When Your Book Gets Hijacked

Sometimes, with the best of intentions, writers make a nifty outline, flesh out some funny, moving characters, comes up with some hairpin plot turns and bam, we're off to the races. And then, as mentioned in an earlier blog, you a hit a wall. The wall is known as writer's block. Is it depression, seasonal affect disorder or are you just writing a very ordinary story that's been told a million times? In other words, your plot sucks.

If it's the latter, then let your brain wander. Go running. Lie on the bed and remember that your mother was right: you should have gotten your teaching degree. Avoid cleaning the house. Have long, soulful discussions with your dog. Wander through the cupboards for fun things to eat. Call your long-suffering sister who is sick of talking about your next hairstyle and doesn't mind you talking, as writers are wont to do, about your latest obsession: why your book isn't working.

Then realize that you can't stuff a living, breathing character into a plot that you think is morally correct because sometimes, that flawed character has her own mind. And she's going to think differently that you do. And she's got her own life to live, regardless of what you, the author, would do in your marriage, your life.

So here's to flawed characters, living and real, trying to do their best in a messy world, real or fictional. Sometimes happy endings are about compromise.

Have a great day and if you haven't reviewed Knockers on Amazon and have a moment, please do. I'm trying to reach a 100 reviews and only have 19.

Happy Friday!