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| Ruins photo by Aisog |
As much as I'd like to think this makes my writing invincible, it is not so.
Like any other offer, there are the "ordinary" challenges of time, energy, and and health, all of which can wreak havoc upon the ability to properly chase a project. More than those, though, what makes my writing really start to become a shore is when my own emotions are strong are conflicted.
I've written many times about how I approach writing by getting into character and more or less roleplaying them or acting them out on paper. It's great for voice, development, and reader experience. But when my own emotions battling for my attention, it's much more difficult to be able to drown them out with my characters.
This is something that I have to work on. Right now, Sublimation is very close to being finished, but I'm really struggling with the middle of the end. The end is written. The beginning and middle are written. The middle of the end is a jumbled up skeleton. And getting it into shape is really a beat right now, because of the "intrusion" of my outside life.
Once I have a book contract, that's not going to fly. While I do respond well to deadlines, it will require some major tinkering with my internal writing process. After all, you don't tell your publisher, "Sorry, things at the day job are weighing me down, and there's some other stuff going on that I'm trying to sort through." It's not an option. Professionals push through and perform anyway.
I'm not yet sure how to make it work, how to find that switch when a psychological fog prevents me from seeing it clearly.
But I'll try to distill my experience down to some takeaways that you might think about.
- No matter what your system or approach, it will break down sometimes. Every writer needs to be aware of this, and every professional writer needs to have a way to manage their writing projects when it happens.
- It's not easy to treat your writing like a job when you have another job. We all know this, but I think sometimes it's also an elephant in the room, like we're ashamed to admit it's a struggle. Well, it is a struggle, and there's no point in acting tough about it.
- Just as you should never depend on external motivators and evaluators for your writing, you can't depend entirely on internal strength either, for it comes and goes. At some point, something else may have to pull you through, if it's truly important that you get through.
What do you guys think? What do you do when when your invincible system breaks down? When your immortal muse gets its head lopped off?
.Nevets.
Soundtrack for writing this post provided by Queen.
I've never been an outliner. I cannot organize my thoughts that way no matter how many times I try. But I can definitely attest to the struggles of self v writing, and actually self v most everything else.
ReplyDeleteThe Takeaways
Bullet Point One: Yes.
Bullet Point Two: Hells yes.
Bullet Point Three: Indeed.
Soundtrack: Are we talking full-bombast-glitzo-strutting 70's Queen? I know your picture is Highlander, but . . .
@B - Yeah, I definitely don't outline my short projects but for novels I personally can't do it without an adaptable chapter-run outline. Not for everyone, though, for sure.
ReplyDeleteSelf v. Everything is sort of what I write about, come to think of it.
Bullet points - Figured this would resonate with you a bit.
Queen, we're talking a loop of music from Highlander.
Nevets, I've never worked on contract, which makes it easier, but if it's not happening for me I don't push it.
ReplyDeleteNeither am I an outliner, although I suspect that just means the outlining is going on unconsciously. I only need to be one day ahead in my mind, so that I know where I'm starting tomorrow. Any more is a bonus! That approach doesn't work for everyone, but I find it gives my characters room to develop. (In The Dog of the North, this technique allowed Cosetta and Davanzato to emerge from placeholders into solid supporting players--maybe more with Cosetta).
Yes, yes, yes to this post! Invincible system breaking down? I'll do you one better: my system doesn't even WORK for the book I'm revising now. Everything about the process this time has been different. (The biggest difference: people keep asking to see this one. Without me having to query it.)
ReplyDeleteAnd I can only imagine how difficult it must be to juggle writing with your other job. I admire that you can do it! I'm fortunate that I don't have to juggle, and yet still, it's hard to treat writing like the job it really is and be disciplined.
Great post!
I'm going through that right now. I'm having issues finding the balance.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I don't want to add to your schedule but would you be willing to do a guest post on my forensic blog? It can be something related to your work. It can be related to anthropology or forensics. Something writers can use. And if you don't have time right now, it can be a post for March or April or June...
Let me know, either by a comment on my blog or emailing me at clarissadraper at gmail dot com. Oh, and also, I received your super cup. Thank you!
Nevets, thank you for saying that about the treating writing like a job. It has become harder and harder for me to do so as my real job so often gets in the way. It's exhausting.
ReplyDelete@Tim - Yeah, I work on contract in a management in position, so it's 40 to 60 hours a week. It's a lot to manage.
ReplyDeleteAs far as outlining, I think I'm way overdue for a really good post about my outlining technique. Most outliners would throw rotten vegetables at me for even calling it an outline.
@Jennifer - Oh my goodness, I hadn't even thought about that. lol But, yeah, that would throw my process for a loop to. I'm really private and cooped up with it for most of the time while I'm working on a project. I hope you can figure out how to get it to work for you!
Juggling the job and the writing is definitely a challenge, both in terms of hours and mental energy. And I don't always manage real well. lol
@Clarissa - I'm glad you finally got the mug!!!
I will drop you an e-mail later today about the guest post. I'd be honored and I think it would be a lot of fun!
@Domey - Yeah, I sort of have that Bilbo Baggins feeling lately...
I think Tims's right, Nevets. Don't push it. You can't make things happen. Go for a walk, have a drink, take a small break. It will come. It always does in the end :o)
ReplyDelete@Frances - Breaks don't come naturally to me. We'd be outside, digging archaeological test pits in 104 degree temperatures and I would wince every time the crew chief called for breaks.
ReplyDeleteBut you and Tim are both wise. :)