Hope everyone’s writing is going well.
For me, I’m struggling with the logic of the ending and some other plot points of my current novel project. I’m happy with some results and not so happy with some other things.
If you follow me on Twitter, you already know that I’m struggling with Chapter 12. That stupid, stupid chapter. No, it doesn’t seem I’m bitter at all, does it? Ha.
Looking at my list of “Doing Less in 2014” one item was trying to be perfect at everything. At the end of the day, this book won’t be perfect and it’s a stress maker trying to make it so. I’m learning that sometimes you just have to do your best and move on.
Also looking at my list of “Doing More in 2014” one item is writing from the heart. Yesterday on my commute, I listened to the latest podcast of This Creative Life featuring Stephanie Kuehn. This podcast is hosted by Sara Zarr, who is the author of one of my favorite YA novels, Story of a Girl.
Stephanie talked about her road to publication and how she wrote previous novels, worked with a previous agent, and basically got a little disheartened about the whole process. She also kept hearing at writing conferences about what sold well when it came to male protagonists.
It wasn’t until she cancelled out everything she heard and began to write for herself. Not only the result was the award winning Charm & Strange, but for also a lesson of just writing from your heart and not so much writing for publication.
Another item of my “Doing Less in 2014” – thinking publication is the answer. Publication is a goal to strive for but not a desperation that overwhelms you and makes you write for an audience that others tell you will make your novel a bestseller. You must write the story you want to write. The story of your heart. The story you are meant to tell.
It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.
Fantastic post! I’m going to have to start listening to that podcast!
Your last paragraph hits so close to home. It’s a struggle to remember that publication is a goal and not the end all be all to writing. Thanks for the reminder, and stay strong with your revisions! I have no doubt that you’ll figure it out and work through whatever it is that’s stumping you. <3
I agree with this and have reached the same conclusion. My favorite novels were ones where story came first, not the rules of how to get published. Honestly, that’s what I strive for. Yes, we should write for our audience, but we more need to write for ourselves some time, without thinking about the after.
I think you would love listening to this podcast. Sara Zarr is so real when it comes to the creative craft and she does excellent interviews. As for my revisions, I’ll keep at it until it clicks for me. It’s probably all up in there in my subconscious.
Yeah, it’s easy to get caught up in what the market wants but we spend so much time with our stories, it’s a much better experience when you write the story you want.
I hope that you’re enjoying the warm weather after such a yucky winter. :)
I’m trying to follow this advice for my current WIP. It’s a quiet book (like my first) and there’s a chance it won’t be “big” enough to sell, but I really love it and want to see it through. Good luck with your novel!
I love Sara Zarr’s podcast and I’m looking forward to hearing her interview with Stephanie Kuehn.