And there they are. My five books published by Cerridwen Press. The first was A Very Difficult Man and the latest, Too Young To Die. I am pleased with my accomplishments but what to do for an encore?
I have two contemporary manuscripts tucked away. I could work on them.
I have written 41,000 words in a historical romance set in the Regency period and am not sure why, but I can't seem to get in the "zone" where words will fly from my brain to the page and I'll finish and start revisions. I love the story. I enjoy the characters. I have a great setting in the English countryside. I even know what's going to happen when the evil character in my story tries to do away with my heroine and make it look like an accident.
Words of wisdom from the Goddesses will inspire me. So what do you do if and when the words limp along?
If you want to see the cover of my non-fiction book, The House at Bridal Veil, you can view it on my web site. www.anitabirt.com There's also a map showing exactly where the house in on the Columbia River, east of Portland, Oregon.
Anita
7 comments:
Sit down and make a list of the things you love about writing. Or write a "short story" about your heroine. Do an interview with your villain. Work on something totally different. Read your favorite book. Call your best friend and chat. Bake a cake.
Truthfully, sometimes your brain just wants to work on something else. I clean house when I can't seem to write. I hate cleaning house. That's enough to get me back to my writing.
Anita, which one is the book of your heart? Write another in the same setting, or give it a sequel, or write one in the same genre.
OR,
Take a break from writing, use it to take a workhop, or read the books you have been dying to read, brainstorm with friends, the ideas will come.
I have always written the first chapter of a book while on vacation. After my brain has rested, the ideas just flow.
Allow yourself to unwind and enjoy a break without guilt feeling, you will come energized and ready to tackle your next project.
Thanks, Anny and Mona for your useful comments. Anny, I like your idea of writing a short story about my heroine. And Mona. I will rest my brain for a day or so. I'm making a blueberry dessert tonight. Does that count as a cake?
You are great friends. Love you.
Well, I've been dealing with this for a year. Between problems at home, my health and 'writer's block' I just couldn't finish anything.
Once I started a Quickie it just flew by and I was so grateful that the words were adding up without making me crazy. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep the momentum going and go back to finish up other WIP'S!
Just don't give up and use your friends as support! Other writers understand and that helps so much.
Taylor Tryst
I feel your pain, Anita! For me, the words flow when I'm not overburdened. I have learned that I write best in the mornings and if I have to go straight to a day job, my output is going to dwindle. It wasn't until I had an opportunity to write in the a.m. that I realized this, years after I started pursuing publication. Maybe think about when and where you are most productive and try to do the writing then. It could help!
Thanks for all the helpful comments. I work best after lunch when all my household chores are done. So many good suggestions have come from you all. I feel I can sit down and get to work on something. I have an idea for an article about writing a short family history by culling through my recipe books/folders/scraps of paper, etc.
Good luck with whichever you choose, Anita.
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