My last post was a bit harsh. I take it back. It is not necessary for a writer to have to go through all that.
In my own defense, my purpose here is to support writers achieve their dreams of completing a worthy project. So what about all those half-written stories that end up in the trash bin or at the bottom of a cabinet drawer? Not reaching it, our dreams hound us relentlessly. We never truly forget that which we long for.
People who have faced death say they do not think about the work they missed at the end but of family and friends. Really? Don't you think for even a moment your story might flash before your face and ask, what if?
How does a resistant writer make it all the way to the end?
I wish I could say with grace and splendor but my way is messier. Commit to your own hero's journey as your protagonist embarks on hers.
Learn as much about yourself through the process as you learn about your character.
Recognize the similarities.
Invite in the antagonists.
Ask for answers.
Push yourself.
See what happens.
3 Comments on To Those Who Never Make it to the End, last added: 5/29/2010
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Congrats! JUST LOVE YOUR BOOK!
Any timeframe for a truley updated 2nd edition anytime soon?
Would love to see your plot planner be applied to other plot structures, other than the "upside-down checkmark" plot line. (i.e. you should check out LOREN NIEMI's "THE BOOK OF PLOTS" for additional plot structures).
In addition (just my wish list), what would be great for a future edition is to add additional tips / checklists on other writing topics inside the side margins, like dialogue, POV, transitions, revision process, style & grammar tips, first drafts pre-writing methods...instead of recapping on blog postings as you have on recent updates of your book.
Would also be great if you can give additional ideas to further expand on your tools (i.e a list of additional items to track in scene tracker), and a recommeneded reading list of books u find helpful.
Sorry for the rambling, just excited about the idea of a 2nd edition of your book.
By the way, was wondering, in a historical novel, wouldnt it make sense to track summaries so we can track chronology & passive action? Or do u think its best suited to track it in the plot planner instead?
Thanks Martha for all of your help!
--Thankful Newbie Writer :)
Great post. No what ifs!
This is an interesting post because you NOW have 4 stories you're working on now and have yet to complete one. So you must be one of the ones "Who Never Make it to the End"?
I'm a bit dumbfounded because you seem to help so many with your plot tools, but not able to help yourself?
Why not shed some of your personal experiences with your writers block or whatever it is that is stopping you from finishing at least one of your stories. I would love to know how you are coping these last few years?
Teach us from your mistakes. Enlighten us. Humble yourself. I like your book. But all of this "cheerleader" advice without action just seems wrong. Instead of repeating yourself over, and over and over about your plotplanner, offer your dedicated readers a breath of freshness.
Take the plotplanner/scenetracker to a higher level and stop the dead air. No offense.