Untangling a ball of yarn

[azhure]

See that title?  That’s what putting this book back together feels like right now.

For the last few days, I’ve been stalled.  Not blocked per se…just lacking enthusiasm for the book in general.  I have a good chunk of what’s going to happen next roughly outlined, and I’m keen to get to work on some of those scenes…but I just didnt want to do it.

This morning, I figured out why.  There were a few bits and pieces in previous chapters that didn’t make sense, and a scene that I’d been working on made even less sense.  Characters need to do things that make sense, right?

The lesson is this for me: when I lose enthusiasm, it usually means that I’ve written something wrong.  And the best thing I can do is to go away for a day or two and not actively work on the book, during which time my subconscious will work it all out for me.  I just hate losing those days, but in the end, it has to be more productive.  Right?

Right?

[cross-posted from my website]

Comments

[moonvoice.livejournal.com]

Right, and this is something I've learnt myself from experience.

I remember one of the things we were taught in one of the third year creative writing classes I took at uni, was that it's really best to actually leave manuscripts for at least two years once you've finished the first draft.

Most people don't have that luxury, and if you don't, it means you have to be prepared to sink time into waiting for things to fall together between editing.

I absolutely think you're doing the right thing. :)

[x-raeya-x.livejournal.com]

Yep, I agree. I think that it's not a small thing that you have even been able to recognise this pattern, and I it's very perceptive and self aware of you to have figured that out. And ultimately, I agree that it is far more productive to lose a day or two in order to be able to see what needs to be changed, than to bumble through for a few days or longer, and end up having to go back and scrap or change the whole lot anyway.

[deathofone.livejournal.com]

Definitely right! I really think that a lot of times, the best work on a novel comes while away from it. I sort out so many things while I'm trying to get to sleep, unfortunately. It's easier to see the big picture when you step back from it. :)

Congratulations on gaining perception there!

[sidheblessed.livejournal.com]

Right.

The other day I was writing a story that I just didn't enjoy writing. I left it a day or two and realised I didn't enjoy it because the story simply didn't work.

That to me is a key. If you're not enjoying the writing, that's a big sign. If it doesn't feel right or exciting to write, that's another big sign.

If you listen to what your feelings are telling you, you will get it right. ^.^