After months of not feeling inspired to write, I feel like I'm back! I owe it all to my wonderful writer's group. Several weeks ago I gave in and took my new first chapter. I'd been playing around with a story they'd already heard the start of. For some reason, I didn't feel I could keep writing the story until I really nailed that first chapter. Usually I write and then come back and rewrite that chapter 100 times. Maybe this means I'm finally growing as a writer?
Anyway, I had taken their comments from almost 5 months earlier and wrote a new first chapter for the story. I'll be honest and say my confidence was basement level when I started reading out loud. Would they like it? Did I finally find my character's voice? Was this enough to pull readers in?
When I finished there was silence. Then it went sort of like this.
Me: Well?
Tamara: That was amazing. This is a story I want more of.
That's all it took to have my Muse slinking up beside me ready to work. I value Tamara's opinion. She's never reacted so strongly or positively to any of my work before now. It gave me hope. Ever since then, I've been working on the story whenever I can. It's not a lot of time yet, but bits here and there are adding up. I'm in love with my characters. I hurt for their struggles. I'm allowing myself to write the story without boxing myself in. When it's all said and done, I hope readers will feel this story the way I have. Hope, fear, anger, and forgiveness. All set on a galactic scale!
I guess my words of encouragement for this month would be this. No matter how long your writing has been "off," don't give up. Keep trying. Keep putting yourself out there and one day something will light that spark again. It's so worth the wait!
Goals for June:
- Survive a pioneer re-enactment with youth from church next week (There will be pictures!)
- Finish the draft of Talia's third book (working title: Demon Rising) while attending a writer's retreat
- Continue writing Eleena's story mentioned in the pos
Goals for the rest of 2016:
- Finish both drafts--Demon Rising and Eleena's story (working title: Empire Rebooted)
- Begin revisions on Demon Rising this fall and submit to my publisher
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world! Our Twitter hashtag is #IWSG
Congrats on getting back on the writing track. Your muse must be excited. Great that your work received such a strong positive response.
ReplyDeleteLots of writing inspiration in this post. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteHaving a good support system makes a huge difference. Outside voices can be so helpful when self-doubt gets too loud. Glad to hear you're enjoying creating again!
ReplyDeleteYAY! All working again :) I wish I had the money to go on a writing retreat. I did manage it back in 2013 and had such a blast, as well as getting lots of writing done. Wish you a fab time and lots of success with your new month’s targets!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you got your mojo back. Encouragement is so helpful. Although, perhaps it was due to your not backing down and keeping with it until it was right.
ReplyDeleteHooray! I'm glad your writing mojo came back. =D
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you! That one encouragement opened up the world for you. Best wishes and keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI love it! You just have to keep at it and let your brain work when it's ready to work, eh? I've had dry spells and times when the words couldn't travel to the page fast enough. They say to be consistent, keep the brain trained, but sometimes we really do just need a break.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found your writing spark again. Keep hold of it and have fun. I can't wait to see pics of this pioneer re-enactment.
ReplyDeletewww.smpace.com/blog