So, for the last two months since I finished my second novel, I've been mostly taking a break from writing.I've done some editing on a previous novel, and I've critiqued my partners' novels.
But as far as drafting original material, no. Nada.
I can tolerate life without writing for about four weeks. At six weeks, it becomes uncomfortable. At eight weeks, EEEEEAAAAARRRGGGGHH!
I'm jumping out of my skin. I feel itchy and crabby.
Here's the problem. Historical novels require research. This research means that I can't just dive into a new project--I have to do some foundational research first. But I also can't let the research bog me down and prevent me from starting.
I have a specific project in mind that is set sixty years after my last novel, in a vastly different place. I've done the preliminary research, but now I have to bite the bullet and draft a plot outline.
Painful.
I dislike drafting initial outlines, even though that's a necessary part of my very structured writing process.
Why? Because the initial outline is going to stink.
That's the way it goes. Initial outlines stink. As the manuscript begins to breathe and take on its own life, the plot becomes interesting and I revise the outline.
But oh, how I hate that initial stinky outline.
If I don't start writing, however, I'm going to look and act like a mad scientist in about two more weeks.
Time to get to work.
16 comments:
I love hearing about your process as a writer. I know *nothing* about writing in a professional sense, but I'd SO love to do it someday. I think what you're talking about now is my main obstacle: the initial story outline. It seems so un-developed and boring as a story, because it's not been given depth yet. But I can't stop thinking 'this is a dumb story that NObody will want to read...I should stop now.' You've given me inspiration that it's OK to start out with an outline that isn't all that wonderful. Because you have to start somewhere. And sometime.
Maybe someday :)
How exciting about your next novel. I think I need to check out your previous books. I love historical fiction.
But you've been given this talent for writing by our Lord. So, keep on with the research and then pray that He will give you the words that will keep us riveted on the pages of your books.
Blessings and thanks for your comments and visits to Heart Choices.
Debbie
I've been writing on my MS for awhile and I still feel like a mad scientist. I'm starting to think I just write it to get it out of the way and start something new! Oh, the insecurities that come with this process are overwhelming sometimes!
At any rate, I'm glad...very, very glad...you're getting to a new draft, Rosslyn! Yay! ;)
A mad scientist you say? You better start that writing then hey :)
All the best with the out line.
Grin and bear it!! I know, I hate that phrase too, but if that's what it takes to get you to what you love--writing the story, then just keep your eyes on the prize.
I'm looking forward to starting my new novel on Sunday with NaNoWriMo.
Oh, I think I might like to see that, though. :D
When the novel begins to breathe in the writing process, do you ever find that you veer from your initial outline? Often, seldom, here and there?
~ Wendy
Thanks for the encouraging comments!
Debbie - I would love it if you could check out my previous books, but my first one is still unpublished and my agent has just submitted the second to CBA publishers. :-) I will let you know if I sign a contract in the near future.
Wendy - Yes, I depart in major ways from the original outline. My original outline includes only a sentence or two for each chapter. (I usually write about thirty-five chapters of eight to ten double-spaced pages each). The major action of my last novel stayed the same, but details, subplots, and characters changed. For example, I had to bring in some more conflict in oe early chapter, so I invented a character to increase the conflict in that scene. Then I wrote him into the novel and he became a major character. :-)
Look at the bright side. With Halloween just around the corner, no one will think twice if you look like a mad scientist.
My initial outlining never stays the either. My characters expand past my original thoughts of them and begin to put on skin.
It's fun to see the tranformation of my original sketch.
You're not alone! I'm in the middle of shifting from research mode to outlining. One of my crit partners wants to kick off a write-our-new-book challenge on Sunday so I need to get the basics down fast. (At least enough so I can start the first few chapters)
I'm not doing NaNo but I thought starting a new book on November 1st would give me a good start with momentum building into the first of the year. And I can eavesdrop on all those NaNo folks for inspiration.
Here's hoping you get to start writing soon!
But once you get into the writing, your energy kicks in and the words flow. I've given up on writing two at a time right now. I'm concentrating on only one for awhile. But the other one is alive and well in my psyche . . .or wherever novels live.
Write on, sister! This is an honest post. I hope you sit and write. I don't like research either. But I don't write fiction. Still to write non-fiction research is needed.
:)
Press on to the prize!
I know how you feel! When I go too long between books, then I start to go a little crazy too! But I really do love the intial research part of the book process!
My first time to your blog, and YES. So true. If you're a writer, you can't stop writing. That little voice just keeps nagging at you until you do and if you let it go too long, it bites you big time, or gets under your skin.
Enjoy your downtime. If possible!
Thanks for following my blog! DOn't worry Ill work out on your page too as soon as I finish updating my blog. God bless you!
I hear you on the historical research. I love it, but it can keep me from writing. Often my head is so filled with bits of historical fact that fascinate me, that I find myself writing fiction just to 'get it all in.' Then I have to pull myself up and remember that fiction shouldn't read like a textbook. It's time to distill those historical facts through the eyes of characters.
At least I still get to keep the facts in my head, even if they never make it onto the page. :)
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