Also pushing my procrastinator's button was an anthology's deadline. I wanted to submit something, but had not started anything until Saturday night, when I sat down and wrote...a whopping three sentences.
Crapola.
On Sunday evening,
Monday evening,
On Tuesday night, I got within sight of the finish line. However, it lacked some oomph here and there and it lacked cohesiveness.
When I woke up on Wednesday morning, I was able to finish it and do some much-needed polishing. After some extremely-needed critique from the WWWPs last night, I submitted my story...just a few minutes ago.
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| photo by starmunki |
Last week the piece felt really forced. There wasn't anything easy about it. However, after working on it for a few days, and taking several whacks at it, the words busted loose...just like candy from a piñata.
When the words are dammed-up, let your writing sit for a day or two. Make several attempts. And if the writing doesn't flow then, take a big stick...and whack at it until something busts loose...
I know that at first you were afraid, you were petrified, but I know you will survive and thrive as an outstanding writer!
ReplyDeleteAnd I wondered how I could live without you by my side...;)
DeleteHitting it is my solution for all mechanical issues.
ReplyDeleteShay--Me, too. Especially my laptop when it's acting up.
DeleteIf I'm really stuck, I save the file (with the first line as the title). Then when I have time to write, I look through my folder of first lines and pick one to work on - often, I don't remember writing it in the first place, so it doesn't feel forced - it feels like a good place to begin.
ReplyDeleteKim--That's a really unique idea. I might steal it from you...
DeleteAnd the older I get, the more "fresh" my old ideas seem, because I get more and more forgetful...
I'm not so sure about the whacking. I might get carried away. But I agree about making the attempts. I seed the garden. Let it out in all its craptastic splendor. And you're right. A few days later, it's easier to prune the weeds and add fast-acting Miracle Grow.
ReplyDeleteCraptastic. I love it. I'm gonna steal that, too.
DeleteThis is just the advice I needed! I've had some wicked writer's block lately.
ReplyDeleteMama Zen--I don't believe you ;) I've got your book on my shelf and started reading it. If YOU are blocked, I'd love to experience that kind of blockage...
DeleteGreat advice, because some of us really seem to block up easily. I use Kim's technique a lot, too.
ReplyDeleteTammy--I am going to have to try it.
DeleteHi Sioux - Popped over here from Linda's blog. I KNEW you were a writer! Susan :)
ReplyDeleteSusan--Birds of a feather...;)
DeleteIt was a great interview. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your writing success.
Good luck with your story! I bet you've got another winner.
ReplyDeleteIt was good to see you at SLWG this morning.
Donna--It was wonderful you see you as well. Have fun with the flurry of your granddaughter's last bit of high school. All too soon, she'll be in Columbia...
DeleteGuess it's time I whack on mine! Love the way you put it in this blog.
ReplyDeleteLynn--Yes, it IS time to whack on yours.
Delete(And thanks.)
Saw the back of your head at StLWG but then lost track of you. Wish you had joined us for lunch at Amigos. Delish. Suzann was great too.
ReplyDeleteOh! Words like candy from a pinata! Good one. If I get candy it might be worth it to keep whacking away ...
ReplyDeleteMarcia--Suzann WAS great. Scary, too. Scary in that I KNOW when I do a word search for those no-no words, I am going to find them in the triple or quadruple digits. Yikes!
DeleteI've been beating the S&*t out of my "pinata" trying to get the words to flow!!! I think I'll go eat a few girl scout cookies, maybe that'll do the trick!
ReplyDeleteBeth-- A few BOXES usually works for me...
DeleteThe way my mind works, if the first draft doesn't flow like crazy, it's just something that needs to be fixed -- and I don't mind fixing it.
ReplyDeleteI love the pinata comparison...
Pearl
p.s. You asked about the scarf, the "soft green" scarf. :-) I think four feet is plenty long for a scarf, isn't it?
I'm quite excited about this!