HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
Thankfully Alex let's us skip a month every now and then. Thank you, Alex. And thanks to all the AMAZING people who contribute their valuable time to the IWSG! Give yourselves a great big hand! "Applause!" For those of you who wish to join our membership, please drop over to Alex's site to sign up!
As we ALL know, life always seems to get in the way. I have been putting off writing the remaining chapters of MOMMY KAY for over a month now. I often wonder why the procrastination. Yes, life has certainly reared its ugly head at me. But FINALLY the repair work was complete on my condo TODAY...YAY! What a long drama it was from hiring lawyers, spending tons of money, and the final outcome was I had to go through my own insurance company to have the repairs done, EVEN AFTER they entered my unit illegally (without my permission). For all of you condo owners out there, look at your DOCS... they get away with EVERYTHING. Even if the work was ordered by them and their people damage the inside of your unit, YOU are responsible. Bogus, but sadly true. I learned the hard way.
Now back to writing. I know I've discussed this before, but how do we get back into writing with such a time lapse? I know the usual answers, re-read the manuscript, jump right in with both feet, don't think about it, just write... easier said than done. What do you do, when you really lost interest in the ms? I ADORNED every moment writing about MK, but now that I have to continue the story, which limits MK's involvement, now focusing on the daughter's life, I find it mundane and not very fun. MK's life was a whirlwind, and the daughter's focuses more on her drama's dealing with failed marriages and raising her handicapped daughter as a single mother. Yes, this is important writing as well, but it's not fun. How does a writer get over this kind of slump?
I know I will get into it once I begin again, but taking that first step is sooooo difficult. I wish there was an easy solution. Someone, please have one! LOL. We ALL want to know....
So that's where I'm at this month. Hopefully I'll have more exciting news for you next month, but this one is my insecure month...
WISHING all of you a FUN and SAFE "FOURTH WEEKEND!"
46 comments:
Sorry about the damage to your condo.
I know what you mean about getting back into it after being away. Especially if you're writing something not as interesting. Which means you have to make it interesting for the reader!
No worries about missing one month. Life happens.
The condo drama sounds no fun--glad it's over! I live in a condo and haven't run into problems with my HOA, but I can imagine how helpless I'd feel if I did.
I had one manuscript that I struggled with, and I ended up switching gears/genres to write something new. I ended up writing a trilogy with the new project, but I finally returned to the manuscript years later and finished it. I think I struggled because the subject matter was rather dark (sexual abuse). Though I felt great about the finished product, it hasn't sold well at all, so apparently others feel the same way I did while writing!
If you want to stick to the manuscript, maybe watching movies or listening to music might inspire you. Or maybe a character has a condo battle that you can write in LOL.
Life does get in the way of writing sometimes. Glad your condo is done.
Do you have to include the daughter's story or so completely? Lately, I've been jotting down the key points of my chapters when I start writing them. It helps me move forward and stay motivated.
I'm glad the repairs on your condo are done. That must be a huge relief.
When I have trouble getting back in to a story, I take my time. Re-reading it can help to invigorate you to keep on going. Also, just spending some time daydreaming about it and what I need to write next helps me.
The condo repairs sounds like it was a nightmare.
If you're struggling with that last chapter, is it really the right way to end the book?
Yuck. Sounds like the condo repairs were a nightmare! I'm glad it's over for you.
Hi Michael, It sounds like your condo repairs were a bit of a nightmare. Hope things have settled down for you.
I would suggest reread the entire MS, make notes about how you want to tackle the next chapters and then tackle them
Michael, I'm still waiting on "The Writer's Cap." It's this great device I've dreamed up that you simply put on and imagine the scenes. The cap translates your brain waves and types up your manuscript in the most perfect form. Too bad I don't have the slightest idea how to build it! LOL
Good luck getting back into your manuscript. I'm trying to do the same thing at the moment. At least the condo is done. Maybe that will help more than you think?
Life. She can be so bitchy.
Maybe the block is that the two stories don't mesh well together. They sound like they are a completely different flavor. If you have to write the daughter's story, perhaps it could be its own story. Maybe your gut is telling you the two aren't meant to be combined? Why not break it up into two shorter books?
Egads about the condo. That's awful!!!
Hi Jennifer. Glad you have a good HOA. I wish I did. Yes, I must stick with the MS, it has great potential. Some great suggestions. Thanks!
Not really. My editor wants me to continue the story of MK until her death, which means including her daughter and two other children in her life. Also, the book is written from the daughter's POV. Great idea! I actually did that for the original and it helped a lot. Can't believe I forgot about that one...thanks!
I agree. Now that I no longer have issues within my home, I can concentrate on my writing again. Thanks, Chrys.
It's not the last chapter, I have that done, it's the last four or five leading up to it. I had the complete MS written, but on the advice of my editor, I have to continue the story. Ugh.
Thanks Pat...me, too!
They have, thanks Rachna. That's most likely what I will do.
Hi Charity! It's been ages! Nice of you to drop by. That "cap" would make you billions! LOL Every author would want one. Good luck with your completion! It's always such a rough road...
Well, since the story is told from the daughter's POV, I need to include it. It's a delicate balance. Their lives intermingled and because of MK's unusual lifestyle, it affected her daughter's adult life.
Happy 4th to you, Michael. I usually can get back into an unfinished piece by rereading the completed part.
I can't tell you publicly about something I've been held responsible financially that had nothing to do with my actions. It's so difficult and upsetting, so I know you've had a hard time.
Love,
Janie
I usual re-read, but you could add the task or writing a synopsis as well. It might help naturally get you back into it. Listen to music that captures the mood sometimes helps as well.
Anna from elements of emaginette
The perfect solution is chocolate... no?
