Story Killer

Erynn Mangum blogged about outlining on Scribble Chicks. In the comments, I mentioned my disdain for outlines as well. While I like knowing what's going to happen in the next few scenes, but I find that if I know too much I dread writing.

A few months ago, I finished my second novel. Knowing that it was in rough shape, I figured I'd rewrite it. The first thing I did was sit down and outline that book scene by scene. Bad mistake. I effectively killed any interest I had in the story. There was nothing left to discover. Nothing left for me to look forward to.

I know some writers like outlines. They wouldn't dream of starting their novels without having a lengthy outline. I think that's great. That works for them. They can write like that.

The trick when it comes to writing is to discover your story killers. What makes a story so boring you can't possibly finish it? Knowing every detail? Not knowing any details? Chances are you'll learn over the course of several novels what kills your interest and what holds it. Take note of these things and watch out for them in the future. Guard against the 'shoulds' and instead focus on how you write best. :)

Image Credit: Maria Li

My Secret Collection

I have a secret collection that I've tried to keep hidden from the world. But the thing is I can't keep it hidden anymore because it's starting to take over my life. Bits of this collection are in my inbox...on my desk...in my closet...everywhere I look, this collection is.

If truth be told my collection frightens me. Some would argue my collection is nothing more than white sheets of paper with black words on them. This is only partially true. On these sheets of paper, I see so much more than text. I see my dreams, my hopes, all those grand moments that I've always wanted.

If you haven't guessed by now, this strange collection of mine is guidelines. Writer's guidelines to be exact. I started collecting them several months ago. I know why I did it. I thought I'd send my brilliant pose out into the world.

Unfortunately, I haven't. Sure I can partly blame a very hectic last few months. But that's not entirely true. Part of it is fear. Yet I don't want to live in fear.

Since I want to go after publication, I'm submitting something. Anything. And I'm telling my readers about it. So I won't be tempted to cop out. My deadline is 5pm Friday. And I'm counting on you my dear readers to hold me accountable. :-)

5 Guaranteed Ways to Hate Your Own Writing

A friend directed me to this article on 5 Guaranteed Ways to Hate Your Own Writing. It was really good so check it out. : )

Quote: James Michener

"I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter."

~ James Michener

Photo Credit: Ivan Prole

Writing Prompt #4: Friendship

Today, write about the time you found friendship in an unusual way. If you've never found friendship in an unusual way, then pretend like you have.

Photo Credit: Gabriella Fabbri

Are You on The Right Track?

Step back and evaluate your current path. Are you happy with it? Is it bringing you closer to where you want to be?

Just because you were on the right road twenty minutes ago doesn't mean that you didn't take a turn that takes you further away from your goal. Think about that: Is there something in your life that is keeping you from going after your goal?
Maybe you write articles for free for your local newsletter. That's great but if it's taking you away from the path that you want to travel (let's say your goal is "get paid for my writing"), then you need to let it go.

I see too many writers today, dabbling in other forms of writing that ultimately move them further from their goals. If you want to write articles for free, don't let me stop you but if it's not moving you toward your goal, then you're losing your most valuable resource - time.

If you're going down a path that doesn't bring you where you want to go, then you will end up frustrated. You will end up angry at yourself and you'll resent writing instead of enjoying it. So stop and evaluate your path today. If you're on the right track, congratulations.

If you're on the wrong one, what will it take to change that? Do you need to let go of a few responsibilities? Do you need to hire someone else to watch your children for a few hours this week?

Today your challenge is to do whatever you need to do to get back on the right track. Just do it. Seriously. Then let us know about it in the comments section. We're all here to cheer you on...

Quote: There's Nothing to Writing...

"There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein." ~Walter Wellesley Smith


Photo Credit: Ben Earwicker of Garrison Photography