What makes me an insecure writer this month?
The inevitable stoppages in my writing progress.
Some of you may remember that even though I'm working through edits on my debut urban fantasy, I’ve already begun working on the sequel. When you’re a slow writer like me, it’s best to keep the pipeline moving at all times. Progress has been good, but this month I finally hit one of those irritating roadblocks where the writing comes screeching to a halt.
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| Photo courtesy of Pixabay |
I didn’t expect this scene to be particularly tough. The protagonist has to sneak into the bad guy’s lair and steal something. But this was a scene I hadn’t initially planned on writing and the decisions I was forced to make brought the writing to a standstill. What would be the setting? Where would the bad guys be located and how many would there be? What special obstacles would be present that made this scene unique? And how would I weave it all together in a way that maximizes the reader’s entertainment. Needless to say, after a week or two of ineffectual floundering , I moved onto to the next scene, if only to retain my sanity.
This is how my writing always seems to work. I make good progress for a couple of weeks, and just when I think I've finally figured this whole writing thing out, something like this comes along and nothing gets written for a couple of weeks, bringing my productivity back down to its usual annoyingly slow pace. Who says writing is easy?
March's question: Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?
Several years ago, I read both science fiction and fantasy, both paranormal and urban, but now that I’m writing urban fantasy, that’s pretty much the only genre I read these days. If I had more time to read, I’d probably read more genres, but slow writers don’t have that luxury.
I’m proud to announce that I’m one of this month’s co-hosts. Please be sure to stop by the other co-host blogs and say hi.
Take care everyone, and stay safe!
ChemistKen
Mmm.. we all need to read daily, if it’s only a page, to improve our own work, Ken. Have you read Stephen King’s excellent book ‘On Writing’ ? Just saying it might be helpful....
ReplyDeleteThe smart thing was to jump ahead, give your brain time to ponder that scene. Come back to it later and it will all make sense.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting today!
Nothing wrong with skipping ahead! I've done that plenty of times in the past. Glad you found a workaround. :)
ReplyDeleteACK! I've had similar problems when writing. All seems to be going well and then we hit a snag. My problem is, I can't seem to jump ahead, I come to a standstill.
ReplyDeleteThank you for co-hosting!
I'm such a linear writer...It's very difficult for me to skip ahead to another scene without writing the one that comes before it. Fudging the scene is better for me than skipping it entirely.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting!
I've found that when I come to that brain roadblock in plotting, I insert (A miracle occurs!) and skip over that scene. Invariably, during edits or even while writing that next chapter I have an AhHA! moment and am able to connect the plotline. Forcing your writing delays forward progress and, I found, slows/dries up your creative juices.
ReplyDeleteI keep getting stumped on scenes, too. I just skip over them for the time being.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteYou're not a slow writer, in my opinion. You have just found what suits you the best in developing your books, and that is what counts.
Wishing you all the best and thank you for co-hosting.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
Roadblocks are so difficult to move around or through! I have what I call a Tigger Brain and generally have 2 or 3 stories in progress. That helps with the roadblocks but would probably drive some people crazy :)
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you're going through, or went through. It's because we continually challenge ourselves. I recently added a new page to my WIP. Not a huge accomplishment, except it had been a year since I'd done anything new. Now I'm back staring at the screen. Thanks for co-hosting, Ken.
ReplyDeleteI love getting updates on your writing, Ken, so keep them coming. I'm going to try writing all three books of my upcoming trilogy at once--not fine tuned but plotted. I think that'll be easier but keeping track could be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteWhen your book is ready to launch let me know. I'll share the good news on my blog.
I do hate those moments when you feel all of your momentum come to a screeching halt. I have a handful of scenes that will need a rewrite because I forced myself to just write through it.
ReplyDeleteRoadblocks--we all have them. Sounds like you found a way around your roadblock that could work next time. I also read mostly in the genre I write, because that's what I love best!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could write consistently and smoothly. It would be such a relief. Just thought I'd say that, so you'd know there's one out here who's with you. And I'm quite sure there are many more!
ReplyDeleteDang. I hate it when I stall out. I'm glad you were able to move on. I typically get stuck and can't move past. I might jump to a different book or spend more time with my digital painting. More often than not, I find I have to rewrite something earlier to get my juices flowing again.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck figuring out your scene!!
Thanks for co-hosting with me. I'm a slow writer, and I find that I move along quicker if I know the purpose of the chapter and slowly put some words on the page that I can then revise. Some days I only write 250 words, but other days it's more. My chapters tend to be seven to ten pages and have lots of dialogue, so within a few days of this I've finished my first draft. I'm also not afraid to say a character did X when I'm stuck until I figure it out. I so agree with you that us slow writers need to write consistently to make progress.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've learned that many published writers have a hard time with the blank page like you and me.
I'm with you, friend. I've been stuck on the same scene for over a month now. On the one hand, I feel like I should just skip it for now. On the other hand, a lot of later plot elements depend on what happens in that one scene, so I won't be 100% clear on what should happen in later scenes unless and until I figure out this one scene that's giving me so much trouble.
ReplyDeleteSometimes writing comes in fits and starts. I wish I could be slow but steady, like the tortoise from the fairy tale. Instead, unfortunately, I'm more like the hare.
I jump around different parts of my novels never really writing from beginning to end. Juggling different projects sometimes helps force me to take a break and look at old work with fresh eyes. Happy IWSG Day. Thank you for co-hosting!
ReplyDeleteI can kind of understand your situation I think. I'm always running into roadblocks--or maybe more like detours. Good luck as you continue down your writing road. I've got to get my wheels turning as well and get to moving along.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I admire your stamina and creative problem solving. Jumping ahead could lead to insight in the scene that is so challenging. One thing for sure, you will achieve you goal.
