Help!
Okay, I confess. I'm stuck. I can't get it in gear. The wheels are spinning and I'm going nowhere fast. I'm...well I'm sure you get the point.
Truth be told, I've got a lot of writing to do in the next few days -- so much that it's hard to decide where or how to start. First there are the artist's statements and pitches for local photo exhibits. Then I've got to write a proposal strong enough to convince the chairman of the the Sociology and Anthropology Department at my Alma mater to let me talk to his students about my book.
On top of that, I decided to enter a prestigious short story contest sponsored by a large daily newspaper -- and the deadline is a mere six weeks away. That's six weeks to come up with an idea, create a viable plot and realistic characters, put everything on paper, wrap it up and then do the fine tuning. Oh, did I mention entries are restricted to fiction and there's a maximum word count? It's 9,000 words.
For some of you, that may not seem like much of a challenge. But for me, it's daunting. As a journalist and a memoir writer, I'm used to writing about real life and true experiences; fiction is an entirely different animal.
How do you juggle your priorities when it comes to writing? Which style do you prefer, fiction or non-fiction? Which comes easier to you and why?
For all of you fiction writers, what inspires you? How do you craft your plot and characters?
Drop me a note and let me know. I'll definitely respond.
Until next time, "That's life..."
Truth be told, I've got a lot of writing to do in the next few days -- so much that it's hard to decide where or how to start. First there are the artist's statements and pitches for local photo exhibits. Then I've got to write a proposal strong enough to convince the chairman of the the Sociology and Anthropology Department at my Alma mater to let me talk to his students about my book.
On top of that, I decided to enter a prestigious short story contest sponsored by a large daily newspaper -- and the deadline is a mere six weeks away. That's six weeks to come up with an idea, create a viable plot and realistic characters, put everything on paper, wrap it up and then do the fine tuning. Oh, did I mention entries are restricted to fiction and there's a maximum word count? It's 9,000 words.
For some of you, that may not seem like much of a challenge. But for me, it's daunting. As a journalist and a memoir writer, I'm used to writing about real life and true experiences; fiction is an entirely different animal.
How do you juggle your priorities when it comes to writing? Which style do you prefer, fiction or non-fiction? Which comes easier to you and why?
For all of you fiction writers, what inspires you? How do you craft your plot and characters?
Drop me a note and let me know. I'll definitely respond.
Until next time, "That's life..."
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I'm a list writer. I find it helps me priories and focus.
I prefer to write fiction. Developing the story varies from manuscript to manuscript.
Good luck with facing your deadlines. Follow Rebecca's advice and keep a positive mind-set. Whatever you accomplish celebrate.
I prefer to write fiction. Developing the story varies from manuscript to manuscript.
Good luck with facing your deadlines. Follow Rebecca's advice and keep a positive mind-set. Whatever you accomplish celebrate.
Thank you both for your comments. Both of you offered really good advice! I appreciate your support. If there's ever anything you need, just let me know. I'm always happy to help if I can.
You're welcome Alexandra. I'd appreciate a +1 of my book promotion. It's there on the group now. Every ounce of support counts. Lean on others and we all achieve.
That's life...
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Take a nap, a walk, do nothing ... for 30 minutes. Most importantly, clear your mind. Do not let the pressure in. Box it away and free your imagination. Go ahead, I'll wait.
Feel better? okay. Regarding your proposals, did anything enter your mind? any knocks on your imagination? No? If it were me, and this does happen sometimes, then I force myself to start. The opening words will be weak, and you'll feel like your wasting your time, but as your literary muscles warm up, it will start to flow. At least have a start on those? Good walk away, for the day.
Now, repeat the first step. Let your imagination loose. Really take it to the dark corners, the best ideas live there. Write down every crazy idea that comes to you. It's okay, nobody will see it.
What I'm saying is push through what you know you have to do. Then let your self relax as you prepare for fiction writing. I write fiction exclusively so I can't imagine tackling a journal.
I like to reverse engineer stories. How will it end? Who is there at the end? then just build backward.
Hope this helps. Now get in there. You can do it.