But chocolate makes everything better!!!
It's sometimes so HARD to get back in the groove! I've been focusing on my Dementia project for so long, I'm a little concerned about jumping into my romances again! I hope you find a way to find the fun again!
After being away from a manuscript, I have to reread my previous work all the time before getting back into it. As I'm reading, I'll either love it, like it, or shelve it. Not worth my while.
Hope you'll find the time to get back to your writing.
Happy 4th!
I hope you can jump back in no matter what strategies you use. Wish me the same luck. I haven't written anything except a journal for over a month. Yikes!
I wish I had some advice but I know you will get back to it on your own soon enough. I'm just sorry the fun has gone out of it for you! Writing has so many ups and downs I do sometimes wonder why we torture ourselves with it LOL.
I'm sorry about the condo drama! I have a condo and have not had these sorts of troubles fortunately but also wouldn't buy one again.
Thanks Susan... that's what I usually have to do.
Thanks Janie... I did have a hard time, and when I get back to Chicago, I'll have to deal with the board there for something they are blaming me for which I didn't do, so I can totally relate to your problem. Good luck! I hope it resolves in your favor.
Thanks Anna... I'll try that.
OH! You are SOOOOO right, Lynda! My new passion is dark chocolate covered EXPRESSO BEANS! Such a great KICK!
Thanks Jemi... I will. All of the IWSG members are really so helpful.
Thanks Cathrina... I need to, I love this MS, but I'm not happy the way I have to complete it... I'm going by my editor's judgement on this one. Hopefully it will work out. If not, I can always revert back to the original if I don't land an agent for it.
I do, Lee! That is a long time for YOU, but I know you'll dive back into it AFTER this fun-filled weekend!
Thanks Julie... For some odd reason, both my condo boards (Orlando/Chicago) have dictators for presidents. They are only out for themselves and in Florida, this idiot is letting the community go down hill by using CHEAP labor for maintaining it. It's not nearly as beautiful as when I bought. The one plus, Orlando is booming, especially in my neighborhood, so when the time is right, I'll sell and make a decent profit, but sadly, I really love my unit. I'm hoping the pres gets thrown out next year and we have a pres who cares and wants to get this community back where it used to be.
I'm not a writer, although I did start to write an autobiography-cum-cookbook some years ago. Liz Seckman read it and figured I should carry on with it, but right now, I have lost interest so I know exactly what you mean. No idea how to get the enthusiasm back.
Luckily we live in an apartment which does not belong to us. If anything goes wrong I just call the superintendent. I love it, no worries any more.
It won't resolve in my favor, but I refuse to pay it.
Well Michael,writing isn't always fun, unfortunately. But you've got a winner with MK. So knuckle down and finish it and get on with your next project. Easier said than done.
Sorry about your condo dramas. That hurts and is very distracting. Glad it's over for now.
Hi Michael - sounds a nightmare ... I hate things happening caused by others, but with you/me having to work through them. Good luck with picking up the storyline when the time is right ... it'll happen - but we need some peace and quiet to get into the groove: I know ... I must say blogging helps - just keeps the gremlins at bay ... especially as I don't do negative. Take care and all the best - cheers Hilary
I haven't done any serious writing in so long I think I've forgotten how! Haven't even started any new short stories. And I have no good procrastination reasons either. Just, lost the desire. I am glad all the repairs are finished and you can refocus on something else now. Perhaps you will find excitement to write into the daughter's story. I'm not one for family drama either.
Good luck. Hope your days are going well otherwise.
Helloooooo, Michael! It's so nice to "hear" your voice in the blogosphere. Hit me up when you're back in Chicago and we WILL get together in 2019. Sounds like you left a bit of Florida behind in the Midwest because we've been getting surprise thunderstorms ALL summer.
Here's my trick to getting back in the swing - set a writing schedule - just like 1 hour or ninety minutes, every day, if possible, or as many days are possible, and then MAKE yourself sit in front of the blank page and type. Even if it's crap, even if it comes very slowly, dedicate that time to writing - and STAY OFF the internet. At first, it will be painful, but if you do it consistently, I promise that after a week or so you'll be back in the writing groove.
Your condo difficulties sound extremely annoying. And add to that writing a part of your WIP that you don't much care for. Maybe that's why you had that month's break in writing. Like Chrys Fey I think daydreaming about your story will help you get in the mood to write it.
I'm luck you with the procrastination over my writing, although my other things are not as dramatic as yours - or life threatening. I have to force myself back to my WIP and it's a struggle to reconnect with the MC.
One sure thing that gets me back into wanting to write again after a slump (and my current slump is going on three years now)-- is to start reading books. Lots and lots of books. The other thing I do is set a timer on myself, usually for 20 minutes, to force myself daily to work for just 20 minutes. That will inevitably lead to longer and longer periods of writing until I'm fully back into the groove.
Glad you are done with the work on the condo. Sounds like it was a long and painful process- especially when reading the fine print.
I wish there was an easy way to get out of a slump/writing procrastination too. If I discover one- I will be sure to let you know. :) Good luck!
~Jess
I’m rather late to this party! But better late than never, right? 😜
Sounds like you had a terrible time with the condo challenges! Thank goodness it's behind you now.
Hope the MK story is flowing again...
Coffee will put you back on track!!
Try a new brand/flavor... there are so many artisanal coffees on the market these days.
Take care!
Hi Michael,
Wow to the Condo issues, but you're absolutely correct... check those DOCS, people!
Re. the writing, I do hope you found a way to get MK (great initials, by the way!) up and running because I have *exactly* the same issues with my WIP(s) when I stop for whatever reason.
PS: You probably won't remember your kind words the last time you stopped by my site, but I sincerely appreciate them, so thanks very much:)
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