It's the first Wednesday of the month, and that means it's time to convene another meeting of The Insecure Writer's Support Group. Our leader Alex J. Cavanaugh has gathered another cohort of co-hosts for this month: J.H. Moncrieff, Natalie Aguirre, Patsy Collins, and Chemist Ken.
Be sure to check out the IWSG website for great writerly resources!
This month is starting out with an odd mix of excitement and insecurity for me. One reason for my excitement is my oldest son Jude is turning ten on Saturday. That's an important birthday, and he's looking forward to it. I'm also excited because Masquerade: Oddly Suited is coming out at the end of this month! It's hard to believe the time has gone by so quickly!
Then I'm feeling insecure due to a combination of writer's block and story rejections. This is all part of being a writer, but it can be discouraging nonetheless. Still, I'm trying to focus on the positive things.
And now for this month's optional question: If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)
This is a great question. Right now, I have a WIP that's about 95% written, but the ending is giving me so much stress it's ridiculous! It's gotten to the point that I've gone back to the beginning to start editing in the hope that the process might give me the inspiration I need to get the ending done. Does anyone else ever have this much trouble with endings? There's a lot of pressure to get the ending of a book just right, and that might be part of my problem.
Which part of your WIP is giving you trouble?
Then I'm feeling insecure due to a combination of writer's block and story rejections. This is all part of being a writer, but it can be discouraging nonetheless. Still, I'm trying to focus on the positive things.
And now for this month's optional question: If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)
This is a great question. Right now, I have a WIP that's about 95% written, but the ending is giving me so much stress it's ridiculous! It's gotten to the point that I've gone back to the beginning to start editing in the hope that the process might give me the inspiration I need to get the ending done. Does anyone else ever have this much trouble with endings? There's a lot of pressure to get the ending of a book just right, and that might be part of my problem.
Which part of your WIP is giving you trouble?
Editing what I've already written always helps me continue or finish the story.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's the muddy middle that sucks me down. I always know before writing where the story starts, where it ends, and a few big turning points. But there's always a part in the drafting process where I feel like I'm slogging through boot-sucking muck. I wish you happy writing in April.
ReplyDeleteMy last two (twins) are about to graduate high school. I have senioritis worse than them!
ReplyDeleteJust focus on the fun and positive this month!
ReplyDeleteMy ending usually comes out of what came before so your idea--to edit the beginning--I think is a good one.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your kiddo!
ReplyDeleteI consistently have troubles with my endings. I'm struggling with one right now, so I sympathize with you 100%.
ReplyDeleteI usually know how my stories begin and end. I struggle with twisting the strands to match them up. Hang in there - it will come to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura. Going back to the beginning might help you with the end. But it's hard...might explain why so many book endings re meh...
ReplyDeleteIt's the dreaded middle section syndrome!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with middle chapters.
Congrats to your son. Double digits! Wow!
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing you do. When I get stuck, I go back to the beginning and edit--hoping inspiration will strike on the ending (or wherever I'm stuck). Good luck!
I said the opening in my IWSG post, but I'm struggling with an ending too so I will have to join your camp.
ReplyDelete