Feeling Frustrated

It's time for another installment of the Insecure Writer's Group hosted by the illustrious Alex J. Cavannah. To learn more about our group, click on Alex's name.

As you all know, last month I was in the throws of outlining my next novel. After it was completed, I realized, much to my dismay, that the plot was derivative. Not all of it, but enough so that I needed to work on it some more. I finally came up with a unique concept that I don't think has been done yet. The problem is it completely changes the story I had in mind. Now I'm having a hard time coming up with the ending as well.

I really hoped to have the outline ready in time for Nano, but no such luck. Worse, most days I work. By the time I sit down at night, my brain is fried. With only a few days a week to devote to my novel, it's going to take forever to complete. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to keep pecking away at it, but sometimes I just wish there were more hours in the day. Has anyone else experienced these types of feelings. If so, I'd be interested to know how you overcame them. Until next time my friends, happy writing.

Comments

You Never Fail Until You Stop Trying

Back in December, I learned about an unpublished novel contest that assessed the following criteria: characterization, setting, plot, dialogue, voice and writing skill. In addition to all this, the MS would receive feedback from the judges. Not a bad deal, right? Although my draft was far from complete, I decided to enter it anyway, reasoning that the critique would identify areas of weakness in my writing. Well, needless to say, I finally heard back last week. The first forty pages of my draft were returned with the following letter attached: The judges had mixed reactions to this particular manuscript, with some feeling it was well- paced and another saying there was not enough plot movement! One questioned whether the dialogue fit the time/ year/culture, while others felt it did. They all agreed on liking the expository details and descriptions, but wondered where the story was going. Consider beginnin...

Insecure Writer's Support Group- Are you a Negative Nelly???

I t's time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group post. I am always amazed at how easily I can list the things I'm insecure about, but ask me to add something positive, and I'm at a loss for words. No matter how much I accomplish, I never stop to enjoy the spoils of my hard work. Instead, I tend to focus on the obstacles I've yet to overcome. After giving this some thought, I concluded that I am a Negative Nelly. For some reason, which is beyond me, I find that it's often easier to see the bad, than to acknowledge the good. For example, if my son brings home a B on a test, I say, "Next time, lets try for an A." Wouldn't it be better to acknowledge his effort, and be happy it wasn't a "C"? If another writer praises my work-in-progress, I immediately think they didn't read it. Wouldn't it be better to say thank you and enjoy the compliment? Life's too short to look down on ourselves. How can we e...

Thank You

Hello everyone, seems hard to believe it's time for another ISWG post. If you're not already participating in this wonderful community then stop by Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog and register. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Although it's rare to find me at a loss for words in regard to my insecurities, this is one of those days when I'm finding it difficult to write about them. Not because I think there's nothing to be insecure about. Quite the contrary, but after the week I've had (I'll spare you the gory details), the one thing I've learned is sometimes it's important to count our blessings. With this in mind, I've decided to dedicate this month's post to something positive. Since this blog is about writing, I'll concentrate on this subject, but suffice to say I'm always thankful for the loved ones in my life. In regard to the craft, I feel blessed to have knocked out three chapters this month. I feel blessed...

Aspiring Novelists

Search This Blog