A Writerly Moment
Last week, I had one of those "writerly" moments; you know, the kind that makes you smile, makes you glad you're a writer. My writerly moment reinforced the fact that of course I AM a writer; it doesn't matter that I'm down in the dumps and believe I can't write worth a squat and that I'll never finish another story, or won't be able to think of a new story... you know--the doubt demon affliction. Writers get it all the time. Even though I've completed eight manuscripts, sold two and have several in the works, doubt demons still plague the devil out of me.
Anyway, I've been working on a story for the past year, but can't seem to get beyond a certain point. I printed out a hard copy, went through it with a red pen, entered the edits on the computer and figured out where I went wrong and thought I might finally be ready to move on. After backing up the new copy,( I'm pretty obsessive about backing up), for some odd reason, I decided to look through my document files. I came across one named "Arabella.doc" and brought it up. The manuscript was formatted and I had fourteen pages written, but for the life of me I couldn't remember writing it. I know I wrote it, because my name was up there in the header. <g>
I started reading it and hooked myself! OMG!!! I couldn't believe I had actually written it! The writing was crisp, the pacing fast, the characters delicious... OMG!!!
The thing was, I had no notes, no project notebook, no character charts, nothing in regards to my usual pre-writing rituals. I'd obviously decided to write it by the seat of my pants, with no prep work at all.
Needless to say, I'm hooked on the story, the hero and the heroine, and I've been writing on it ever since (still by the seat of my pants). I'm having fun again, and isn't that what's it all about?
This will be my first novella. I've been wanting to write short for some time now, because I want more ebooks out there on the cyber-shelves. I believe there's a market for shorter stories in digital format, and I want in on it. <g>
Just thought I'd share...
AM
Anyway, I've been working on a story for the past year, but can't seem to get beyond a certain point. I printed out a hard copy, went through it with a red pen, entered the edits on the computer and figured out where I went wrong and thought I might finally be ready to move on. After backing up the new copy,( I'm pretty obsessive about backing up), for some odd reason, I decided to look through my document files. I came across one named "Arabella.doc" and brought it up. The manuscript was formatted and I had fourteen pages written, but for the life of me I couldn't remember writing it. I know I wrote it, because my name was up there in the header. <g>
I started reading it and hooked myself! OMG!!! I couldn't believe I had actually written it! The writing was crisp, the pacing fast, the characters delicious... OMG!!!
The thing was, I had no notes, no project notebook, no character charts, nothing in regards to my usual pre-writing rituals. I'd obviously decided to write it by the seat of my pants, with no prep work at all.
Needless to say, I'm hooked on the story, the hero and the heroine, and I've been writing on it ever since (still by the seat of my pants). I'm having fun again, and isn't that what's it all about?
This will be my first novella. I've been wanting to write short for some time now, because I want more ebooks out there on the cyber-shelves. I believe there's a market for shorter stories in digital format, and I want in on it. <g>
Just thought I'd share...
AM
I love those writerly moments. I went through and printed out all of the works I've started, many of which I don't remember, and end up thinking, "Oh, this will make a great story."
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WTG!! That is awesome and goes to prove - never throw anything away - not those deleted scenes or nothing!
You're right about the novellas, I LOVE novellas because I hate starting something and then having to put it down in the middle. Novellas are perfect. Here's hoping I get to write a few too!
Good luck!
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I am usually a panster when it comes to writing. I'll have some details in my mind, but that's usually where they are, in my mind. I don't do plot boards or character profiles, I just write. Welcome to the club!
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