Morose

[pegkerr]

I took a stab at writing the scene at the climax of the book this morning, just for the hell of it.

I'm sorry I tried. This was probably a tactical mistake. Am convinced it sucks rocks. But then, of course, it hardly matters, as I'm convinced that no one will still be reading the book by that point but will have thrown it down in disgust/total boredom, etc.

If I ever finish it.

Hmm. Seem to be suffering a crisis of confidence.

I get these periodically.

Maybe it's just my upset stomach. And the fact that I'm not eating properly.

P.

Comments

[dejaspirit.livejournal.com]

Just think of how much better it will be when you get there. And you'll finish it, just like you've done before. And we'll read it. Every wonderful little word. *hugs* Eat something, preferably with nutritional value (although you might just need some caffeine). I've rewritten the prologue of this 'novel' I'm working on four times. Still sucks. Will rewrite it all with the goal of one day having a book on the shelves at Borders, like you. Loff you. - Dionne

[aome.livejournal.com]

Given your obvious talent for crafting a good story, I don't think people are likely to fall asleep reading the new Ice Palace book, once it's finished. But crises of confidences are understandable - even those of us who write small things get that. Perhaps at this point even brief conversational exchanges or scene descriptions would be good - just to write what's in your head, even if you then have to set it aside and say "I'll figure out where this goes later".

Incidentally, out of curiosity, how long did it take you, from the first idea to completion of the manuscript, to write EHR and WS?

I've had the chronic stomach/not eating properly thing too. Ginger tea helps - a slice or two of fresh ginger in 1/2-1 mug full of hot water, steep for a few minutes, and sip. Try not to stress too much over things - yes, I know, easier said than done. But still.

Sending positive vibes your way.

[pegkerr.livejournal.com]

It's starting to get hazy, but I think EHR took 2 1/2 years and WS took 4 years.

Of course, I had a baby in the middle of each book, too. That slowed me down.

[aurianrose.livejournal.com]

I love your books and I know that this new one is going to be fabulous! So, stop it! ;-)

Seriously, I can't wait to read this one. I love the little bits that you've shared with us so far.

[bookshop.livejournal.com]

I really think it's just a moment of doubt, which is perfectly understandable and acceptable, and probably not really based in reality. You seem to be making a good amount of progress, so this is maybe a natural urge to quit just when things seem to be getting better. I know I get those all the time, and it drives me crazy.

Don't let it phase you. Just keep on plugging away. You'll have people lining up to read it when it's done. And I know it will be wonderful.

[ex-sallygard858.livejournal.com]

You're in motion, again. That's what counts. Even if later, more objective evaluation confirms that what you've written sucks rocks, it served the purpose of priming the pump. Go read some Julia Cameron (The Artist's Way; The Vein of Gold) and remind yourself that it is the act of writing itself that counts. Quality and results will come along in their own time, if you have patience with the process.



Per Julia Cameron: Give yourself permission to write total crap. Set a page limit, if you will: "I will sit down and write 20 pages of total crap, stuff that I would never in a million years actually allow my characters to say and do in this story." Whether or not you get anything useful out of it, you will have had fun and refreshed your spirit and probably refreshed your perspective on the "serious" writing.

[eal.livejournal.com]

Adding my Julia Cameron advice: Write it, you can always change it.

Even E.B. White had bad days. You'll work through it.

Beth

[pameladean]

You're a splendid writer. If you don't like what you wrote, you can write it again later. It doesn't sound as if your blood sugar is doing you any favors at the moment. I always feel rotten if I don't eat properly.

Pamela

[til-midnight.livejournal.com]

I most certainly will buy the Ice Palace book because from the snippets you've posted, the characters seem fascinating and Jack especially seems wonderful. Don't worry about the set backs, things will get better.

[minnehaha.livejournal.com]

Yikes.

My trick is to write the parts that are easy to write, and wait until the hard parts get easier.

B