ReplyDeleteThank you for co-hosting our March blog hop.
Lynn La Vita @: Writers Supporting Writers
Ken, you described what I feel at times. Those darn roadblocks! Smart idea to go on to the next scene. Later, something will click and you'll figure out how to get past that roadblock. Thanks for cohosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks for cohosting, Ken! It's frustrating to hit those writing roadblocks. I so get it. But it's important to keep lurching forward as you are. Wishing you a fun day cohosting and lots of progress with your WIP.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting! I'm a slow reviser, but a fast first drafter, but although I may not have the same pace, I get having doubts about it. I worry that I write things too fast and make giant messes. I have giant messes of drafts in folders that haven't seen the light of day yet. So, I don't know that a particular speed - fast or slow - is better or worse. I think each has it's limitations and blessings.
ReplyDeleteFor reading (I messed up the prompt this month - agh): I love to read, but sometimes I read short stories or children's books when I don't have time to read much. I really like short story anthologies for genres I like and genres I'm unfamiliar with.
Thanks so much for co-hosting. I'm a slow writer, too--at least compared to some of my colleagues. The good news is that, when I finally finish a complete draft, it doesn't usually need TONS of revision before it's ready for beta readers and the editor. All my agonizing happened already. @samanthabwriter from
ReplyDeleteBalancing Act
Wise choice moving on because whether you know it or not, your brain is still working the problem. One morning you'll know all your answers.
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Oh my gosh, Ken, getting stuck happens to EVERY writer I believe. Sometimes--and I mean sometimes--stepping away or moving on will give you pause and the solution may come to you. Think about it before you go to sleep. Sometimes our subconscious dwells on things and may come up with a solution. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG's question!
ReplyDeleteOh wow do I know that feeling. It sounds like you've already found a fix which works for you (re: jumping ahead) but in case you'd like some more ideas I tracked down a Chuck Wendig article about getting unstuck. I respect Chuck's advice a lot and always find something useful in what he says. Plus his rampant cussing makes me laugh, so it's a win-win.
ReplyDeletehttp://terribleminds.com/ramble/2012/11/13/25-ways-to-unstick-a-stuck-story/
Good luck! And thanks so much for co-hosting this month.
I think it was a good idea to move on from that scene. Sometimes stepping away from something for a while will make it easier to figure out when you look at it again.
ReplyDeleteRoadblocks happen to all of us. You should let this troublesome scene to germinate for awhile and move on to something else. Eventually, it will come to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month.
I know what it's like to be stuck at a certain scene. And to just try to write the next instead. I've been on that loop.
ReplyDeleteI love reading a wide variety of genres. I posted for IWSG day today. My post included a new book by a friend, a note about a free book next week, a tweet about a query contest (LGBTQ romance this round), and a quick message about April Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
A very wise writer friend once said to me, “Thinking is writing, too.”
ReplyDeleteI'm a slow writer too. I think moving on to another scene and coming back is a good technique. I'm often surprised where I get stuck. But taking a break, doing research, or reading books in my genre often helps.
ReplyDeleteRoadblocks suck. Have had a few of those, too. Sounds like you did the right thing in moving on (I need to do the same with a current WIP). Good luck, good words, and thanks for co-hosting! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm also a slow writer. In fact, I write in fits and spurts according to how life is going. I can relate to what you say about roadblocks. It's good that you are just moving on to another scene. I find that really hard to do as I like to write everything in chronological order.
ReplyDeleteI like to read sci-fi and fantasy too, though I haven't read that much urban fantasy lately. Any books that you particularly recommend?
When I hit a road block like that, I actually go back to the beginning and read what I've written to date. I*t helps me reconnect with my need for the scene by focusing me inside the story. Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving us an inside look of how roadblocks affect slow writers. Your summary of the current block intrigued me right away. I want to know the quirks of at least one of those bad guys. Don't know your writing style, so I have to go look, but sometimes the characters will take over a scene. Do you draft character profiles? I'm also a slow writer -- takes me about 3 years to finish one book, but where would we be without writing? Persevere! Hope the roadblock evaporates!
ReplyDelete“Biting my truant pen, beating myself for spite:
ReplyDelete“Fool! said my muse to me, “Look in thy heart, and write” ~ Philip Sidney
Sometimes a backward glance reminds you of where you're going.
Happy writing - and thanks for co-hosting!
Ugh . . . the dreaded writing roadblock. I've been at one of those since the beginning of the pandemic. You did the right thing by moving forward with the next (or another) scene. It's important to stick with the writing, but there are times that setting it aside and moving on will spark what you needed. Distance can work. Good luck with book!
ReplyDeleteThis is tough - when you just can't write. Perhaps you don't want to write that scene and your gut is telling you it isn't needed. Thank you for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month. I too start the next when after finishing the first. Sorry to hear you've come to a stop, but it seems like you're working it out just by acknowledging and considering it. You'll get there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get stuck I tend to head into research mode and find that helps reset and get back into the writing zone. Sometimes, I skip to the next scene and then go back and re-write. I do wish you well with your writing.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can get past the blockage. Would writing a flash piece that's completely unrelated maybe free your brain up a bit?
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your roadblock. I've spotted a potential roadblock in my current WIP - it's got similarities with dystopia, and I don't write dystopia - or read it! Maybe I'll skip to other scenes in the book until I get it sorted out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month - and good luck with clearing your traffic jam :)
Skipping a tough scene is always a good idea.
ReplyDeleteLike Chrys said above. I sometimes skip a scene and then come back. I hope the flow returns soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm a slow writer, too, don't feel bad. When I get stuck, honestly, I read from the beginning or a pivotal moment and see if where I'm stuck makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI'm so used to reading different genres that it's hard to focus on reading the one I'm writing, but I need to.
Thanks for co-hosting!