
ReplyDeleteAs for losing my way, I do. I lose control of my stories all the time. If that happens, I just try to make the best of what I have, and I try harder to stay closer to the thing that inspired me when I write my next story. That's one thing I get better at, staying more focused to my original inspiration.
I am a little lost now...I thought I was done revising Amnesia Door, but now I am not so sure... but when I get lost, I try to find my compasses: advice from other writers, listening to my own heart, etc.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling, Davin. It's just that, I want to hold my book in my hands that keeps us all going. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteI thought you were done too. What's up??
ReplyDeleteFortunately, I'm not lost. Unfortunately, I have a lot of work to do.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Justus! I want to be done!!
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