For
some time now, I’ve had trouble getting back to reading…and enjoying the books.
I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve become critical as a writer or I’m
pre-occupied with so many other things. And since I’m having problems reading,
I’m also having problems writing. Reading helps me learn the craft of writing
by seeing what other authors do—and don’t do. When I decided to become a
writer, I wanted to be a great writer, not one who writes because a story
popped into my head and wrote it with little regard for the writing itself.
I’m
74 pages, and 37,875 words into my current WIP, and BAM!, I’m at a loss. I
don’t know where my book is headed…it’s tough. When I wrote Net Switch during NaNoWriMo, I didn’t
have a problem—the story pretty much wrote itself. Of course the story
is different from the original draft, but at least I had the entire story
written. This time, blank, and I’ve even created a few documents for
organization, Cast of Characters and Chapters and Synopsis. This time around my
chapters have names, so I’ve run into a writing block with that, too. I’m
aggravated, and sometimes infuriated that the words aren’t flowing the way they
used to. It’s more like Writer’s Rage than Writer’s Block; the more I think
about it, the angrier I get.
Other
writers claim that they just continue writing during writer’s block, and in
time, the story will catch up and find itself. But I’m too wary to continue. I
don’t want to have to rewrite pages…then again, that will happen anyways. My
Love suggested doing a Brain Map. I write down my book in the middle of a page,
circle it and then make extended lines with things about the book—about the
characters—about the storyline. Sometimes several are needed to get the juices
flowing. So far, I’ve done one and it hasn’t sparked any ideas.
I’ve
come to the conclusion that my writing issues are connected with my reading
issues. I’ve enjoyed a few books this past year, but so many, traditional and
self-published have failed for me. Either the story wasn’t good, they told more
than showed, created bland characters, the plot was predictable, or the writing
and editing itself was bad. But I haven’t given up! To write, I must read, and
to read, I must learn and enjoy, right? Yesterday, I ordered books from Amazon
that I’ve been VERY interested in reading.
The
first book I plan to read is Between
Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. The synopsis reminds me of The Book Thief, which I loved, and it
was written by a Lithuanian, so I gotta support part of my heritage. The other
books I ordered were The
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah, and Beautiful
Disaster by Jamie McGuire. I hope these books will help me enjoy books
again and bring me back to writing.
What
are you currently reading? What book do you really want to read but haven’t
gotten to it yet?
Reading
and Writing,
Bea
I understand what you're feeling. For me, it's not so much writer's block but more lack of energy. Sometimes feel like I want to crawl in a hole and hibernate like a bear.
ReplyDeleteNot talking about anything like depression more a lack of desire. I'm just riding it out knowing waves of inspiration come and go like waves.
From experience I know it will all come back around with even fresher ideas, a new energy and look.
I think I can say lack of energy too. It's a combination.
DeleteI hope in time a wave of inspiration will come my way.
Thanks for stopping by.
It is hard when your writing goes off the boil but You're probably doing the right things to get back to it again. I tend to read some of my 'how to write'books when that happens - it always gives me inspiration when the muse appears to have abandoned me...
ReplyDeleteIt looks like reading does help others. Thanks for stopping by, Pat.
DeleteBless your heart. Maybe you just need a little break . . . relax and don't put so much pressure on yourself. Creative people need space to breath . . . get out and take a long walk, do something that totally gives your mind a rest. I don't write, but anytime you're blocked creatively . . . a nice break helps:)
ReplyDeleteI'll put you in my prayers
Your blogging sister, Connie :)
Thanks so much, Connie. I appreciate your kindness. Take care and have a great weekend.
DeleteSometimes when you are caught up too close in what you are working on, it becomes important to take yourself out of the middle of it. You might try writing something else for a couple days. Even if it is as simple as journaling. But the key is to release the pressure that is building over the current writing and let it flow out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip and stopping by to comment, Jon. I appreciate it.
DeleteI've written and re-written Lost Girl Road so much since I started with not much more than an image and the name of a real road in my mind. I've wanted to give up, but know I won't, the same as you know you won't either ;) Writing just tends to kick our butts to hell and back at times. It's a wonder how creative types can be drawn to such torture. Like your experience with Net Switch, I really hope my next book will have a more solid plot before I start to draft. I've also been going through some "reading" issues. You're on the right track with ordering books you can't wait to read. I try to balance review requests with books I really want to read. It's been rough reading a book a week. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeri. It's always good to hear from other authors and to know we're not alone. I don't know how you get a book a week done AND write AND blog AND make sure you keep up with your social networking. I think it's fantastic and I commend you.
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