Just a quick reminder for you all - The IWSG is currently producing it's own anthology. If you've got any hints and tips for all us would-be writers out there, you can submit your entry for inclusion right here. The deadline is tomorrow though, so get your skates on ;)!
I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet, but I'm also kinda including two insecurities this month as I missed September's post!
Firstly, this is the stage I'm at with my current WIP:
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Yup, that right there is my beat sheet. I'm getting ready to do all my rewrites, but I'm starting to wonder what the point is. All I can think about is, what's the point? I'm never actually going to finish a book, or even if I did, no one would ever read it. A tad melodramatic perhaps, but lately I feel like that everywhere I look, all I can see is other YA authors publishing their new books. I did a quick search online and it turns out a lot of these authors are bringing out at least one new book a year, and now all I can think is how I feel as though I'll never reach that stage. At the moment, it's a struggle for me not to get completely freaked out over my first novel!
And even if I did finish my first novel, do I even have the temperament to write another? I absolutely love the world I've built in my current WIP, but when I took a break from it I started outlining a new novel idea. But I quickly stopped - I just didn't feel as though I had the energy to finish it. I don't know if it's just because I'm so invested in my WIP's world right now, or if (and this is what I'm scared of) I'll never actually be able to flesh out another idea enough for it to become a novel.
So that's it (phew!) for this month. Sorry if it's a bit depressing/rambling folks - it's 7am and I'm not fully awake yet! Happy October everyone!
I feel the same way most of the time--thinking no one will ever want to read my book or I'll never be able to come up with new ideas. I guess we're all a little melodramatic sometimes. Good luck with your rewrites!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah! I guess it's just part of being a writer! Maybe if we didn't think this way, we wouldn't be so determined to push on and prove ourselves wrong :).
Delete=) Oh first books... So here are my thoughts: don't rush it. You'll get there. Set goals and work toward it, but you probably have a ways to go before publication. It was my 4th book that got published first, and my 8th that got published second. It took 12 years from the time I completed my first 120K novel to the time my first book was published (decidedly not at 120K words), and I'm grateful for every day in between. The lessons I learned were invaluable--including those grueling days spent agonizing over rewrites with critique partners. One day at a time. You'll get there when you're ready to be there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice, Crystal! Your comment was really inspiring - it made me realise I need to take a deep breath and step back for a moment - things are never as bad as I think they are! Although I've tried and failed at writing numerous novels over the years, it's only lately that I've felt as though I'm ready to actually commit to writing a full length one. Like you said, when I'm ready, I'll get there :).
DeleteJust keep writing, Rachel! One thing to remember, books aren't written, their rewritten. You may think it sucks in the beginning, but give it a chance to develop into something wonderful. And if you don't finish it, you'll never know.
ReplyDeleteAnd like Crystal said, give yourself time. Once you've written that first novel, it becomes so much easier. Make a goal to finish it, and just do it! I know you can!! :)
So nice to meet you through the IWSG!
~Kristin
IWSG co-host
http://swordsandstilettos.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for your advice, Kristin! You've inspired to keep powering on through with my rewrites this weekend ;). Thank you for co-hosting this month!
DeleteComparison is the tool of the of the devil. If I looked at other authors and all their books and compared my productivity (or lack thereof) to theirs I'd doom myself before even beginning. Be true to yourself, to this current WIP, and leave the rest of it out of your head.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beverly :)! You're completely right, I just tend to forget that sometimes - I know I'm always much happier with life in general once I stop comparing myself to my friends/family etc, so I just need to remember this in my writing too :).
DeleteHappy October! If it makes you feel better, if you ever publish your book I will definitely buy it. I know you got it in you to finish. Just don't give up. Also, maybe if you see the success of the first book, you will be so inspired that you will write the second, one never knows. Just keep at it. And i can relate to your two fears too, as I am worried about them as well now. It seems everyone I know is getting published but me and it's okay, because I wish them all the success in the world. Don't worry Rachel, our time will come.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words on my blog. It made me smile.
Aww thank you so much, Murees :)! Your comment really cheered me up :) - I am definitely hoping that if I can get this novel done, the second one will be marginally easier...
DeleteNo worries! I meant it :)! Hope you're feeling better about your writing now - we just need to keep plodding along and cheering each other on!
I was also worried I'd never have another novel idea. I started writing short stories, and joined some flash fiction sites (3 word wednesday was my favorite) and discovered a lot of stories trapped, just looking for the right prompt to release them. I hope you can do the same.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will finish this novel, in the proper time, and maybe start another using the same world you've already built. A shame to waste all that research and energy.
Thanks for commenting Dolorah :)! I like the sound of the flash fiction sites...I'll definitely be checking them out! You're right - it would be a shame to waste all the time/effort I've already put in - I just need to kick myself into gear again and crack on!
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