We also have something special planned next month to celebrate the IWSG’s 3 year anniversary. So stay tuned!
Last month I talked about my idea for 4 novella length stories and believe it or not, I have been working on them! One is done (and sitting waiting for some serious editing) and I’ve got a nice start on another.
In doing this, I realized something - it’s been a LONG time since I wrote any fiction. My last book was non-fiction and I’m having a time adjusting my brain back to fiction. I kinda wonder if I even remember how to do it. Which means progress is slow as I second guess everything I write. And yes, I hand write everything first and enter it into the computer later. That is what my wonderful Dragon Naturally Speaking software is for!
Has anyone else struggled to pick back up with their storytelling after a long break?
39 comments:
Sounds like you're making good progress on your stories even though it's been awhile since you wrote fiction. Good to know someone else writes everything out before typing it in.
You are such a dynamo! You'll get back in the groove like in ten minutes.
Yes, I have struggles with my own writing. That's my insecurity in my post today.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Never having been much of a non-fiction writer I don't have this problem. I bet you'll get back into the swing of things in no time flat!
Awesome you're following up on your ideas. I sadly am on writing break while I deal with lots of other things in life.
Well done, one finished already. Sounds like your transition is going well.
What Karen said - your groove will return.
I took a five year break. Does that count? LOL. That was horrible. Never again.
I hate taking writing breaks for this reason - it always takes ages for me to get back into drafting. Good luck! :)
I also like to write first.
I love my long hand!
What is Dragon Naturally Speaking software?
We all get that, Diane, but like other things, we gradually ease back into the saddle.
That could be part of the reason why I'm struggling these days. With writing and editing magazine articles for much of this year, the fiction became secondary.
With time and patience, you'll get those stories written.
As a reader, I go thru stages. Fiction, non-fiction, text books. And then there's blogging. We do it all, Diane! We should celebrate!
That's great that you're pursuing your ideas! I've never tried leaving fiction, so I'm not sure how tough it'd be for me to get back into it, but it sounds like you're making great progress!
Loni
Yes. I usually take breaks between big projects. I shouldn't, but sometimes I just need to. It's like working out. I think so. :)
That's great! Way to go with finishing one novella and starting another. You did more writing last month than I did! I also tend to write most of my work out by hand. I like it, because I can edit and add more description when I type it up. (I don't have Dragon Naturally Speaking software.)
I haven't taken a long break since I started writing unless ten days is a big break. I'm always working on one of my WIP.
You will get back into your groove. A long time back I too used to write every story by hand, not so anymore. It saves time if I start typing it.
I actually found that my storytelling writing was easier to return to after a long break than it sometimes is to keep at when I'm in the middle of it... I think because I had been doing a LOT of reading just before delving back into it -- and that always inspires me.
Nicely done getting one novella drafted!
Can't wait to find out what the 3 year anniversary will be about.
As to taking breaks from fiction writing, then getting back into it. . .I find I do have to wait until my heads settles into that zoning out mode before I can make the words come down as I want.
Congrats on the completed novella and the plan for 3 more.
Yes. Oh yes. It's like we have to kick-start that part of our brains again.
I think it always takes time to get into a groove with writing--whether you're coming back from a break or just starting a brand new story. Eventually you'll get back into it.
Every time I sit down with writing time in front of me I struggle, hehe. But the flow starts coming back after 30 minutes or so.
Let yourself get lost in the freedom of fiction! You're a great editor and can worry about whipping it into shape later.
I remember that software! It was a bit difficult to get it to understand my strong accent in English, though. Good luck with your novellas. :)
Mason, you do that, too? Everyone thinks it's odd.
Karen, you'll get it.
Jay, it's been that long since I wrote fiction.
Michelle, you speak into the headset and it types the words for you. It's wonderful!
Joylene, we should get a medal.
Chrys, my ideas flow faster, too.
Holly, mine is still sleeping.
That's awesome you started and finished one! Let loose, it will work out great! :)
I'm not much of a fiction writer, so I wouldn't know. But if you've gotten to the editing part of one book, it sounds like you'll be fine.
I don't think I've had a break from writing longer than a week. I get kind of itchy if I'm not typing.
I can't believe you hand write. I'd get a total hand cramp :)
Wow, you've been busy! One thing I keep wondering about for myself is, right now I write everything in first person. I used to write everything in third. I don't know if I'd remember how to write in third again! hee hee. I hope so if I needed to do it. :)
3 years already - that's amazing!
I hope I don't sound silly, but here I go anyway. The last two stories I tried to write seemed incredibly hard as if there was thick barrier between me and where I wanted to go. So after suffering for a couple of weeks, I imagined a hammer and smashed the barrier to bits.
All I can say is so far so good.:-)
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Congrats on finishing one! I have several projects that have been languishing far too long, and I'm afraid I may never get back to them. Yet, I have no new ideas either.
I had a ten year break from writing, and started up doing non-fiction and slowly switched to fiction. It was difficult getting back into the rhythm. Very difficult.
I can understand your discomfort, it would be hard to adjust.
This week a working colleague asked me for help with how to go about publishing an educational work. She wanted to know whether to patent her idea.
Honestly, I have no real understanding about non-fiction works, but at least I was able to give her a few pointers about copyright and I hope I gave her the correct advice about book ideas not needing to be patented.
That's wonderful. Happy writing. Years ago, when I was moving around and securing a career, I did very little writing. After a 3 year slump, it felt so good to get in the groove again.
I'm a product of my generation. I don't write anything out unless I happen to not have a computer around or am mapping out a timeline or outline. If you have a method that works for you, keep it up.
It sounds like you are progressing and transitioning well with your fiction. The fact that you are aware of the differences means you're on the right path.
I constatly toggle between writing fiction and non-fiction, but for me, it's all a form of story telling.
It's hard to start up again, Diane, but definitely doable. I've had luck with taking a nugget of an idea and brainstorming ideas before trying to actually write new fiction. It's also good to write out a few detailed character sketches, and plot ideas can come from them. Good luck!
Good for you to keep challenging yourself, Spunk. Plus, you're excelling at the challenges. Keep it going.
bravo! keep at it!
like falling off a bike, right? (ha)
i appreciate all your non-fiction writing, so i hope you keep bringing that too!
and thanks for supporting my broken branch falls blog tour!
YAY, YOU!!!!!
That is so great that you've written one already and on the road to the next!
I STILL need to get my arse in gear to write again. It's been a LONG time since I've written anything new. My break seems to be never-ending. I hope something bolts me soon....
Anyone have a lightning bolt they can send my way?
One done already? Very nice. I particularly struggle with storytelling after a long month of edits. I start second-guessing every word and phrase instead of opening the floodgates and letting the new stuff pour out.
Wow, you've already done one? Impressive. I find it hard to continue after a few days. Good luck with your novellas!
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